Canal+ to Slash DStv Decoder Prices by Up to 40% Starting November 1

Canal+, the French media powerhouse that recently finalized its takeover of MultiChoice, is gearing up to make a bold move in South Africa, cutting DStv decoder prices by up to 40% from November 1, 2025.

The decision, first revealed by TechCabal, represents Canal+’s first major step toward reviving the DStv brand and rebuilding its subscriber base in one of Africa’s most competitive television markets.

DStv’s Struggles in a Changing Market

Over the past few years, DStv has faced fierce competition from global streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Showmax, and Amazon Prime Video, which have steadily gained ground due to their flexible pricing and on-demand content.

In addition, rising living costs and inflation have made premium satellite TV packages less affordable for many South African households, resulting in a steady decline in active subscriptions.

Canal+ now aims to reverse this trend by making DStv’s hardware and packages more accessible — starting with the cost of the decoder itself.

New Pricing and Promotions

Under the new plan, DStv decoders sold online will see the largest discounts, up to 40% off, while retail store prices will drop by about 30%.

The company hopes these cuts will encourage new customers to join and tempt former subscribers to return, especially as South Africa remains one of the strongest satellite TV markets on the continent.

To sweeten the deal, Canal+ and MultiChoice will host an Open Time Weekend from November 7 to 9, giving all active DStv customers free access to Premium channels for three days.

Premium subscribers will also enjoy an upgrade in streaming flexibility, with the ability to stream on up to four devices simultaneously until the end of December — double the current limit.

Industry Reactions

Media analysts view Canal+’s decoder price cuts as a strategic bid to rebuild brand loyalty and reignite growth. By making hardware cheaper, the company can reach price-sensitive consumers who might have previously turned to cheaper digital alternatives.

However, experts caution that the reduced hardware margins could tighten profits — especially given South Africa’s currency fluctuations and ongoing economic pressure.

Despite these challenges, Canal+’s investment signals long-term confidence in the South African pay-TV market and a desire to keep DStv relevant amid the streaming boom.

For millions of South African households, the decoder price cuts could make satellite TV more affordable again, particularly for those living in areas with limited internet access where streaming services are less reliable.

The Open Time Weekend and extended streaming benefits also show a renewed effort by MultiChoice to reward loyalty and re-engage subscribers with premium content experiences.

If successful, the move could mark the start of a new era for DStv under Canal+, blending affordability with upgraded entertainment options to compete more effectively in South Africa’s evolving digital landscape.