DStv Revamps Streaming Offerings: Introducing Two Streams at a Price

In response to shifting consumer preferences and the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, DStv has taken a strategic step to cater to its evolving customer base. Following the implementation of a single stream limit last year, DStv has now reintroduced the option for subscribers to live-stream on two devices at the same time, albeit with some restrictions and a cost.

The new service, dubbed “Extra Mobile Stream,” costs R199 per month for DStv Premium package subscribers. However, new streaming-only subscribers on DStv Stream packages (rather than satellite) can get a R100 discount. While this may appear to be a positive step for users who previously felt constrained by the single-stream limit, there are some caveats to consider.

For starters, the additional stream is only available on mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This feature will not be available on traditional TV sets or devices such as Apple TV. This restriction could be viewed as a compromise to prevent abuse of shared accounts, which was common among DStv subscribers in the past, but it also limits overall flexibility for some users.

The following is the pricing structure for the ‘Extra Mobile Stream’ across various DStv packages:

R199 for Premium (R100 for new Stream customers)

R149 for Compact Plus (R110 for new Stream customers).

R99 for Compact (R80 for new Stream customers)

R79 per person (R50 for new Stream customers)

R49 for access (R30 for new Stream customers)

According to the pricing details, DStv recognises that some premium customers who have switched to competing streaming services are unlikely to return. This offering enables DStv to maintain higher revenue per user at the high end while potentially reducing customer churn. For example, parents may be more likely to keep their DStv subscription if they add an Extra Mobile Stream for their university-student child.

The top-tier DStv Premium Stream package now costs R799 per month for new subscribers, up from R699 previously. While this is relatively close to the R879 per month fee for the standard decoder-based package, it’s important to note that the latter excludes the R115 PVR access fee, making the total subscription cost R994.

Furthermore, DStv has launched a streaming-only package for its entry-level package, EasyView, starting at R29 per month. However, this basic package only supports a single stream, limiting its appeal to multi-viewer households. Existing DStv Stream customers can opt to add the additional stream at the full price, aligning their streaming-only packages with the satellite offerings that allow for both a main decoder feed and a secondary streaming option with a single simultaneous stream.

Customers who were dissatisfied with the previous year’s single-stream restriction may find some relief with this recent change. The restriction was initially intended to prevent password sharing and piracy, but it drew criticism from subscribers who paid high monthly fees.

While the ability to share DStv Stream accounts remains, the aggressive limit on simultaneous streams has significantly reduced its utility. Sharing an account now allows two parties to use it concurrently, with one party watching on their decoder and the other using the stream. DStv has acknowledged this issue and is actively working on a solution to allow for more streams per subscription.

However, due to the limitations of its technology stack in comparison to streaming giants like Netflix, DStv faces challenges in implementing such changes. The latter has sophisticated tools for tracking and managing user accounts, including the use of IP address tracking to identify users in the same household and thus prevent unauthorised password sharing. As a result of successful trials in specific markets, Netflix intends to further restrict password sharing across all of its global operations.

While DStv did not reveal the exact number of streaming-only subscribers, it did reveal that this base tripled between March 2022 and March 2023, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences. In addition, the number of DStv Internet customers has increased by 447% during the same time period. DStv has also expanded its streaming-only packages to markets other than South Africa, such as Angola, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, with plans to expand the service to other African countries.

Finally, DStv’s decision to allow for two simultaneous streams in its streaming packages reflects an effort to adapt to changing market dynamics. While the change may appeal to some subscribers, it does come at a higher cost and with restrictions on device usage. DStv will need to strike a balance between meeting customer demands and protecting its business interests as the streaming landscape evolves.