DStv decoder prices drop 40% as MultiChoice fights to regain subscribers
DStv’s biggest price cut in years aims to bring back African viewers after MultiChoice’s subscriber slump and Canal+’s $2 billion takeover.
If you’ve been following MultiChoice’s story over the past few years, you’d know it’s been a turbulent ride. The company’s flagship service, DStv, has seen its subscriber base steadily decline, losing around 2.8 million active users across Africa in just two years. About half of those losses came from South Africa alone, where rising costs and shifting viewing habits have pushed many households toward cheaper, on-demand alternatives.
Now, it looks like MultiChoice is trying to breathe new life into its business. Starting November 1, 2025, the company will slash prices of its DStv decoders by up to 40% online and 30% at retail stores, marking its biggest price cut in years. The move comes as the pay-TV giant faces mounting pressure from more than 560 streaming platforms now competing for African viewers’ attention, from Netflix and Showmax to smaller local players.
Kelechi Edeh
While MultiChoice hasn’t confirmed if the discount will apply across all markets, analysts believe the biggest impact will be felt in Nigeria and Kenya, two regions where DStv still holds significant market share but faces growing competition and economic strain. If similar price cuts roll out there, the company could not only attract new subscribers but also lure back those who left during the price hikes of the past few years.
Of course, there’s a trade-off. Lower prices might mean tighter margins, especially with volatile exchange rates and rising operating costs, but this looks like an inconvenience the company will be willing to take for now if it could mean growth for it in the long run.
Beyond the discounts though, MultiChoice is also throwing in a few perks to sweeten the deal. From November 7 to 9, all active users will enjoy an Open Time Weekend, granting access to Premium content at no extra cost. Premium subscribers will also get two additional device streams through December, allowing up to four simultaneous views. It’s a clever way to remind customers what they’ve been missing while rewarding loyal ones at the same time.
Interestingly, this all comes not long after MultiChoice was officially acquired by Canal+, the French media conglomerate that spent roughly $2 billion on the buyout. You could say this massive decoder discount is Canal+’s way of trying to make its money back fast. Either way, it’s also a bold attempt to make satellite TV feel relevant again in a world dominated by streaming.
Louis Eriakha
