DStv Unveils Decoder Price Cut and A Bouquet Of Gifts To Stop Subscriber Churn

MultiChoice Group, a Canal+ company and the owner of satellite TV business DStv, has announced decoder price cuts in key markets across Africa. Effective November 1, 2025, the company will implement price reductions on both its entry-level and premium decoders in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. This is part of DStv’s 30-year anniversary celebration, and the offer is available until the end of December.

This aggressive pricing measure, which will slash the cost of purchasing a decoder by up to 40%, is designed to lower the barrier to entry and improve subscriber numbers, which have been dropping significantly over the years in the face of the rising cost of living across these countries, and a growing market appetite for cheaper, more stable internet-based streaming alternatives such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and IPTV.

The price adjustments focus primarily on the standard DStv HD Decoder and the advanced DStv Explora PVR model. In Lagos, the HD Decoder and dish kit will see a near 30% markdown, while in Accra and Nairobi, the Explora unit’s price is adjusted to encourage mass adoption of PVR technology.

The hardware price cuts are coupled with a rewards package for all new and existing subscribers who activate a new decoder during the month of November. DStv is offering complimentary add-ons to reward customer loyalty:

1. Open Time weekend: Between November 7 and 9, 2025, all active subscribers will receive complimentary access to DStv’s premium content including its premier sports channels in the SuperSport bouquet. This provides instant viewing of major international fixtures, regardless of the subscriber’s current bouquet level. This will include direct access to the French football league, powered by Canal+.
2. Revamped rewards deal: Premium subscribers will receive longer access to DStv’s movie rental service, Box Office, as well as VIP access to celebrity events, launches and sports viewings.
3. Digital sharing: To expand its digital footprint, DStv is offering two additional all-device streams to add to the two already available to current subscribers. This offer is available until the end of December.

This initiative signals that MultiChoice is not only competing on content quality but also on the fundamental cost of access. The move is expected to drive significant subscriber growth and solidify DStv’s market leadership as it converts a hardware purchase into an immediate, high-value entertainment proposition.