In a leaked internal memo, Multichoice Uganda will see some price changes that will affect most of their DStv and a few GOtv packages. According the memo that has been verified by some sources withing the company, with effect from 1st September 2019, pay TV company DSTV Uganda will reduce all their monthly subscriptions up to a tune of 30% for some packages.
The most changes have been made on DStv and only one reduction with GOtv. The Premium has been reduced from UGX 280,000 to UGX 219,000. DStv Compact+and Compact Bouquets will cost UGX 129,000 and UGX 79,000 from UGX 180, 000 and 219,000 respectively. DStv Family monthly subscription will cost UGX 49,000 and UGX 60,000 and there will be no price on DStv Access as it will remain at UGX 33,000.
| DStv Package | Current Price (UGX) | New Price (UGX) |
|---|---|---|
| DStv Premium | 280000 | 219000 |
| DStv Compact Plus | 180000 | 129000 |
| DStv Compact | 115000 | 79000 |
| DStv Family | 60000 | 49000 |
| DStv Access | 33000 | no change |
| Premium + Asia Addon | 298000 | 237000 |
| Premium + French Addon | 410000 | 349000 |
When it comes to GOtv packages, only the GOtv Plus will have a UGX 3,000 reduction and subscribers will now pay UGX 25,000. Once implemented, this will be a clear sign to show that the pay TV business in Uganda is under tough competition as price reductions always signal a drop in clientele. We recently saw Kwese TV exit the Ugandan market.
| GOtv Package | Current Price (UGX) | New Price (UGX) |
|---|---|---|
| GOtv Max | 39000 | no change |
| GOtv Plus | 28000 | 25000 |
| GOtv Value | 16000 | no change |
| GOtv Lite (Monthly) | 11000 | no change |
| GOtv Like (Quaterly) | 25000 | no change |
| GOtv Lite (Annually) | 70000 | no change |
People in urban areas where internet data speeds are reasonable have switched to online streaming and TV on demand services like Netflix or ShowMAX. Unlike DStv, big streaming companies like Netflix have invested in original movie content that keeps its users globally subscribed. There’s clearly a dwindling push factor for subscribers to renew their packages.
DStv Uganda recently partnered with MTN Uganda to introduce internet bundles that subscribers can utilize to easily stream TV live via the DStv Now application. These new bundles were cheap and were also tired to existing premium to Access subscribers at an affordable price. The customers will have to dial *165*82# for easy and quick subscription, with the new bundles priced at UGX 6,000 and UGX 12,000 for 2 hours and 4 hours respectively.
