MultiChoice has confirmed that DStv subscription prices will increase for 2025.
DStv prices set to go up: Here’s everything you must know
The adjustments apply to satellite-based packages and Showmax Premier League subscriptions, while DStv Stream and Showmax Entertainment pricing will remain unchanged.
The company says the increase is necessary to maintain content quality and expand its service offerings.
DStv Premium will rise from R929 to R979, Compact Plus from R619 to R659, and Compact from R469 to R479.
Family and Access packages will also see increases, with Access moving from R139 to R150.
The EasyView package will rise by R1, bringing it to R30 per month.
Additional charges such as Access Fees will increase from R120 to R125, while the Add Movies package will be reduced from R79 to R49.
Streaming services will also see some adjustments. While Showmax Entertainment remains at R99, Showmax Premier League will increase from R69 to R99.
Mobile packages will also cost more, with Showmax Entertainment Mobilerising from R45 to R50 and Showmax Entertainment Mobile + Premier League increasing from R99 to R120.
MultiChoice noted that the VAT rate will increase from 15% to 15.5% on 1 May 2025, which will require further pricing adjustments. The company will communicate these changes in April 2025.
MultiChoice hikes prices amid ‘rough’ financial seas
MultiChoice’s price adjustments come as the company faces financial difficulties, with revenue and subscriber numbers declining.
According to its latest financial results for the first half of the 2025 financial year, total revenue dropped by 10%, from R28.3 billion in 1H FY24 to R25.4 billion in 1H FY25.
This decline was driven by subscriber losses, economic challenges, and currency exchange pressures.
Subscription revenue specifically fell by 13%, with the South African market seeing only a 1% revenue increase, while the Rest of Africa segment suffered declines.
MultiChoice lost 1.8 million subscribers, an 11% drop, with South Africa seeing 5% fewer subscribers and the Rest of Africa losing 15% of its user base.
High inflation, economic instability, and competition from global streaming platforms have contributed to these losses.
However, Showmax saw a 30% increase in paying subscribers, though its segment losses tripled to R2.4 billion due to higher content, technology, and marketing costs.
Despite revenue challenges, MultiChoice managed to increase its average revenue per user (ARPU) by 12%, reaching R221 across all markets.
South Africa’s ARPU rose by 3% to R289, marking the first increase since 2017.
MultiChoice’s financial strategy includes reducing costs, cutting decoder subsidies, and leveraging advertising revenue growth in South Africa.
The company maintains that its price increases are necessary to sustain operations, invest in new content, and navigate economic pressures.
While the adjustments may help MultiChoice recover revenue, they could also impact affordability for consumers, particularly in a competitive market where streaming alternatives continue to grow.
