DStv pressed to lower premiums
Subscribers frustrated over high prices, call for payment holiday
DSTV has come under fire by customers demanding that the service decreases its monthly instalments because there is no live sport on the its channels.
Subscriber Logan Chetty said: “Why is MultiChoice not reducing their monthly DStv premiums?
“The company always states the reason for their high premiums is that they have to pay huge amounts for broadcasting rights to sporting events. Given that most of these sporting events have been cancelled, MultiChoice will obviously be getting refunds for amounts paid.”
Another subscriber Charles Uys said, “Maybe, everybody who is a DStv subscriber should flood the media with letters about how they feel about DStv currently. Maybe if there are every day a lot of letters or sms about how people feel about DStv not even considering lowering their prices then they will listen.”
Last month, DStv subscribers shared their opinions in a series of letters published in The Star’s sister publication Cape Argus.
The satellite service is now being pressured to act on its prices, especially during a time where many are struggling to meet financial obligations.
A petition has been circulating on social media. The petition is urging DStv to give customers a payment holiday. So far, it has over 200 000 signatures.
Sfiso J Gwala who created the petition said: “DStv drops prices for the rest of Africa, except South Africa and now this. We’re being taken for granted here.”
The petition came after MultiChoice announced that shows such as Isibaya and Gomora had run out of new episodes to air.
Social media users also vented their frustrations with the hashtag #DstvMustFall.
Ari Seirlis tweeted: “Why are we paying our DStv premium when no new content and no live sport. Surely MultiChoice should reduce fees dramatically and keep our interest and attract new subscribers and then when all is done, upsell again. We are not getting value. Come on DStv, seize the opportunity.”
Another user, Hamish Hoosen said: “How are DStv charging premium customers the same rates without the sport? It’s not like DStv are going to continue paying rights?”
A MultiChoice spokesperson said: “MultiChoice continues to provide an uninterrupted video entertainment subscriptions service with the best available content.
“The company is always looking to provide great value-adds for customers, most recently during the current Covid-19 period, which includes among others, the addition of new content on various channels, increasing genres of channels to assist families with more information, education and entertainment during the lockdown, channels being opened up to more customers at lower DStv bouquets and pop-up channels.”