This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
After years of criticism over high prices and unwanted channels, Multichoice has announced a major overhaul of its DStv service.
According to reports, the company is testing a new 'unbundling' system, dubbed DStv Flex, which will allow customers to pick and choose which channels they want to subscribe to.
Under the new system, customers will be able to select a minimum of 10 channels, rather than being forced to pay for a large package of channels they may not watch.
The move is seen as a major shift in the way Multichoice operates, and is likely to be welcomed by customers who have long complained about the high cost of the service.
As part of the changes, Multichoice will be introducing a range of new 'addon' packages, which will allow customers to add specific channels to their subscription.
The new system is seen as a response to the growing trend of 'cord-cutting', where customers are abandoning traditional pay-TV services in favour of streaming services like Netflix and Showmax.
Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has welcomed the move, saying it will help to level the playing field between traditional broadcasting and streaming services.
However, the move may also be seen as a response to the growing pressure from regulators to make sports programming more widely available.
Earlier this year, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) announced plans to make some sporting events free to air, in a bid to make the service more accessible to a wider audience.
