South African entertainment company MultiChoice has announced price increases for its DStv satellite television service and Showmax streaming platform, effective April 1, 2025.
This decision has sparked discussions among subscribers and regulatory bodies across the continent.
The price hikes vary across different DStv packages:
- DStv Compact Plus: Up 6.5%, from $34.12 to $36.33.
- DStv Premium: Up 5.4%, from $51.21 to $53.97.
- DStv Access: Up 4.2%, from $6.61 to $6.89.
- DStv EasyView: Up 3.4%, from $1.59 to $1.65.
- DStv Family: Up 3%, from $18.13 to $18.68.
- DStv Compact: Up 2.1%, from $25.85 to $26.40.
Meanwhile, Showmax packages are also getting these price hikes:
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile: Increased by 11.1%, from $2.48 to $2.75.
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile and Premier League: Increased by 21.2%, from $5.45 to $6.61.
- Showmax Entertainment and Premier League: Increased by 7.1%, from $7.71 to $8.26.
MultiChoice attributes these adjustments to escalating operational costs, including content acquisition, satellite maintenance, and technological infrastructure investments.
The company emphasizes its commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment and asserts that the price changes are essential to sustain service quality and content variety.
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from subscribers. Some express understanding, acknowledging the rising costs of content production and distribution.
Others voice concerns about affordability, especially considering many households’ economic challenges. Discussions on social media platforms reflect this divide, with debates about the value proposition of DStv and Showmax in light of the new pricing.
In Nigeria, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) took legal action against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, for proceeding with the price hike despite regulatory directives to maintain existing prices pending a review.
The FCCPC filed charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing the company of willfully obstructing the commission’s inquiry by implementing the price increase contrary to directives.
MultiChoice’s decision comes at a time when the African pay-TV market is experiencing increased competition. The entry of global streaming services and the proliferation of affordable internet access have provided consumers with more entertainment options.
