by Thinus Ferreira
DStv subscribers in South Africa are angry after MultiChoice added Disney+ subscriptions to DStv accounts without customers' consent and without them specifically asking for it, with subscribers saying they've been struggling to get it removed.
The DStv billing trouble is the latest in a string of ongoing technical issues with Disney+ in South Africa since The Walt Disney Company launched its video streaming service in the country in May this year.
MultiChoice and The Walt Disney Company signed a partnership contract for Disney+ to be carried as one of the over-the-top (OTT) streaming service on its DStv Explora Ultra decoders. Shortly before launch MultiChoice gave some DStv subscribers a 3-month free subscription to Disney+.
DStv customers can opt-in to get Disney+ through MultiChoice, with the Disney+ subscription fee added to their DStv account and monthly bill, which then comes with an R49 discount on the Disney+ monthly fee.
DStv subscribers are however furious after discovering that MultiChoice has added Disney+ to their DStv accounts without them ever requesting it, wanting the service or giving their content or supplying a cellphone number which is required to sign up for the streaming service in South Africa.
"Thanks for adding Disney+ to your DStv bill. Look out for communication from Disney+ with info on how to start streaming," MultiChoice said in emails and SMS messages sent to DStv account holders who haven't signed up for Disney+ and who don't want to, or haven't given any consent for Disney+ to be added.
On social media DStv subscribers have been complaining, asking MultiChoice"why did you add Disney+ to my subscription, without my permission?", "When did I subscribe? Put your things in wonder and stop being industrial bullies",
DStv subscriber Zanele Nkosi said "DStv are acting like crooks. Some of us took the annual subscription of Disney+ so now it means we will be expected to pay for a service we already paid for. I think the best is to cancel DStv", with Stefan Buys who said "DStv who gave you the right to activate Disney+ on my account? I did not give any consent for this at all! Buddy thieves stealing my money."
DStv subscriber Charl Solomons said "DStv please be so kind and advise me who gave permission for the Disney+ service to be added to my DStv bill? I did not give any permission for this to happen."
David Bradley noted that "DStv just had Disney+ added to my account with no authority to do so. Email actually says I added it! What a nerve!".
"Why are you adding products to my billing without my permission?" asked Barbara Loots. "I did not activate this but woke up to email and SMS notifications that I added Disney+ to my billing. What the hell is this?"
The Walt Disney Company Africa headquartered in Johannesburg which has remained silent over the myriad of ongoing technical issues that are plaguing Disney+ since its South African launch didn't respond to a media query from TVwithThinus made on Monday about the issue. If there is comment it will be added here.
Litlhare Moteetee, MultiChoice spokesperson, told TVwithThinus in response to a media query that "MultiChoice is aware that Disney+ subscriptions were opened
for selected customers who opted in for DStv Rewards".
"This is a 3-month free
subscription and customers who have do not opt in following this period will
have the service automatically discontinued and they will not be billed for it.
Customers who wish to continue viewing Disney+ will need to either opt in or
reactivate the product on self-service. This has now been communicated to all
affected."