MultiChoice has announced the removal of five channels from DStv's optional Add Indian package, effective October 31, 2026, reducing the number of available channels from eight to three. The broadcaster notified affected subscribers via an email dated September 30, stating the decision aims to simplify the viewing experience.
Channels Being Removed and Retained
The five channels scheduled for removal are SET Asia (channel 450), Zee TV (channel 452), SET Max (channel 457), Zee Cinema (channel 460) and WION (channel 461). Subscribers will lose access to these channels at the end of October.
Following the changes, the Add Indian package will retain three channels: Star Plus on channel 453, Star Vijay on channel 455 and Colours TV on channel 456. MultiChoice said the package would remain available, and customers would continue to enjoy Indian entertainment through the remaining channels.
MultiChoice Explains the Rationale
In the email to subscribers, MultiChoice said: “We are refining the DStv channel lineup to better match how our customers watch and enjoy content. Rather than spreading similar content across many channels, we’re focusing on fewer, stronger channels to create a simpler viewing experience.”
The broadcaster also told MyBroadband that the revised lineup would be easier to navigate and provide a better viewing experience. The company added: “Movie lovers who subscribe to the Add Movies package will continue to access Hollywood films on M-Movies+ and M-Movies Stars.”
Reduced-Price Offer Expected
MultiChoice did not confirm whether the package's existing monthly fee would change after the removals, but indicated that a reduced-price offer was in the works. The company said it would provide more information about the offer soon, leaving subscribers waiting for details on the new subscription cost.
The proposed price reduction comes as the broadcaster continues to adjust its subscription offerings to reflect changing viewing habits and customer preferences. DStv introduced its Indian television offering in 2001 and has restructured and rebranded the package several times. In 2015, MultiChoice combined its North Indian and South Indian packages into a single Indian package, which customers could access as an add-on for an additional monthly fee.
Context: Earlier Channel Removal Threats
Previously, Legit.ng reported that MultiChoice Group confirmed that 11 popular television channels could be removed from DStv by December 31, 2025, if it failed to reach a deal with Warner Bros. The affected channels included Discovery Channel, TLC Africa, Discovery Family, Real Time, TNT Africa, Food Network, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery (ID), Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN International. The development raised concerns among viewers who rely on those channels for entertainment, news, lifestyle and children’s programming.
