Pay television provider DStv has reduced decoder prices and introduced a new cost-sharing feature that allows subscribers to split monthly subscription payments, as competition from streaming platforms and household budget pressure continue to intensify. The changes affect existing and potential subscribers nationwide, including Gauteng households that rely on satellite television as a primary source of entertainment. The update matters now as temporary promotions introduced late in 2025 come to an end and are replaced with longer-term pricing adjustments.
According to parent company MultiChoice, the focus is shifting from short-term discounts to permanent changes aimed at lowering the cost of entry and reducing subscriber churn.
ALSO READ: DSTV Channel List by Package for 2025/2026
What Has Changed for DStv Customers
DStv confirmed three key changes to its offering:
- Reduced upfront prices for several decoder models
- Additional channels added to its entry-level Access package
- A new payment-splitting feature was introduced through the MyDStv app
The changes were announced as seasonal package upgrades offered in November and December were phased out.
MultiChoice said the adjustments are intended to make its services more accessible to price-sensitive households while maintaining subscriber numbers in a highly competitive market.
Decoder Prices Reduced Across Key Models
The most immediate impact for new and returning customers is the reduction in decoder prices, which the company has retained beyond earlier promotional periods.
According to MultiChoice, the HD Single View decoder now costs R499, down from a standard price of R899. When installation is included, the price drops from R1 299 to R799, representing a reduction of approximately 45%.
Prices have also been reduced across the Explora range:
- Explora 3B now costs R1 499, down from R2 299
- An online-only offer reduces the Explora 3B further to R999
- Explora Ultra has been reduced by R300, bringing the price to R2 999
The company said these prices are available until 30 April 2026 through service centres, authorised agencies, retailers, and its online store.
Entry-Level Package Sees Additional Channels
At the lower end of the market, DStv has added three channels to its Access package at no additional cost.
The new channels are:
- Trace Ngoma
- Trace Gospel
- WWE
MultiChoice said the additions are intended to strengthen the value proposition of one of its cheapest packages as consumers continue to reassess discretionary spending.
The Access package is often used by households that have downgraded from higher-tier subscriptions or are returning after cancelling services.
New Cost-Sharing Feature Introduced
More significantly, DStv has introduced a payment-splitting feature through the MyDStv app, allowing a single subscription to be paid for by two contributors.
The feature allows the primary account holder to send a payment link to another person, enabling the monthly subscription fee to be split between two users. According to the company, the feature is limited to two contributors per account and is designed for shared households.
MultiChoice said the tool is aimed at reducing missed payments and cancellations in households where living costs and subscriptions are shared.
Rewards Programme Continues Alongside Changes
DStv is also continuing its Rewards programme, which allows subscribers to use accumulated DStv Coins to offset subscription costs.
According to MultiChoice, more than 20 million coins have been redeemed since the feature launched in October 2025. The company did not disclose how many customers actively use the programme every month.
Subscribers can also enter competitions linked to the rewards system, though participation data has not been made public.
The Role of the MyDStv App
All new features, including payment splitting, decoder offers, and rewards management, are accessed through the MyDStv app.
MultiChoice has positioned the app as the primary platform for account management, payments, and subscriber engagement. The company said the move reduces reliance on call centres and in-store interactions.
However, access to these features depends on smartphone availability and digital literacy, which remains uneven across regions.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng households, where cost pressures remain high, and competition for entertainment spending is intense, the changes may lower the barrier to maintaining or returning to a DStv subscription.
Reduced decoder prices may benefit first-time subscribers and households replacing older hardware, while the cost-sharing feature may appeal to shared living arrangements common in urban areas.
However, the changes do not reduce monthly subscription prices, and households facing sustained financial pressure may still opt for streaming-only alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are decoder price cuts permanent?
The reduced prices are available until 30 April 2026. MultiChoice has not confirmed whether they will be extended beyond that date.
Can more than two people split a subscription?
No. The payment-splitting feature is limited to two contributors per account.
Do monthly subscription fees change?
No. The changes apply to hardware pricing and payment flexibility, not subscription tariffs.
Is the payment-splitting feature optional?
Yes. Subscribers can continue paying in full without using the feature.
Where are the new features accessed?
All features are managed through the MyDStv app.
What Happens Next
MultiChoice said it will continue monitoring subscriber behaviour and market competition as streaming platforms expand their presence in South Africa. The company has not indicated whether further pricing adjustments or subscription changes are planned.
As household spending remains under pressure, the effectiveness of these changes in slowing subscriber losses is expected to become clearer in the months ahead, particularly as the promotional pricing window closes in April.
