MultiChoice is lowering DStv subscription prices for DStv subscribers in Zambia, Kenya, Ghana - and possibly in more African countries - for all DStv bouquets from 1 September 2017.
No price reduction has been announced for DStv in South Africa.
"This substantial price reduction across our DStv packages reinforces our commitment to ensuring that our customers receive the best possible access to great entertainment and outstanding value," says Kobus Bezuidenhout, regional director for MultiChoice Investment Holdings (MIH) West & Central Africa.
In Kenya DStv Premium will be cut by 3.42% to Sh7,900 and DStv Compact Plus by 4.15% Sh5,200.
DStv Compact is reduced to Sh3,200 and DStv Access by 9.52% to Sh950.
MultiChoice Africa said the DStv price reduction in Kenya is due to the strengthening of the Kenyan shilling against the American dollar. MultiChoice Africa's GOtv subscriptions for its digital terrestrial TV service will remain unchanged.
According to Eric Odipo, MultiChoice Kenya managing director, the MultiChoice Kenya price cut is as a result of the improving Kenya Shilling against the dollar.
"The majority of our input costs are in US dollars and we hope we will not experience any further currency devaluations or other unexpected increases in costs for the remainder of the year. It is also a way of rewarding our customers for their loyalty and support," says Eric Odipo.
In Zambia DStv Premium is reduced by 3.42% to K790, DStv Compact Plus is cut a whopping 16.04% to K450, DStv Compact is reduced by 6.54% to K300, DStv Family is going down 2.43% to K200 and DStv Access is reduced by 7.4% to K100.
According to Ngoza Kasunga, MultiChoice Zambia acting managing director, the reduction in that country isn't based on currencies like fluctiations in the value of the Kwacha, but on a value proposition.
"MultiChoice continuously reviews its packages ans price points in the dynamic market conditions with the interests of our customers at heart and with one objective in mind – to delight customers by constantly offering them more value," said Ngoza Kasunga.
"We are delivering more value to our customers by giving them access to amazing local and international content at a price they can afford."
"The business recognizes that we are living in changing economic times and wants to reward customers for their ongoing loyalty and support. In April 2016, we had a 'no price increases' or price lock on all packages in order to provide relief to our customers in the current tough economic conditions."
Ngoza Kasunga at a breakfast press briefing held on Tuesday in Lusaka, said MultiChoice Zambia "doesn't price based on what competitors are doing".
Should Zambia's Kwacha not depreciate and production costs remain the same, the new MultiChoice Zambia prices for DStv subscriptions will remain in place until MultiChoice Zambia holds its next price review in April of 2018.
In Ghana Cecil Sunka-Mills, MultiChoice Ghana general manager in a statement said MultiChoice Ghana is lowering DStv subscription fees to make DStv more affordable.
"We want to do our bit by adjusting the price of their DStv packages to make them more affordable while adding more value."
"The majority of our input costs are in US dollars and we hope we won't experience any further currency devaluations or other unexpected increases in costs for the remainder of the year."
