MultiChoice Africa withdraws DStv services in Malawi

MultiChoice Africa Holdings (MAH) has terminated DStv services in Malawi following a pricing row with Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).

MultiChoice last month hiked DStv tariffs but MACRA obtained an injunction against the hike and Multichoice Malawi (MCM) obtained a stay in order to allow it to comply with the injunction.

The company argued that it does not provide DStv services as these services are offered by MultiChoice Africa Holdings hence MCM could not adequately comply with the injunction. Yesterday, the High Court sustained the MACRA injunction.

In reaction, MultiChoice has withdrawn DStv services and a part of the statement by Multichoice Africa reads:

MCM does not offer the DStv service to the public and therefore cannot set or adjust tariffs for this service, a point repeatedly made to MACRA.

As a result, the order handed down to MCM is incapable of being implemented by them but carries with it grave consequences for the directors and management of Multichoice Malawi, including imprisonment.

Given the impact on its supplier MCM and an increasingly adverse regulatory environment, (MAH) is therefore left with no choice but to terminate the DStv service indefinitely.

MultiChoice requested customers in Malawi to immediately halt payments for DStv services. From Wednesday, 9 August 2023, no new subscriptions or reconnections will be accepted

Those who have already paid their latest subscription can continue to use the service until the current 30-day viewing cycle ends on or before 10 September 2023.

MultiChoice thanked Malawian customers for their support over many years, and MCM for its professional conduct in supplying services to the broader company over that same period.

Meanwhile, MACRA through Director General Daud Suleman has said in a statement that it expects MCM to implement the court order without delay since any person who disobeys the court order may be charged with contempt of court.