Pay TV subscriptions go up

By Billy Rwothungeyo

IF you subscribe to either DStv or GOtv, you will have to dig deeper into your pockets to watch your favorite show effective April 1.

MultiChoice Uganda has increased the monthly subscription fees for their digital satellite television service, DStv and digital terrestrial television service, GOtv.

Tina Wamala, explained that the pay television service provider is simply responding to the dynamics of the economy with the changes. 

“MultiChoice cost structure has, like any other business, various input costs, which include salaries, technical infrastructure costs, network maintenance costs, facility costs, marketing costs and channel costs,” she explained to the New Vision.

DSTV premium package rises to sh260,000 from sh241,000, while the Compact plus package is now at sh175,000 from sh155,000. DStv Access is now at sh32,000 from sh26,000.

GOtv subscription is up to sh20,000 from sh18,000 while GOtv Plus is at sh28,000 from sh25,500.

“In determining the price increase MultiChoice takes into account many factors including the impact on the subscriber, current inflation, and efficiencies effected within the company that may offset the necessity for a price increase. Unfortunately, it is necessary to implement a price increases on an annual basis due to rising costs to the business.”

It is not yet clear how competitors will react to this increment of subscriptions by the market leader. Simon Arinaitwe, a top manager at AZAM TV said they are not increasing their subscription fees this month.

Star times Marketing Manager Aldrine Nsubuga also said they are not increasing their subscriptions in April.