DStv Internet a winner
DStv’s Internet packages have proven to be a winning recipe for the broadcaster, with substantial growth in customers and revenue three years after launching.
DStv Internet first rolled out in September 2021, offering several fixed-LTE plans with large amounts of data that could be bundled with streaming-only DStv bouquets.
Although DStv did not reveal actual user numbers, a graph in its 2021/2022 financial results showed the service’s active subscriber base had grown more than 400% in the first six months of availability.
That type of jump could be expected in a product’s early launch period, where its increases are coming off a low base.
However, DStv Internet continued to see substantial growth in the following two years.
By March 2023, active users had increased by another 447%. A year later, DStv Internet customers grew by a more modest but nonetheless substantial 90%.
The division’s revenues also increased by 160% during MultiChoice’s latest financial year.
MultiChoice South Africa CEO Marc Jury said the appeal of the DStv Internet product was its simplicity and association with the trusted DStv brand.
“South Africans are looking for flexible, no-fuss internet options, and our fixed-LTE product hits the sweet spot,” he said.
“It’s proving to be a great fit for those wanting reliable Internet and to keep up with their favourite DStv shows.”
DStv expanded its Internet packages with fibre-to-home about a year after launching the fixed-LTE line-up.
MyBroadband found its bundled fibre offerings provided a substantial discount over buying an FTTH product and DStv package separately.
However, the company quietly paused fibre sales to focus its efforts on fixed-LTE as customers had shown it “works for them”.
“It’s our most popular product because it’s affordable, easy to set up, and pairs perfectly with DStv subscriptions,” Jury explained.
“We know South Africans want value, and fixed-LTE gives them a solid connection without breaking the bank.”
Jury added that MultiChoice would continue to review its DStv Internet offerings as demands shifted.
Popular options and pricing breakdown
Jury said a particularly popular DStv Internet product was a bundle with 110GB monthly data and a DStv Access subscription for R349 per month on a 24-month contract.
The DStv Compact bundle with 50GB mobile data for R549 was also a very popular option.
MultiChoice is also launching a new DStv Internet and Showmax bundle in October 2024, which Jury said would give customers more bang for their buck.
“This builds on MultiChoice’s ongoing mission to make video entertainment even more affordable, regardless of whether customers want to access our variety of great content online or through a dish,” he said.
The table below provides a breakdown of the DStv Internet bundle packages.
MyBroadband calculated the effective prices of their included data by deducting the standalone cost of the streaming-only DStv packages from the total price
| DStv package | Data allocation | Router | Price on 24-month contract | Effective price of data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access | 25GB anytime 25GB night-time | ZTE MF286R | R279 | R180 |
| Access | 55GB anytime 55GB night-time | ZTE MF286R | R349 | R250 |
| Access | 110GB anytime 110GB night-time | ZTE MF286C | R479 | R380 |
| Family | 25GB anytime 25GB night-time | ZTE MF286R | R479 | R180 |
| Family | 55GB anytime 55GB night-time | ZTE MF286R | R549 | R250 |
| Family | 110GB anytime 110GB night-time | ZTE MF286C | R629 | R330 |
| Compact | 25GB anytime 25GB night-time | ZTE MF286R | R549 | R150 |
| Compact | 55GB anytime 55GB night-time | ZTE MF286R | R649 | R250 |
| Compact | 110GB anytime 110GB night-time | ZTE MF286C | R729 | R330 |
| Compact | 400GB anytime | ZTE MF286C | R779 | R380 |
| Compact Plus | 110GB anytime 110GB night-time | ZTE MF286C | R949 | R400 |
| Compact Plus | 400GB anytime | ZTE MF286C | R999 | R450 |
| Premium | 110GB anytime 110GB night-time | ZTE MF286C | R1,149 | R350 |
| Premium | 400GB anytime | ZTE MF286C | R1,249 | R450 |
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