Canal+ Reshapes DStv: Affordable Decoders, New Sports Deals & A Strategic Reboot
Canal+, fresh from its acquisition of MultiChoice, is swiftly implementing a new strategy to revitalize DStv, Africa’s leading pay-TV platform. This revamp aims to address the challenges MultiChoice faced, including dwindling subscriber numbers and financial pressures, by introducing more affordable options, fresh content deals, and a nostalgic approach. The changes signal a shift in focus to regain lost ground and navigate the increasingly competitive African media landscape.
DStv’s Strategic Overhaul: Addressing Subscriber Loss and Market Pressures
MultiChoice’s recent performance reflected a challenging environment. Over the past two financial years, the company experienced a significant drop of 2.8 million active linear subscribers. The 2025 financial year alone is projected to see a 1.2 million subscriber decline (8% year-on-year), split between South Africa and other African countries. These losses are largely attributed to the prevalence of hybrid pay-TV models, rising costs, and intensifying competition from over 560 streaming services in the African market. In response, Canal+ is introducing new strategies to regain market share.
Canal+ aims to reshape DStv by introducing cheaper decoders and securing new sports deals. Furthermore, from November 7-9 2025, active DStv decoder users will have access to an “Open Time” weekend, with free access to select channels.
This new strategy represents a significant move to counter the issues DStv was facing and reposition itself in the competitive African pay-TV market. The success of this revamp will be seen based on subscriber growth and how well these initiatives resonate with the African audience.
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