MultiChoice Group has announced price increases for its DStv satellite and Showmax streaming services in South Africa, set to take effect in 2025. While most DStv package adjustments remain in line with inflation, football enthusiasts will experience the most significant hikes, particularly on Showmax’s Premier League package.
The Showmax Premier League package will see a 43.5% price increase, rising from $3.80 to $5.45 per month. This marks the most substantial adjustment as MultiChoice navigates rising operational costs while striving to maintain affordability for consumers.
Showmax Subscription Plans Adjustments
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile: Up 11.1%, from $2.48 to $2.75.
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile + Premier League: Up 21.2%, from $5.45 to $6.61.
- Showmax Entertainment + Premier League: Up 7.1%, from $7.71 to $8.26.
- Showmax Standard: No price change.
DStv Satellite Price Adjustments
The DStv Access package will see the highest percentage increase among satellite packages, rising 7.9%, from $7.66 to $8.26 per month. Other key price changes include:
- 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 Fee: 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.
- DStv Stream packages: No price changes.
MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis acknowledged the economic challenges facing South African households. He emphasized that there will be no price increases for DStv Stream packages, Box Office movies, and Showmax Entertainment. Additionally, the Add Movies premium subscription has been reduced by 38% to $2.70 per month.
To enhance value for its DStv Compact subscribers, MultiChoice is introducing SuperSport Action, alongside channels such as Africa Magic Showcase, CBS Justice, Curiosity, and the History Channel. The new SuperSport channel will offer a variety of sports, including mixed martial arts, international and local boxing, WWE, Adrenaline Sports, and UCI Cycling. This expansion strengthens Compact’s existing lineup, which already features six SuperSport channels and two ESPN channels.
As competition in the streaming and pay-TV sector intensifies, MultiChoice faces the challenge of retaining subscribers amid price hikes. While additional content and value-added offerings may help soften the impact, maintaining customer loyalty will require more than just price adjustments.
