Many pay-TV subscribers have raised objections to paying for a variety of channels which they don\u2019t watch, asking the question why they cannot simply select the channels which they want to watch, and pay only for these channels.<\/p>\n
Individually selected and customized packages will give consumers freedom to build a bouquet of their choice, and hence not be forced to purchase pre-selected channel bouquests designed by MultiChoice.<\/p>\n
Aletta Alberts, general manager of content for MultiChoice, said that they have investigated customizing channel packages for individual subscribers, but found that it was not financially feasible.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would greatly increase the monthly subscription fee even if fewer channels are selected. It conflicts with international supplier practices; it will also increase administration cost and make account administration expensive,\u201d said Alberts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe MultiChoice business model, which is in line with international best practice, is based on providing predetermined channel packages. These packages are based on customer segmentation which clusters viewers of similar interest and income to create an offering that is both appropriate and affordable,\u201d Alberts explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat explains why there are instances where a viewer might feel certain channels do not always meet their expectations,\u201d said Alberts.<\/p>\n
Alberts added that MultiChoice strives to continually review its offering to its subscribers, and that the different bouquet package offerings and prices are reviewed on a regular basis.<\/p>\n
\u201cSubscriber satisfaction is a key priority and while DStv is always looking for ways to add value to the product, the service must remain affordable to the majority of our subscribers.\u201d<\/p>\n
MultiChoice is however not alone in pre-determining channel bundles. South Africa\u2019s new pay-TV operator, TopTV, gives a bit more freedom in the selection of a bouquet, but it is still a far cry from true channel based customisation.<\/p>\n
TopTV currently has seven different bouquets on offer, featuring a combination of four basic channel bundles: Variety, Kids & Movies, Entertainment and Knowledge and Ultimate Movies.<\/p>\n