Black subscribers will now be able to choose which content they prefer, and pay a monthly rate according to their personal taste in TV. The lineup now includes either Black TV with local content for R69, or Black TV Premium with a combination of local and international programming for R99.
“In our efforts to create a seamless user experience for our subscribers, it was very important to consider our package structure”, says Precious Nkabinde, Black’s PR Manager. “Furthermore, in an ever-changing economy we are particularly committed to providing affordable entertainment for the whole family and you will see this through the significant reduction in subscription fees.”
To be fair, Black’s previous subscription packages were very confusing. The change seems to clear things up. A bit.
Betting on Black?
Black now offers two main packages: Black TV Access (R69 per month) and Black TV Premium (R99 per month). TV Access watchers will have the option to pay daily, weekly or monthly rates, while TV Premium users only have the monthly option. Along with the Black TV subscriptions, viewers can opt in to a Fox+ and National Geographic+ subscription for R69 on top of the R69 for the base sub. The cool thing is that users can have the Fox/NatGeo package as a separate deal, without springing for a standard Black TV subscription.
This doesn’t sound any less complex, but hey! At least there aren’t five different packages to choose from, of which the most expensive one is (or was) R450 per month (wowser). Black says that current subscribers are going to be migrated to the new packages. Those who scooped Cell C’s Black Friday special will see their purchase honoured: That 12 months of access won’t be changing.
Viewers will still be able to rent movies through the app from R25 per movie (still cheaper than Ster Kinekor if you microwave your own popcorn). The service includes at least some of the latest blockbusters.
Current subscribers will undergo a migration process at the end of this week. The Black website seems to be down at time of writing, but any queries about migration can be sent Cell C’s way via phone calls to 084 142 5225.