Some DStv customers getting ‘free’ Premium upgrade – but how does it stack up to streaming rivals?

MultiChoice, the operator behind DStv, has launched a revamped five-package line-up to attract customers in the fiercely competitive streaming market. The new offerings, introduced on September 17, aim to provide viewers with greater choice between sports and entertainment channels. However, some existing DStv Compact Plus subscribers may be receiving an unexpected bonus: free access to the Premium channel line-up without paying the additional cost.

Currently, DStv Compact Plus subscribers pay R549 per month if they choose the streaming option or R649 per month for the decoder-based package. In contrast, DStv Premium costs R799 for monthly streaming or R979 for the standard month-to-month decoder package. With the new arrangement, Compact Plus subscribers will now enjoy the Premium channel experience at a R250 saving compared to streaming Premium or R330 less than the satellite Premium package.

As part of the revamp, DStv has introduced three new packages. The entry-level paid package, replacing DStv Access, offers over 85 channels and is designed for viewers seeking basic entertainment rather than premium sports content. Existing Access customers are now being migrated to the Starter package, which includes more than 100 channels and serves as a broader family/general-entertainment option. It features a range of channels, including Mzansi Magic and full PSL coverage.

A dedicated sports-focused package has also been created, comprising more than 115 channels. This package includes 17 dedicated sports channels covering various sports such as Premier League, UEFA Champions League, PSL, cricket, local rugby, UFC, WWE, and a weekly URC match. However, premium sports like Springbok rugby, Formula 1, golf, and ATP tennis are exclusive to the Premium package.

The most comprehensive package, which remains DStv's top offering, boasts over 115 channels, including M-Net, M-Net Movies+, kykNET, Discovery Channel, BBC Earth, and Mzansi Magic. It also provides access to all SuperSport channels, M-Net, M-Net Movies+, kykNET, Mzansi Magic, and the rest of DStv's channel catalogue. While standard satellite packages cost R979 per month, DStv is offering the satellite service at R799 per month for a 24-month contract.

Despite these new offerings, other streaming services provide substantial entertainment catalogues at lower prices. Disney+, for instance, offers a broad mixture of original series and licensed content, including Disney's classic and modern films, Pixar, Marvel, and National Geographic, at an affordable R49 per month for its Basic plan.

Netflix provides various subscription tiers, starting at R99 per month for its Basic plan with 720p HD streaming. Amazon Prime, in addition to offering Amazon.co.za shopping benefits, provides access to a substantial international catalogue, including Amazon Originals like Reacher, Fall Out, Clarkson's Farm, and Citadel.

In comparison, Apple TV focuses on original productions, such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Dark Matter. Its catalogue, however, is considerably smaller than its competitors'. While DStv offers a more competitive range of products tailored to different viewing needs, other streaming services provide comparable entertainment options at more affordable prices.