MultiChoice has unveiled a new cost-sharing option that allows DStv subscribers to divide their monthly subscription fee with another person, as part of efforts to improve affordability across its African markets.
The feature, available on the MyDStv app, allows a main account holder to generate a payment link and invite a second contributor, such as a friend, partner, or family member. Each DStv subscription can be shared by only two users.
How DStv’s Subscription Splitting Works
With the new functionality, the primary subscriber starts the renewal process and sends a secure payment request to the second payer. Once both parties complete their contributions, the subscription is automatically renewed.
This removes the need for subscribers to manually pool funds before making a payment, a process that often caused delays or missed renewals. MultiChoice says the update makes subscription management more seamless and dependable.
The feature is expected to appeal to:
- Students and young professionals
- Couples and shared households
- Co-living arrangements where bills are split
By formalising shared payments, the system ensures no single user bears the full financial responsibility.
Pay-TV Adapts to Growing Streaming Pressure
Subscription splitting is part of MultiChoice’s broader response to intensifying competition from streaming platforms across Africa. Over the past two years, the company has lost almost 3 million pay-TV subscribers, as audiences migrate toward more flexible and lower-cost digital alternatives.
To slow this decline, MultiChoice has focused on affordability by rolling out:
- Reduced decoder prices
- More channels on lower-tier packages
- Alternative payment and reward-based incentives
Decoder Price Cuts Lower Entry Barriers
MultiChoice has also reduced the upfront hardware costs associated with DStv subscriptions, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria.
In South Africa:
- The HD decoder price has fallen from around R899 (₦79,500) to about R499 (₦44,100)
- The HD decoder plus installation now costs roughly R799 (₦70,700)
- Explora decoders have seen steep discounts, with some online listings priced as low as R999 (₦88,400)
These reductions are aimed at attracting first-time subscribers and reactivating dormant accounts.
DStv Coins Strengthen Flexible Pricing Push
MultiChoice is also expanding the role of DStv Coins, its loyalty and rewards programme launched in late 2025. Since its debut, users have redeemed more than 20 million coins to reduce subscription costs.
The uptake reflects rising consumer demand for flexible pricing and bill-reduction tools amid tightening household budgets.
DStv Shifts Toward a Shared Household Model
Through a mix of lower hardware costs, expanded entry-level content, rewards programmes, and subscription splitting, MultiChoice is repositioning DStv as a shared household service rather than a premium individual expense.
As streaming platforms continue to reshape viewing habits, the strategy signals MultiChoice’s attempt to retain cost-sensitive users and adapt pay-TV to changing consumption patterns.
