MultiChoice Announces Major Price Cuts and New Payment Features for DStv and GOtv
In a strategic move to combat subscriber losses and address growing competition from streaming platforms, MultiChoice has implemented significant price reductions on DStv decoders while introducing innovative payment options for cost-conscious households. The pay television operator, which operates DStv and GOtv services across Africa, is making these changes as part of broader efforts to retain customers in an increasingly competitive market.
Subscriber Losses Drive Strategic Reassessment
The pressure on MultiChoice has become increasingly evident through substantial subscriber declines over recent financial periods. During the 2025 financial year alone, the company experienced an 8 percent year-on-year reduction in its customer base, losing approximately 1.2 million active linear subscribers. This follows a broader trend that has seen MultiChoice shed about 2.8 million subscribers over two consecutive financial years.
These losses have been distributed evenly between South Africa and other African markets where MultiChoice operates. With more than 560 streaming platforms now available across the continent, consumers have unprecedented choice in entertainment options, often at lower price points and with more flexible payment arrangements. This competitive landscape has compelled MultiChoice to fundamentally reconsider its pricing strategies, hardware costs, and digital service features.
Substantial Decoder Price Reductions Implemented
At the hardware level, MultiChoice has made permanent several promotional discounts that were previously temporary offers. The HD Single View decoder now carries a price tag of R499, representing a significant reduction from its previous R899 price point. When including installation services, the total cost has decreased from R1,299 to R799, making the entry-level hardware more accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
The premium Explora 3B decoder has also undergone a substantial price adjustment, dropping from R2,299 to R1,499. Customers who purchase this model through online channels can obtain it for as little as R999, representing exceptional value for a premium entertainment device. Even the high-end Explora Ultra model has received a price reduction of R300, bringing its cost down to R2,999.
These revised pricing structures will remain in effect until April 30, 2026, and are available through various distribution channels including authorized service centers, accredited agencies, retail partners, and digital platforms.
Enhanced Entry-Level Package and New Payment Features
Beyond hardware adjustments, MultiChoice has strengthened its most affordable subscription tier by adding three additional channels to the DStv Access package at no extra cost. Subscribers now receive Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel, and WWE channels as part of their basic package, providing greater entertainment value for households experiencing financial constraints.
The most innovative development comes in the form of a new shared payment feature integrated into the MyDStv application. This functionality enables primary account holders to divide their monthly subscription costs with one additional person by generating and sharing a payment link. This feature is particularly beneficial for families, roommates, or co-living arrangements where sharing entertainment expenses can provide meaningful financial relief.
MultiChoice continues to promote its Rewards programme, which allows subscribers to accumulate and redeem DStv Coins to offset subscription fees. Since the programme's launch in October 2025, more than 20 million coins have been redeemed by participating customers, though the company has not disclosed specific participation rates or user engagement metrics.
Strategic Positioning in Competitive Market
All these new features and enhancements are accessible through the MyDStv application, which MultiChoice has positioned as the central hub for payment processing, account management, and rewards redemption. By simultaneously reducing hardware costs, enriching entry-level content offerings, and introducing flexible payment options, MultiChoice is strategically positioning itself to maintain market relevance against streaming competitors.
The company's approach recognizes that many South African households continue to face significant financial pressures, making affordability and flexibility crucial factors in entertainment purchasing decisions. These strategic adjustments follow MultiChoice's acquisition by French media conglomerate Canal+ in 2025, which has prompted a series of pricing and product modifications designed to stabilize subscriber numbers and restore confidence in traditional pay television services.
In related developments, MultiChoice recently secured a multi-year distribution agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery that preserves access to twelve popular television channels for DStv subscribers across Africa. This agreement, reached just before a potential service disruption, ensures continued availability of channels including CNN International and Cartoon Network, strengthening MultiChoice's content portfolio during this period of strategic transition.
