Reps pass bill to break monopoly of DSTV

[Gotti]

Btw, the very essence of COMPETITION is that folks should be able to charge different prices for different products...

[ohenhen1]

Btw, the very essence of COMPETITION is that folks should be able to charge different prices for different products...

Supersports and DSTV should be different companies. We should strengthen our anti trust laws. The competitors of DSTV should be able to pay a fair fee to be able to carry Supersports. DSTV can't just continue to raise prices anyhow, they are taking advantage of customers.

[Gotti]

It is not a complete monopoly you are right. But it prevents fair competition. The NASS was right to act. The new emphasis should be help local companies. EPL is not developed by DSTV. I don't get your point there. It is actually morally right to protect the Nigerian consumers from blackmail. People can't switch because they want to watch the EPL. This blackmail will never happen in the US, only in Nigeria. Even if it happens, multiple lawsuits would be filed against DSTV.

I realize that some Nigerians do not quite get it, but...
Watching the EPL is NOT an inalienable right (guaranteed by our constitution).

Of course, anyone can always go to the neighbourhood bar or viewing center to watch EPL without having to personally subscribe to DSTV. Nonetheless, t he saddest part of this discourse is that it is fundamentally underpinned by an undercurrent of xenophobia, because this so-called "monopoly" was not much of an issue when the exclusive rights to the EPL in Nigeria was held by the Nigerian Hi-TV (which charged astronomical rates for crappy fare and often horribly-blurred pictures - when the transmission itself was not interrupted). Abeg, let's quit kitty cat-footing and call a spade a spade.

[Enugu II]

The Nigerian market is open as far as I am aware. A monopoly does not currently exist. However, competitive markets can and do lead to an oligarchical or monopoly market in theory. This plausible development is what is regarded as "the achilles heel" in a capitalist market (read the work of Karl Marx). It is also the very reason why capitalist markets such as the USA introduce a repair system (Anti-trust law).

Lets assume that a competitive market exists, how does the anti-trust law in Nigeria force competitors to carry EPL games? Can someone explain how that will occur? I ask because exclusivity of programming does exist in capitalist programs and does not necessarily violate the antitrust law.

[Gotti]

Supersports and DSTV should be different companies. We should strengthen our anti trust laws. The competitors of DSTV should be able to pay a fair fee to be able to carry Supersports. DSTV can't just continue to raise prices anyhow, they are taking advantage of customers.

And while at it, your neighbours should be able to pay a "fair fee" to occupy parts of your house (the garage, the spare bedroom, the kitchen and the den)...

[Gotti]

The Nigerian market is open as far as I am aware. A monopoly does not currently exist. However, competitive markets can and do lead to an oligarchical or monopoly market in theory. This plausible development is what is regarded as "the achilles heel" in a capitalist market (read the work of Karl Marx). It is also the very reason why capitalist markets such as the USA introduce a repair system (Anti-trust law).

Lets assume that a competitive market exists, how does the anti-trust law in Nigeria force competitors to carry EPL games? Can someone explain how that will occur? I ask because exclusivity of programming does exist in capitalist programs and does not necessarily violate the antitrust law.

The sad part is that a Competition Bill has been moribund in the same NASS since 2003 (tabled by the Obasanjo administration) - but apparently does not include the core fundamental "right" of cheap EPL games.

[Bigpokey24]

Seriously is this not suppose to be in rant and rave.

[jungle-jawara]

Hitv once won the bid for the EPL, but they miss used it, while there prices were moderate, other aspect of their business was pants. Customer service sucked, their staff were rude among other things. So by the time the next bidcame along, obviously they lost and many were glad. The good thing about that period was it created an enabling position for competition. Miltichoice dropped their charges, got new stations aired etc. What I thing the problem really is now is the inabiltu yo regulate its cost. Their should be a body responsible for the check mating of these companies, I am talking about variance in price. While one company is charge at the most N6k per month, multi choice charges N16,100 monthly, and that is without the ppv or dual view.they are running the market like its about to go out of business, grab whatuou can grab now syndrome.

[Mr. Piffington]

I can't get Supersports on Startimes. Even if Startimes want to buy the rights to broadcast Supersports.

Duh!

Supersports is part of the Multichoice-DSTV pay-TV group...
So why exactly do you think that you can get it in a COMPETING Pay-TV channel?!

That's how Nigerians are, they want everything for free. They expect a company to invest in Nigeria with all the infrastructure problems and bring topnotch service for a pittance.

[Cristao II]

I have no comment on this. Let me see the date I am meant to renew my DSTv subscription. My only beef with them is that they havent entered the cable internet market.

[Damunk]

Is DStV the Nigerian equivalent of SKY UK and Supersport the equivalent of Sky Sports?

[Purity]

Super sports also paid for TV rights for the Nigerian premier league.. No other satellite provide in Nigeria is interested in showing Nigeria premier league except super sports..

[rasak74]

Supersports and DSTV should be different companies. We should strengthen our anti trust laws. The competitors of DSTV should be able to pay a fair fee to be able to carry Supersports. DSTV can't just continue to raise prices anyhow, they are taking advantage of customers.

