When Showmax announced that all that content was headed for DStv after its shutdown in April, we and a bunch of others weren’t all that impressed. DStv isn’t cheap, whereas Showmax, by comparison, is relatively affordable. In a bid to keep some customers around, MultiChoice has offered Showmax subscribers free access to DStv.
Free DStv now, R100/m later
That’s not an April Fool’s joke, either. Showmax makes that point pretty clear in emails sent out to subscribers today. It’s all real, with all Showmax subscribers getting access to DStv Stream Compact until the end of May. Whatever your feelings about Showmax’s departure, it’s difficult to complain, especially with sports channels.
Showmax reckons a Compact package is all you need for the Showmax experience on DStv. And if you like it enough to stick around? Then you can, at a massively reduced rate of R100/m. That’s about as much as Showmax would charge for full access to its library, barring any live sports action. Subscribers without Showmax at their back would usually be charged R300/m for the Stream Compact bundle. That’s a decent saving of 67%.
There is a catch. Or two.
First? That deal is only applicable for DStv Stream Compact, not the broadcaster’s satellite package. That’s fine by us, especially considering Showmax was a streamer at heart. Secondly, that R100/m offering won’t last forever. It’s a year-long deal that’ll end in 2027. MultiChoice obviously hopes to entice new customers for the long haul.
It might just work, although it may not get the traction that MultiChoice is hoping for. It’s an entirely opt-in service, meaning those customers who don’t check their emails might miss out on the deal for good. “Customers who wish to continue watching will need to follow the simple sign-up process for
“Customers who choose not to move to DStv Stream may request a refund for any unused portion of their Showmax subscription, subject to standard terms and conditions. Autopayments to Showmax will stop automatically once the service is discontinued.
It’s worth noting that the deal is only available to active Showmax subscribers without an active DStv subscription. In other words, those who didn’t immediately flee at the first warning light. Other than that, you’re all good. Showmax will continue to operate business-as-usual until its shutdown on 30 April 2026.
