{"id":18155,"date":"2025-12-22T15:34:17","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T13:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=18155"},"modified":"2025-12-22T15:34:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T13:34:17","slug":"multichoice-cuts-dstv-prices-and-revives-open-time-viewing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/multichoice-cuts-dstv-prices-and-revives-open-time-viewing\/","title":{"rendered":"MultiChoice Cuts DStv Prices and Revives ‘Open Time’ Viewing."},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

MultiChoice <\/strong>is reviving one of South Africa’s cherished television customs \u2013 \u201cOpen Time\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 as it commemorates 30 years since DStv\u2019s<\/a> introduction in 1995<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This exclusive event will take place for one weekend only, from 7 to 9 November 2025<\/strong>, allowing all active DStv satellite subscribers<\/strong> to enjoy complimentary access to the complete DStv Premium bouquet<\/strong>, which includes elite sports, blockbuster films, and international entertainment networks.<\/p>\n

This promotional offer channels the spirit of the beloved \u201cOpen Time\u201d period of the 1990s, offering South Africans a chance to experience M-Net\u2019s exclusive content at no cost on Sunday nights.<\/p>\n

A nostalgic return with a modern twist<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cWhen DStv kicked off in 1995, Open Time provided South Africans their initial exposure to subscription television,\u201d remarked Byron du Plessis<\/strong>, CEO of South African Pay TV at MultiChoice.<\/p>\n

\u201cReintroducing it pays homage to that heritage \u2013 and it’s part of our strategy to enhance entertainment accessibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

To further evoke nostalgia, recognizable personalities from DStv\u2019s earlier days<\/strong> \u2013 such as Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott, and Doreen Morris<\/strong> \u2013 will be involved in the campaign.<\/p>\n

A blockbuster weekend lineup<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Open Time weekend will align with an extensive sports lineup, featuring:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The Springboks vs France<\/strong> Test<\/li>\n
  • The Manchester City vs Liverpool<\/strong> Premier League encounter<\/li>\n
  • The Brazilian Grand Prix<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    MultiChoice aims for this free-access initiative to motivate more subscribers to upgrade to Premium while reconnecting with long-time customers.<\/p>\n

    Decoder price cuts and new perks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Alongside Open Time, MultiChoice is reducing decoder prices<\/strong> starting from 1 November<\/strong> \u2013 by 30% in retail outlets<\/strong> and over 40% in its new online DStv Store<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    New users will have the chance to purchase a standalone HD decoder for R300 (or R700 with installation) via MultiChoice\u2019s online shop.<\/p>\n

    Premium subscribers will also benefit from two additional device streams<\/strong> throughout November and December<\/strong>, along with:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Concierge customer assistance<\/li>\n
    • Broadened rewards such as BoxOffice credits, travel prizes, and access to exclusive live experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Canal+ influence and the road ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      The relaunch comes in the wake of French broadcaster Canal+\u2019s recent takeover of MultiChoice Group<\/strong>, which has already instigated leadership transitions and renewed emphasis on innovation and market expansion.<\/p>\n

      While the Open Time event is exclusive to decoder users \u2013 streaming-only subscribers won\u2019t enjoy free Premium access \u2013 all DStv clients can still participate in anniversary reward promotions.<\/p>\n

      MultiChoice emphasizes that the campaign celebrates DStv\u2019s history while signaling its transformation as it adapts to evolving viewing preferences in the streaming landscape.<\/p>\n

      \u201cWe\u2019re honoring our origins \u2013 but we\u2019re also indicating that DStv is progressing for the future,\u201d Du Plessis added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n