by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice is once again increasing the subscription fees of South African DStv subscribers from 1 April - although by a smaller percentage than in previous years, dropping the price of its ADD Movies bolt-on package and keeping the price of its streaming-only services unchanged.
From 1 April 2023, the Randburg-based pay-TV operator is increasing DStv Premium subscribers' monthly bouquet price by R40, or 4.77%. These subscribers will continue to get a 100% rebate when accessing MultiChoice's streaming service Showmax.
DStv Compact Plus subscribers will pay R30 (5.46%) more, while DStv Compact subscribers are getting a 4.66%, or R20 increase.
The DStv Family bouquet is increasing by R10 (3.24%), while DStv Access will cost R9 (7.5%) more. The price of the DStv EasyView bouquet will remain unchanged.
DStv Compact, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Family and DStv Access subscribers will continue to get access to Showmax at a 50% discount.
From 1 April the DStv access fee is increasing by R5 (4.55%) from R110 to R115.
The price to rent a movie through DStv BoxOffice will remain unchanged, while the "ADD Movies" bolt-on package, with a collection of movie channels, is decreasing by R20 (20%).
Here is how the DStv bouquet pricing will change from April this year:
Package Currently Percentage change 1 April 2023 price
Premium R839 4.77% R879
Compact Plus R549 5.46% R579
Compact R429 4.66% R449
Family R309 3.24% R319
Access R120 7.5% R129
EasyView R29 0.00% R29
Consumers under pressure
MultiChoice, in a statement, says that "the average 4.3% adjustment across all of DStv's offerings is far lower that the projected consumer price index (inflation) for 2023".
MultiChoice says that "These
nominal adjustments help DStv to ensure that South Africans continue to enjoy
the best value, and unrivalled access to entertainment, anywhere, anytime, and
at the most affordable price".
Noting that South African consumers are under massive pressure with their discretionary spending, MultiChoice says that "The
challenges and financial strain that South African consumers have had to face
were considered and once again DStv absorbed as much of the increase of the
cost of doing business as possible in order to implement minimal
adjustments"
"The pressure that consumers are facing due to remnants of the pandemic, as well as
the continued rolling blackouts nationwide has not been lost on us. These
adjustments will help us to ensure that South Africans continue to enjoy their
favourite shows at the most affordable price."
MultiChoice says "we hold firm that by creating increasingly
unique and authentic local content we will continue to resonate with our
customers".
"This year subscribers can look forward to more sparkling
entertainment such as Big Brother Titans and the highly anticipated Shaka Ilembe,
as well as major sporting events like the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the 2023
Women's Cricket World Cup and the Women's Netball World Cup."
