DStv Now: Major Upgrade for Ghanaian Subscribers
DStv now brings significant changes to its subscription packages in Ghana, effective October 1, 2025. These changes follow successful government negotiations with MultiChoice, as announced by Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George.
Enhanced Value Packages for DStv Now Subscribers
DStv now offers its Ghanaian subscribers enhanced subscription packages, promising an increase of up to 50% more value depending on the package tier. Subscribers will automatically enjoy upgrades to higher-tier bouquets without any additional cost. This move results from negotiations spearheaded by Ghana’s National Communications Authority, which pressured MultiChoice to enhance value after a request for a 30% fee reduction was dismissed.
Package Upgrade Details
The revamped packages deliver substantial benefits across all tiers. For instance, Padii subscribers, who pay GHC59, are automatically upgraded to the Second Bouquet. This tier offers a market value of GHC99 and includes 35 extra channels, translating to a 40% savings. Second Bouquet subscribers elevate to the Family package, and Family subscribers shift to Compact with 22 more channels, including live football—a 50% saving opportunity. Those on the Compact tier receive Compact Plus benefits, while Compact Plus users gain Premium access. The enhancements provide more channels and value across each tier, enhancing the viewing experience for subscribers.
Implementation and Initial Confusion
Initially, the implementation sparked confusion among subscribers when MultiChoice referred to the enhanced packages as a three-month “promotion” set to end on December 31, 2025, in their published FAQ document. This contradicted the government’s presentation that portrayed it as a sustainable arrangement. MultiChoice quickly issued an apology, clarifying their support for the government-endorsed deal. They confirmed no restrictions exist on bouquet selection for any subscribers, ensuring clarity and continuation of the service for the foreseeable future.
Sustainability and Broader Implications
The arrangement is subject to quarterly reviews to determine its financial sustainability for MultiChoice, with the first assessment due on December 31, 2025. This built-in review mechanism offers MultiChoice an exit strategy if the packages prove challenging to maintain financially. Industry observers speculate that this regulatory intervention in Ghana may inspire similar initiatives in other African markets where MultiChoice operates, potentially influencing the subscription television industry across the continent.
Special Incentives for Premium Subscribers
Premium subscribers on DStv now, beyond the channel upgrades, receive an additional perk: eligibility for a draw to win fully paid trips to English Premier League matches. This adds a layer of excitement and value to the Premium package, offering something unique to high-tier subscribers.
While these enhancements currently apply exclusively to Ghana, there is no extension of similar upgrades to other African markets within MultiChoice’s operations. As this initiative unfolds, the attention remains on the impact and sustainability of these changes in Ghana and the broader implications for the subscription television industry in Africa.