DStv, GOtv subscribers face activation delays as Premier League returns

Subscribers to MultiChoice Nigeria's cable TV services, DStv and GOtv, are experiencing activation delays despite making payments. This issue arose as the English Premier League resumed its 2026/27 season, causing concern among subscribers who missed matches due to inactive subscriptions. Victor Calm paid N36,000 for DStv Compact Plus, but his subscription remained inactive.

Another user, 'AIR', made a payment at 5:44 p.m., yet his subscription still had no effect. Balogun Babatunde stated that his subscription had not reflected despite efforts to seek help via the company's digital channels. Olakanmi Olabisi faced the same issue with his Smartnumber subscription. Edochie Victor claimed his payment did not show up on his app or TV screen.

Favour Chiadika had made payment the previous evening but was still unable to use the service. Estelle encountered a specific error after payment and could not access DStv's self-care channel. Multiple subscribers specifically expressed worry about missing Premier League matches, which intensified their frustration. However, MultiChoice Nigeria had not released an official statement clarifying the reported delays or linking them to a technical issue.

This comes amid a decline in the company's Nigerian subscriber base, with an 18% reduction reported for the financial year ending March 2024, as stated by the company. Economic pressures and increased competition from streaming platforms have also contributed to this decline. MultiChoice Nigeria has faced repeated price hikes and regulatory scrutiny over its services, including a recent price increase slated for March 1, 2025, which led to an investigative hearing by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.