SOUTH AFRICA - DSTV PRICE HIKE PUTS MONTHLY COST CLOSE TO R800 PER MONTH

MultiChoice has responded to criticism over its DStv price hike by pointing to research which shows its bundle fees are on par with international paid TV packages.

The company responded to questions posed by Eyewitness News following a social media outcry over its DStv price increase, which is due to kick in next month.

The increase is between eight and 10 percent and will see premium customers pay almost R800 month.

In a statement, MultiChoice says it understands the increase is a sensitive issue and will hit customers where it hurts the most, in their pockets.

“We’ve looked at all factors and only adjusted prices where it’s unavoidable. Not DStv packages have been increased – we’ve left the DStv Access package on last year’s fees and we reduced the DStv EasyView package by 25 percent.”

The company says it’s too early to say whether some customers are going to deliver on their promise to cancel their subscriptions.

But it is adamant that its research has shown that the prices it will now charge are competitive, compared to those being charged overseas.

“We believe we provide great entertainment for the whole family at affordable prices and our offering compares favourably with other entertainment options. We’ve done a lot of research into what pay TV costs in other parts of the world, and we believe that DStv is still one of the most affordable services you can get.”

MultiChoice also says it’s done everything possible to keep prices as manageable as possible.

Dstv subscribers took to social media this week to vent about the increase with some demanding better programming.