DStv cuts decoder prices by 40%—largest drop in years

DStv Announces Major Decoder Price Cuts to Combat Subscriber Loss

DStv, a leading pay-TV service in Africa, has unveiled a significant strategy to attract more subscribers by reducing decoder prices. The company is cutting prices by up to 40% online and 30% in retail stores, starting from November 1, 2025. This move comes as the service faces increasing competition from over 560 streaming platforms, which have been challenging its dominance in the market.

The decision marks the largest price reduction for DStv in recent years and is part of a broader effort to regain lost subscribers and counter the growing influence of streaming services such as Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime Video. According to reports, MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, has experienced a significant decline in its subscriber base, losing approximately 2.8 million customers across Africa within two years.

This sharp drop has been attributed to various factors, including economic challenges, rising costs, and a shift in consumer preferences towards on-demand streaming services. In response, MultiChoice executives have emphasized that the price cuts are aimed at making DStv more affordable and accessible to millions of households.

Byron du Plessis, CEO of SA PayTV at MultiChoice, stated that the decision is part of a larger strategy to reinvigorate the DStv brand and restore its position as Africa’s top entertainment provider.

Additional Incentives to Boost Subscriptions

In addition to the price reductions, MultiChoice is introducing new incentives to reward loyal customers and attract new users. Between November 7 and 9, active subscribers will have the opportunity to participate in an Open Time Weekend, which offers temporary access to DStv Premium content at no extra cost.

During this period, subscribers will gain access to a variety of international sports and entertainment content, including SuperSport coverage of the Springboks vs France rugby match, Manchester City vs Liverpool in the Premier League, and the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix. Premium subscribers will also benefit from two additional device streams until December, allowing up to four simultaneous views within one household.

Furthermore, DStv Premium Rewards have been upgraded to provide more value to customers. Subscribers can now win free BoxOffice movie rentals, vouchers, and exclusive experiences such as celebrity meet-and-greets, VIP match tickets, and trips to international sporting events like the F1 Grand Prix, LaLiga, and AFCON.

"Open Time runs from 12:01 AM on Friday, 7 November to 11:59 PM on Sunday, 9 November 2025, for active DStv decoder customers in South Africa," the company explained. "The Open Time weekend doesn’t apply to streaming," they added.

Government Pressure Leads to Additional Benefits in Ghana

The price cut plan has also led to additional benefits for subscribers in Ghana. On September 5, 2025, it was reported that Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, confirmed that MultiChoice had agreed to reduce subscription prices after weeks of negotiations with the government.

The announcement followed growing public pressure and accusations that DStv was exploiting its market dominance by maintaining high subscription fees amid economic hardship. After nearly a month of discussions between the Ghanaian government and DStv executives, the latter agreed to add extra channels for subscribers in Ghana at no additional cost, effective October 1, 2025.

These developments highlight the evolving strategies of DStv as it seeks to remain competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape. By combining price reductions with enhanced offerings, the company aims to not only retain existing subscribers but also attract new ones in a highly competitive market.