Last year in September, StarTimes launched its Satellite service called StarSat to take on Zuku and Multichoice’s DSTV. During the launch, StarTimes also made it easy for those with dishes from other service providers including the defunct GTV to have their Satellite Dish repositioned and connect to a StarTimes HD Decoder and thus access the direct to home service.
StarTimes has today revamped service and called it StarTimes Satellite TV. This was also followed by slashing of prices for its various packages and introduction of a new package known as Nova. Previously, the cost of the satellite package was Kshs. 6,499 which has been lowered to Kshs. 4,499. The users wishing to install the full kit will need to acquire a dish, LNB, 20 meters of cable and accessories for Kshs. 2,000 with the Kshs. 2,499 for the HD decoder and initial subscription fees.
StarTimes also launched a new package called Nova which will retail for Kshs. 299 with access to 35 local and international channels. The company has dropped the prices of its various bouquets including the Super bouquet which will now retail for Kshs. 1,799 from Kshs. 2,499 with access to over 95 local channels. Smart bouquet will retail for Kshs. 899 down from Kshs. 1,799 with access to 67 local and international channels. Other bouquets include Chinese and Indian retailing at Kshs. 1,799 and Kshs. 899 respectively.
The slashed prices are a big boon for consumers as the Pay TV wars continue. DSTV recently hiked the prices of its packages with subscribers of the premium tariff parting with Kshs. 8,200 monthly while Compact Plus pay Kshs. 5,500. Compact subscribers pay Kshs. 3,200. Zuku’s premium plan satellite costs Kshs. 2,399 for 97 video channels and 51 audio channels per month, Zuku classic sells for Kshs. 1,299 while Zuku Poa sells for Kshs. 799.
StarTimes sales Director Anderson Gicheru noted that the Company is keen on ensuring affordability and accessibility. “Our new satellite television service offer is expected to enable more Kenyans to afford and access digital television no matter their location in the country”, he added.