And while at it, your neighbours should be able to pay a "fair fee" to occupy parts of your house (the garage, the spare bedroom, the kitchen and the den)...

Hahahahahahahahah

[theYemster]

I can't get Supersports on Startimes. Even if Startimes want to buy the rights to broadcast Supersports.

Duh!

Supersports is part of the Multichoice-DSTV pay-TV group...
So why exactly do you think that you can get it in a COMPETING Pay-TV channel?!

I think what he is alluding to is the fact that the EPL is exclusive to Supersports in Nigeria (Africa) and Supersports is ONLY available on DSTV. That is the monopoly.

Supersports can be exclusive to DSTV however the EPL rights should be exclusive to stations that aren't exclusive to one provider.

It's like the NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB/MLS only being available on Comcast (the provider) rather than NBC/CBS/FOX/ESPN/NFL Network/NBATV (the individual stations). Adelphia, DirectTV, Dish Network, Time Warner etc. will reject that.

[theYemster]

I can't get Supersports on Startimes. Even if Startimes want to buy the rights to broadcast Supersports.

Duh!

Supersports is part of the Multichoice-DSTV pay-TV group...
So why exactly do you think that you can get it in a COMPETING Pay-TV channel?!

That's how Nigerians are, they want everything for free. They expect a company to invest in Nigeria with all the infrastructure problems and bring topnotch service for a pittance.

Nah, they're not saying that it should be free. They're suggesting that if there is competition then the companies will be forced to offer incentives (including pricing) to attract a higher market share rather than just profit from monopoly.

What this means is that let's say for instance DSTV paid $100 million for EPL exclusivity (monopoly) in Nigeria then it should be changed such that they instead pay $30 million to acquire the rights, while other cable companies say Star Times also pay $30 million for the rights. Then that means prospective customers can either opt for DSTV or Star Times depending on other factors/criteria i.e. price, other channel options, picture/audio quality (HD/SD), Satellite dish or antenna preference, etc.

What this means now is that DSTV cannot just decide to increase the price without considering the risk of losing customers to Star Times. As it is the risk is minimized cos other companies don't have the EPL (which is the major attraction to cable TV).

The way it currently is is kind of like allowing only MTN to send data and voice while all other telcoms can only do voice. That creates an unfair advantage that can allow MTN to gouge its customers without fear of losing them. It means MTN has less incentive to improve quality and reduce price for as long as they're the only ones that can send text and data.

[theYemster]

I could not get SerieA on Time Warner for a long time because Time Warner did not carry BeinSports in my area and BeinSports was licensed for SerieA. They started carrying it but you had to buy a sports package..... How do our people expect these channels to pay for licensing ?? DSTV is not getting it for free

We are saying other providers (not stations) should also be able to get it and the price for the rights (paid to the EPL) is split between all the providers. The EPL doesn't care where the money comes from whether it's from one provider or from all combined as long as their overall price is met.

Then the end users can decide which cable provider to go with.

[Purity]

EPL is on Metro Digital and CTL. Bein sports shows EPL matches live on Metro digital. Dstv is not forcing anybody to watch EPL on Super Sports.

You can decide to watch EPL on a much cheaper platform being Metro digital.

quote="theYemster"]

I can't get Supersports on Startimes. Even if Startimes want to buy the rights to broadcast Supersports.

Duh!

Supersports is part of the Multichoice-DSTV pay-TV group...
So why exactly do you think that you can get it in a COMPETING Pay-TV channel?!

I think what he is alluding to is the fact that the EPL is exclusive to Supersports in Nigeria (Africa) and Supersports is ONLY available on DSTV. That is the monopoly.

Supersports can be exclusive to DSTV however the EPL rights should be exclusive to stations that aren't exclusive to one provider.

It's like the NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB/MLS only being available on Comcast (the provider) rather than NBC/CBS/FOX/ESPN/NFL Network/NBATV (the individual stations). Adelphia, DirectTV, Dish Network, Time Warner etc. will reject that.[/quote]

[theYemster]

It is not a complete monopoly you are right. But it prevents fair competition. The NASS was right to act. The new emphasis should be help local companies. EPL is not developed by DSTV. I don't get your point there. It is actually morally right to protect the Nigerian consumers from blackmail. People can't switch because they want to watch the EPL. This blackmail will never happen in the US, only in Nigeria. Even if it happens, multiple lawsuits would be filed against DSTV.

I realize that some Nigerians do not quite get it, but...
Watching the EPL is NOT an inalienable right (guaranteed by our constitution).

Of course, anyone can always go to the neighbourhood bar or viewing center to watch EPL without having to personally subscribe to DSTV. Nonetheless, t he saddest part of this discourse is that it is fundamentally underpinned by an undercurrent of xenophobia, because this so-called "monopoly" was not much of an issue when the exclusive rights to the EPL in Nigeria was held by the Nigerian Hi-TV (which charged astronomical rates for crappy fare and often horribly-blurred pictures - when the transmission itself was not interrupted). Abeg, let's quit kitty cat-footing and call a spade a spade.

