MultiChoice has introduced a monthly trial promotion for its DStv platform, offering Select subscribers seven days of complimentary access to its newly created standalone Sports package. The trial program, which automatically applies to qualifying month-to-month account holders, serves as a test case that MultiChoice plans to expand across additional package tiers later this year depending on subscriber engagement.
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Under the promotion, month-to-month Select tier subscribers who settle their accounts in full and on time automatically unlock seven days of Sports tier access at the start of their billing cycle. The upgrade requires no manual sign-up, and account access automatically reverts to the standard Select package once the seven-day period concludes.
The initiative directly supports MultiChoice’s broader strategy under parent company Canal+ to boost average revenue per user (ARPU) by nudging subscribers toward higher-tier packages. By exposing value-conscious accounts to premium live sports coverage, the company aims to convert promotional viewers into permanent package upgrades.
The trial follows the major September 17 overhaul of DStv’s tier structure, the broadcaster’s largest line-up reorganisation in 15 years, which replaced legacy options with Starter, Select, Sports, Movies & Series, and Premium.
The dedicated Sports package features 17 channels broadcasting international football including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, alongside local Betway Premiership matches, international cricket, UFC, WWE, and domestic rugby. Because the entry-level Select tier already includes Betway Premiership coverage, the free weekly trial primarily grants subscribers access to international football, combat sports, and cricket.
The price gap between the two packages reflects the upsell target:
- Select Tier: Priced at R339 per month on traditional satellite and R299 per month on DStv Stream.
- Sports Tier: Priced at R479 per month on satellite and R399 per month on DStv Stream.
- Price Differential: Represents an upgrade margin of R140 per month for satellite subscribers and R100 per month for streaming customers.
While MultiChoice confirmed plans to roll out similar promotional mechanics to other subscription tiers if the trial proves successful, the company did not disclose specific evaluation metrics, overall eligible account volumes, or whether the seven-day trial will recur continuously across every future billing cycle.
“We told South Africans to expect more, and we meant it,” stated Willington Ngwepe, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice South Africa. “Our new packages were just the beginning. We’ll continue to find ways to give customers more value from their DStv subscriptions.”
