Multichoice opens free 72 hours access to all DStv channels, runs till Dec 29

Multichoice Nigeria has announced its decision to enable free access to all DStv channels during the festive period. The company announced that the offer which runs from December 27 to 29, 2024 will see all DStv customers, regardless of their current subscription package, enjoy 72 hours of free access to all DStv channels.

In a public statement issued by the company on Thursday, the company pointed out that all its seasonal offers will also be made open to all DStv subscribers.

“No Subscription, No Problem! Switch on your DStv decoder for a gift like no other this festive season, 72 hours of all content, all channels, all on us! As we wind down the year and celebrate the holidays, DStv is happy to announce that we are making this December one to remember,” the statement reads.

MultiChoice Nigeria added that all DStv customers will have free 72-hour access to all DSTV channels regardless of their current package or subscription type. Also, for customers who are not on the Premium subscription plan, the offer provides them an opportunity to enjoy and explore the DStv premium.

“From Friday, December 27, to Sunday, December 29, we’re giving all DStv customers, connected and disconnected, regardless of their current package, access to every channel and every show at no extra cost. Whatever package you’re on, connected or not, this is your chance to unlock the full power of DStv Premium and revel in a world of endless entertainment and authenticity,” the company added.

As MultiChoice Nigeria stretches its benevolent arm to open free DStv access to its customers, it doesn’t cloud its recent decline in subscribers across the African region. The offer is coming after the Pay TV suffered a huge decline in its subscriber base and financial statement. Notably, the Nigerian harsh economy is a significant contributor to its decline.

Technext reported last month that the company suffered about 1.8 million subscribers in the African markets. The satellite provider’s loss was attributed to free-to-air alternatives and economic declination across the continent.

In Nigeria where it is set to run 72 hours of free DStv access, MultiChoice’s subscription fell by 18 per cent. In other African countries, it dipped by 8 per cent and 19 per cent in Angola and Kenya respectively. It also experienced the highest fall in Zambia, with a 60 per cent decline.    

However, according to reports, the Pay TV company’s subscription drop was attributed to the rise in the DStv and Gotv subscription packages across the region. This resulted in a 10 per cent revenue decline. Also, the financial half-year of the group recorded N163.1 billion which was accustomed to currency depreciation in Nigeria, interest expenses, and other inflationary pressures.

In addition to the spoils, the company also experienced a huge slump in its half-year profit.

In its financial statement released in November, Multichoice reported a huge decline with a 99 per cent decline in its half-year profit. The satellite TV provider tagged the operating environment as “extremely hostile.“

The  DStv, SuperSport, and Showmax owner, whose Pay TV business operates across 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, said its performance was majorly affected by weaker local currencies. It also pointed out that constrained consumer spending particularly in Nigeria and extreme power disruptions in Zambia marred its headline loss.

“The first half of the 2024 financial year was negatively impacted by severe pressure in the macroeconomic, foreign exchange rate, and consumer environment in key markets, most notably Nigeria and Zambia,” the company said.

On revenue, the group’s earnings fell by 10% to 25.4 billion rand ($1.41 billion) on a reported basis. However, it grew by 4% on an organic basis, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange effects, mergers, and acquisitions.

Multichoice has been facing immense challenges and competition due to the influx of streaming services and short-form video content on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook. The company also grew more unpopular in key markets like Nigeria and Kenya after increasing prices of DSTV and Gotv packages in April, July, and November. 

Read More: Multichoice suffers a huge fall, losing 1.8 million subscribers across Africa.