DSTV, businesses and free market economy

By Daily Revelation Editor

Economist Yusuf Dodia is telling Zambian consumers that they are free to choose whether they should continue watching repeated programmes on DStv or look for alternatives, because we are in a free market economy

Dodia said those who do not want to watch DStv, can choose other pay television providers.

He said Zambia is a free market economy and businesses could not be dictated to on the services they offered.

Yes, we agree with Dodia that Zambia is a free market economy, but so is Nigeria and other free market economies where consumer protection is very healthy.

In most of the capitalists countries actually, just a few cent escalations in the prices of essential commodities is enough to trigger serious protests, with those in charge of consumer protection swiftly intervening in favour of consumers.

In Nigeria, which has been a free market longer than Zambia has been, not too long ago some citizens took action after MultiChoice increased its subscription rates, citing rising costs and inflation but the move was met with widespread criticism from consumers and regulatory authorities.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja subsequently ordered MultiChoice to revert to its old prices, pending the outcome of a full hearing on the matter

MultiChoice has now complied with the court order, re-adjusting its subscription rates for both DStv and GOtv users.

The new rates, which took effect on June 16, 2024, see the DStv Premium package reduced from N37,000 to N29,500, while the Compact+ package has been reduced from N25,000 to N19,800.

Similarly, the Compact Bouquet package has been reduced from N15,700 to N12,500, and the Confam package has been reduced from N9,300 to N7,40.

Businesses cannot be allowed to have their own way just because they are operating in a free market economy. We actually don’t agree that everything should be left to the whims and dictates of a free economy especially in a society such as ours where businesses seek to use every negative economic fundamental to increase prices like in the twinkling of an eye. It has become a common theme in this country for businesses, DSTV included, to increase prices of essential goods because the Kwacha has depreciated against other major convertible currencies. However, at no time have consumers benefited from an appreciated currency for instance in terms of having the high prices reduced.

We feel that those who are shouting “free market, free market” from the mountain tops are actually encouraging a situation where these business will continue to exploit consumers, passing every negative economic fundamental onto them, and thereby rendering them more poorer. This country needs stronger consumer protections actually to ensure a win-win situation between businesses and consumers.

When consumers are raising complaints, it just makes business sense to listen and seek to find middle ground. After all businesses exist because of consumers.