A New Era for DStv? Decoder Prices Slashed in Major Content Push

In a move that feels like a throwback to a bygone era, DStv has dramatically slashed the price of its hardware, making it cheaper than ever to get a foot in the door. The broadcaster has cut the price of its Model 10S HD Single View decoder from R699 to a mere R299, excluding installation. For those needing a professional setup, the price with installation has been halved from R1,299 to R699.

This isn’t just a random sale; it’s the cornerstone of a broader strategic shift for the company, now under the full ownership of French media giant Canal+.

More Than Just a Cheap Box

The decoder price cut is part of DStv’s “Thol-iUpsize” promotion, a multi-pronged effort to reward and retain customers. The promotion is stacked with perks:

• Free Package Upgrades: Subscribers on the lower-tier Access and Family packages get a free upgrade to the more robust Compact bouquet. Those on Compact and Compact Plus are bumped all the way up to the flagship Premium package, home to blockbuster movies and premium series.

• Bonus for Premium Users: Even top-tier Premium subscribers haven’t been left out, receiving access to up to four concurrent streams, a nod to the modern, multi-user household.

• A Streaming Bonus: The broadcaster has also hinted at additional rewards for its streaming-only customers, acknowledging the growing shift away from traditional decoders.

This aggressive promotion follows closely on the heels of a recent “Open Time” weekend, where even the cheapest subscribers could access all Premium channels. The consecutive campaigns signal a company in a generous, fighting mood.

The Canal+ Effect: A Content Bonanza on the Horizon?

The timing of these promotions is no coincidence. They come as new owners Canal+ begin to put their stamp on the South African pay-TV giant. David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, has already painted an exciting picture of the future, promising a “combined catalogue” that leverages the strengths of both media libraries.

For DStv subscribers, this could mean access to Canal+’s vast repository of European content, including thousands of movies and series, alongside the 6,000 hours of local content MultiChoice already produces. Mignot suggested the combined entity could eventually produce 10,000 hours of local content annually in up to 35 languages.

The first fruits of this union are already visible, with French Ligue 1 football matches now being broadcast live on SuperSport. It’s a tangible sign of the new, international content flow that Canal+ had promised.

By cutting the decoder price and showering subscribers with free upgrades, DStv is clearly playing the long game. It’s a bold attempt to lock in loyalty and grow its subscriber base, ensuring a large, ready audience for the coming content bonanza. For South African viewers, the message is clear: the box to get all this new entertainment just got a whole lot cheaper.

{Source: MyBroadband}

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