DStv has set social media buzzing with a wave of promotions and price cuts aimed at winning back subscribers and restoring its dominance in African pay-TV.
From free channel upgrades to cheaper decoder deals, the company—now owned by Canal+ Africa—is going all in to stop its subscriber losses and rekindle interest among old viewers.
But while lower-tier customers are celebrating, some premium users are questioning whether they’re being left out of the fun.
A Struggle to Hold On
DStv has been battling a major decline in active users, losing 2.8 million 90-day subscribers in the year ending March 2025. Economic pressures, currency fluctuations, and the rise of on-demand streaming platforms have all taken a toll on its revenue.
Canal+, which officially took over MultiChoice earlier this year, plans a full strategic reset by early 2026—starting with aggressive marketing and customer incentives.
A Free Upgrade for Everyone
The headline campaign, “Thol-iUpsize,” runs from now until December 31, 2025.
It gives decoder-based subscribers automatic, free upgrades:
Compact Plus and Compact users get access to Premium channels.
Family and Access users are bumped up to Compact channels.
No extra fees. No sign-ups. Just instant upgrades—perfect timing for the festive season.
Big Sports and Blockbuster Shows
Viewers can look forward to a packed lineup:
The Springboks’ matches against Ireland, Italy, and Wales in November.
The Proteas’ cricket tour of India and the Betway SA20 opener.
The CAF Afcon 2025 tournament kicking off December 21.
Entertainment lovers will enjoy new hits like Task (featuring Mark Ruffalo and Thuso Mbedu), the local drama Mpondoland, and the culinary series Kokkedoor: Son en See.
Premium Users Get Perks Too
Premium subscribers aren’t left out entirely—they now enjoy four simultaneous streams instead of two and receive bonus DStv Rewards points.
Still, some have voiced frustration over the lack of new channels or unique offers for top-tier customers.
Decoder Prices Slashed
From November 1, decoder prices have dropped significantly:
HD single-view models start at R299 (installation excluded).
Bundled versions cost R699—up to 40% cheaper than before.
DStv’s revamped e-shop also promises free delivery and simpler online setup.
A “Customer-First Reset”
Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot describes this as a fresh start:
“Half of South African households are already with us, but complacency erodes that. We’re doubling down to acquire and retain.”
The company plans to invest $100 million annually from merger efficiencies and supplier deals, including better pricing from Chinese hardware makers.
MultiChoice South Africa’s pay-TV boss Byron du Plessis added:
“This is about accessibility and delight—affordability combined with great experiences.”
The Road Ahead
The campaign follows recent successes like the “Open Weekend,” which gave all decoder users a taste of Premium content.
However, challenges remain—streaming-only users don’t get the same upgrades, and some features, like Showmax bundles, remain limited by package.
As DStv heads toward its 2026 performance goals, all eyes are on whether these bold perks can truly reverse the subscriber slide.
For now, the buzz is positive. The hashtag #DStvUpsize is trending, and viewers are sharing excitement about their upgraded channels and live sports lineups.
It’s a strong signal that even in a streaming era, satellite TV still has plenty of fight left.
