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DStv holds back on price increase in Africa

By , ITWeb’s Zambian correspondent.
Africa , 23 Mar 2016

DStv holds back on price increase in Africa

Digital pay television company MultiChoice Africa says its markets have suffered greatly this year as a result of the drop in commodity and oil prices, as well as significant devaluation of local currencies.

As a result many customers have struggled to pay subscriptions, according to the company, and this has prompted the decision not to increase the price of its bouquets in April.

The company says it does not anticipate any increases for the remainder of the year. South African DStv subscribers, however, were notified of a price hike beginning in April and will pay R60 more on the Premium package.

Multichoice Zambia acting general manager Ngoza Kasunga said in a statement that most of the company's costs are incurred in dollars and this forced a price increase in 2015.

"We are pleased to announce that there will be no price increase on DStv subscriptions this April on any of the bouquets. Barring any further external economic shocks, we do not anticipate any price increase in 2016. This means that from next month, DStv subscribers can fully immerse themselves in exciting world of DStv entertainment at no extra cost," Kasunga said.

In Zambia, a full bouquet cost about US$90 while compact plus bouquet cost about US$55 per month and the company attributed the high cost of subscriptions to the devaluation of the local currency, the Kwacha.

Illegal access

A year ago, Zambian authorities, through the then Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dr. Joseph Katema warned the company to reduce DStv subscription or risk facing the continued illegal access of the service's satellite channels.

Local law enforcement are reportedly on high alert amid allegations that free-to-air decoders run with manipulated software are being used to illegally access DStv signals in the country.

In 2014, Multichoice had also issued "warnings" to Zimbabweans who illegally purchased South African DStv packages in order to watch channels not available in Zimbabwe.

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