by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice is migrating some of its Showmax subscribers to DStv Stream Compact who will be offered access at R99 per month for a year, after losing access to Showmax.
Canal+ decided to axe Showmax that MultiChoice did in partnership with Comcast's NBCUniversal, with the failed video streaming service which will remain accessible until 30 April although no new content is being added.
In order to not lose those Showmax subscribers entirely, MultiChoice is giving eligible Showmax subscribers a trial access to DStv Stream Compact for free, until the end of May 2026.
After that they can pay R99 per month, for a year at this price if they remain monthly paying subscribers.
About moving eligible Showmax-only subscribers to a DStv Stream service at a discount rate, Willington Ngwepe, MultiChoice CEO, says "Our priority is to ensure customers continue to have a home for the stories they love".
"By bringing thousands of hours of Showmax Originals and a deeper on-demand library into DStv Stream, we are creating a more holistic experience where live sport, news, the best international content, and award-winning local drama live together."
According to the company, DStv Compact, DStv Compact Plus and DStv Premium subscribers will get access to Showmax
content on DStv Stream at no additional cost.
How it will work from today for eligible Showmax-only subscribers who are given the opportunity to access DStv Stream, is that they will get a trial access to DStv Stream Compact until the
end of May.
This offer and details on how to do it, will be communicated to them directly, using the email address
linked to their Showmax account.
After the trial
period, these eligible former Showmax customers would be offered the chance to continue on DStv Stream Compact at R99 per month
for 12 months - provided payments remain up to date.
This offer will be for qualifying customers, including Showmax subscribers who do
not have an active DStv subscription and who subscribe directly to
Showmax. It excludes existing DStv customers who already
receive Showmax content as part of their package or who add Showmax to
their DStv bill.
The offer will be for all Showmax plans, including Showmax Premier League.
Showmax subscriptions will not migrate automatically. According to Showmax, customers who want to continue watching, will need to follow
the sign-up process for DStv
Stream shared in the email, and create a new email.
Showmax subscribers who don't want to move to DStv Stream may request a refund for any unused portion of
their Showmax subscription. Auto-payments to Showmax will stop automatically once the
service is discontinued.
The Showmax platform will be discontinued on 30 April 2026, with Showmax Originals continuing on DStv Stream.