Neither is texting or browsing the internet on your phone yet somehow all telecos are allowed to do so. They didn't give exclusive data rights to one telco and allow others to just do voice.

[anointed]

Yemster, gracias. You broke it down pretty well. I wonder why peeps keep lumping the channels/stations with the product e.g EPL. EPL should be available on as many channels or providers as possible, not just DSTV/Supersports alone. This will enable more subscribers to pay less and even the providers will pay less for the rights.

[anointed]

EPL is on Metro Digital and CTL. Bein sports shows EPL matches live on Metro digital. Dstv is not forcing anybody to watch EPL on Super Sports.

You can decide to watch EPL on a much cheaper platform being Metro digital.

quote="theYemster"]

I can't get Supersports on Startimes. Even if Startimes want to buy the rights to broadcast Supersports.

Duh!

Supersports is part of the Multichoice-DSTV pay-TV group...
So why exactly do you think that you can get it in a COMPETING Pay-TV channel?!

I think what he is alluding to is the fact that the EPL is exclusive to Supersports in Nigeria (Africa) and Supersports is ONLY available on DSTV. That is the monopoly.

Supersports can be exclusive to DSTV however the EPL rights should be exclusive to stations that aren't exclusive to one provider.

It's like the NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB/MLS only being available on Comcast (the provider) rather than NBC/CBS/FOX/ESPN/NFL Network/NBATV (the individual stations). Adelphia, DirectTV, Dish Network, Time Warner etc. will reject that.

[/quote]

You still cannot quote properly. Astigmatism?

[theYemster]

Yemster, gracias. You broke it down pretty well. I wonder why peeps keep lumping the channels/stations with the product e.g EPL. EPL should be available on as many channels or providers as possible, not just DSTV/Supersports alone. This will enable more subscribers to pay less and even the providers will pay less for the rights.

I can't imagine South Africa allowing a foreign (especially Nigerian) owned company to assume complete monopoly over a huge federal market. It's like the US allowing Al Jazeera own and exclusively control the entire NFL/NBA rights within the US whether or not they can afford to pay for the rights.

Even American owned company Microsoft was cut down to size by the government. Perhaps those arguing in favor of DSTV should read up the antitrust case against Microsoft. In that case MS actually even developed/owned the product (iexplorer) unlike DSTV which neither produces nor owns the EPL.

Going by Gotti's logic, using an internet browser isn't a constitutional right so all is fair. Right?

Just because you have the right to do so doesn't mean it is right to do so.

[anointed]

I can't get Supersports on Startimes. Even if Startimes want to buy the rights to broadcast Supersports.

Duh!

Supersports is part of the Multichoice-DSTV pay-TV group...
So why exactly do you think that you can get it in a COMPETING Pay-TV channel?!

That's how Nigerians are, they want everything for free. They expect a company to invest in Nigeria with all the infrastructure problems and bring topnotch service for a pittance.

Thank God people don't think that because you make silly, outlandish statement; then that's the way every Nigerian posts. Where on earth did anyone talk about watching DSTV/EPL for free let alone every Nigerians. Oh, I forgot Wanaj0, Gotti, Kali etc et all who have different opinions are not Nigerians.

What is even wrong with me for taking you on after writing pedantic stuff like these:

Nigerian food is all the same with slightly different inputs here and there. Very uncreative. Nigerians are very unfeasible when it comes to taste in food

Don't mind them. A lot of diaspora/educated Nigerians only deal with thier "class" but forget Nigeria is far bigger than the bracket they associate with. I do business in Naija and go back often nowadays and the amount of people that can't figure out basic things is appalling!

Really? Please do tell.... Give us some examples.

[Purity]

What has quote got to do with simple logic.. The EPL is being aired on other channels outside Super sport. You can choose to watch on Metro or Dstv or occasionally on CTL.

EPL is on Metro Digital and CTL. Bein sports shows EPL matches live on Metro digital. Dstv is not forcing anybody to watch EPL on Super Sports.

You can decide to watch EPL on a much cheaper platform being Metro digital.

quote="theYemster"]

I can't get Supersports on Startimes. Even if Startimes want to buy the rights to broadcast Supersports.

Duh!

Supersports is part of the Multichoice-DSTV pay-TV group...
So why exactly do you think that you can get it in a COMPETING Pay-TV channel?!

I think what he is alluding to is the fact that the EPL is exclusive to Supersports in Nigeria (Africa) and Supersports is ONLY available on DSTV. That is the monopoly.

Supersports can be exclusive to DSTV however the EPL rights should be exclusive to stations that aren't exclusive to one provider.

It's like the NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB/MLS only being available on Comcast (the provider) rather than NBC/CBS/FOX/ESPN/NFL Network/NBATV (the individual stations). Adelphia, DirectTV, Dish Network, Time Warner etc. will reject that.

You still cannot quote properly. Astigmatism?[/quote]