South African DStv subscribers are set to enjoy a wave of benefits, including free package upgrades, expanded streaming limits, cheaper decoders, and more content options, thanks to MultiChoice’s new Thol-iUpsize promotion.
The promotion automatically upgrades active decoder subscribers to a higher package at no additional cost:
- Compact Plus and Compact customers move up to Premium
- Family and Access customers are upgraded to Compact
This applies to existing users, new sign-ups, renewals, and annual payers, giving many households access to channels and shows previously out of reach.
Premium Subscribers Get More
Premium customers also benefit from:
- Increased simultaneous streams: from two to four
- Extra DStv Rewards points, redeemable for vouchers, discounted tickets, special events, and more
Until the end of 2025, Premium subscribers can share their subscription across six streams:
- Four via DStv Stream
- One via mobile
- One via the main decoder
This flexibility makes it easier for families and extended households to watch different content without conflicts.
DStv’s move follows backlash from its 2021 decision to limit accounts to one stream to curb piracy and password sharing. A paid “Extra Stream” option introduced in 2023 failed to satisfy customers. Earlier this year, MultiChoice reversed course, raising the limit to two streams for all packages. Unlike Netflix, DStv Stream and Showmax do not restrict usage to one household, making them more cost-effective for shared accounts.
Lower Decoder Prices
Decoder prices have been reduced, making it cheaper for new customers or those upgrading hardware. Combined with free upgrades and expanded streaming, the promotion delivers more value without price increases.
Strategic Shift After Canal+ Takeover
These changes come after French media giant Canal+ completed its largest acquisition ever, taking control of MultiChoice and its brands—DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv, and Showmax—which serve over 14 million customers across Africa.
Canal+ plans to launch a “super app” combining:
- Local African content
- Sports
- International movies and series
- Canal+’s extensive European library
Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, said the goal is to make content access simple and enjoyable, while David Mignot, head of Canal+ Africa, emphasized leveraging both companies’ strengths to create a larger, more competitive platform.
With the Thol-iUpsize promotion and a major restructuring underway, DStv subscribers are already seeing greater flexibility, richer content, and improved value.
