DStv package shake-up: Reported prices, channels and what subscribers should know
The internet is buzzing after reports swirled that DSTV is revising package prices and possibly looking at a sports-only offering.
DStv subscribers in South Africa are buzzing with anticipation over potential changes to the popular satellite television provider's package structure. According to leaked information reported by BusinessTech, MultiChoice may introduce a dedicated sports package as part of a major overhaul of its DStv streaming offering. The proposed package structure includes five tiers: Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series, and Premium.
If the leaked pricing is accurate, subscribers could pay as little as R99 a month for the Starter package, which includes 85 channels with some sport. Select would cost R299 a month for 100 channels, and the new Sports package would be available for R399 a month, with 115 channels focused on sports and selected entertainment. Movies & Series would cost R500 a month, offering 115 channels with an entertainment focus, including M-Net, kykNET, and M Movies+.
The most expensive option, Premium, would remain at R799 a month, providing 130 channels. These changes are reportedly set to take effect on September 17, though MultiChoice has not confirmed the proposed packages or prices. The leaked details, however, suggest that the standalone Sports package could provide sports fans with broader access to sports content without having to pay for the full Premium package.
Fans of sports such as Formula 1 and MotoGP would still be included in Premium, according to reports. MultiChoice has distanced itself from the reported changes, stating that there are no changes to current subscriptions or content. The company added that any changes to channels, products, or packages would be communicated directly to affected customers.
The speculation comes at a crucial time for DStv, which has been experiencing subscriber losses as South African households face financial pressures and shift towards more affordable streaming services. The company's FY2025 results showed a decline in its South African active subscriber base by 8%, falling to 7 million. MultiChoice has attributed this decline to factors such as affordability pressures, piracy, and the growing popularity of streaming services.
The proposed changes could address one of the biggest challenges facing traditional pay-TV providers by offering consumers greater flexibility in choosing what they pay for while potentially retaining customers.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
