Canal+ reduces DStv decoder prices after losing 2.8m subscribers

MultiChoice, now a subsidiary of French media giant Canal+, is set to announce a major price cut on its DStv decoders effective November 1, 2025.

The move comes as the company battles to recover from a sharp decline of 2.8 million subscribers across Africa, reflecting the growing challenges in the pay-TV industry.

MultiChoice Nigeria had, in June, reduced the price of its DStv decoder by 50 per cent.

The price of the DStv decoder was reduced from N20,000 to N10,000.

Industry experts describe the latest reduction as MultiChoice’s most aggressive pricing strategy in years, following the company’s struggle with rising subscription costs, shifting consumer habits, and stiff competition from over 560 streaming platforms that have steadily eroded its market share.

While MultiChoice has not confirmed whether the new pricing will apply uniformly across its markets, analysts said Nigeria and Kenya — the firm’s largest and most competitive regions — would see the biggest effects.

France’s Canal+ acquires MultiChoice’s DStv, GOtv for $3bn

According to TechCabal, a 40% price drop for online sales and a 30% reduction at retail outlets in those markets could help revive demand, though it may also expose the firm to foreign exchange and pricing risks.

The discount campaign is aimed at attracting new customers and bringing back former subscribers.

To further boost user engagement, DStv will offer an Open Time Weekend from November 7 to 9, granting all active users free access to Premium content.

Premium subscribers will also be able to stream on up to four devices simultaneously until December.

These initiatives mark Canal+’s first major strategic move since completing its acquisition of MultiChoice, signalling renewed efforts to make satellite television more accessible across Africa.

The Star