Top 5 things Canal+ must fix about DStv and GOtv now that it’s in charge

When French media giant Canal+ completed its R35 billion ($1.9 billion) takeover of MultiChoice in 2025, millions of DStv and GOtv users across Africa waited with bated breath. For years, the two platforms—under MultiChoice—dominated the pay-TV scene across sub-Saharan Africa, yet they became synonymous with rising prices, inconsistent services, poor customer support, and outdated packages.

Now that Canal+ is officially in charge, there’s hope for a new era—but that won’t happen unless critical issues are addressed. Here are the top 5 things Canal+ must fix about DStv and GOtv to regain trust and retain subscribers.

1. Pricing and Package Value Must Be Reworked

One of the loudest complaints from users over the past decade is that subscription prices keep climbing—yet content offerings either remain the same or shrink.

The Problem:

Many DStv and GOtv subscribers have accused the platforms of increasing prices without increasing value. In some countries, subscribers are paying over N30,000 (over $20) for the DStv Premium package monthly, yet they still endure long ad breaks, repetitive movies, and channels they never watch. GOtv, once seen as the more affordable alternative, has also seen major hikes.

What Canal+ Must Do:

• Introduce flexible payment plans, including weekly and daily subscription options.

• Create true a la carte offerings where users can pick and pay for only the channels they want.

• Offer loyalty discounts and better incentives for long-time subscribers.

  
  
  

If Canal+ wants to avoid the churn that hit Netflix and other streamers, it must make pricing competitive and transparent.

2. Improve Customer Service—Radically

Across forums, social media, and even the official MultiChoice help desk, thousands of frustrated users have described their experiences with DStv and GOtv customer service as a “nightmare.”

The Problem:

• Long call wait times.

• No feedback on complaints.

• Poor knowledge of product issues from customer service agents.

  
  
  

• Disconnected support between the website, WhatsApp, call centre, and physical offices.

In some cases, subscribers are left for weeks without service after a payment, with no one to escalate to.

What Canal+ Must Do:

• Launch a centralized 24/7 digital help centre with smart AI, human agents, and real-time updates.

• Set up dedicated country-specific hotlines with multilingual support for local markets.

  
  
  

• Create a customer resolution dashboard where users can track the progress of their issues.

Fixing customer service will go a long way in restoring subscriber confidence.

3. Decoder Technology and Signal Issues Need a Reboot

In 2025, satellite signal and decoder problems still plague thousands of homes despite the technological advancements available globally.

The Problem:

• Frequent signal loss during rain or cloudy weather.

• Decoder errors (E16, E32, etc.) that require manual reset or hours of waiting.

• Poor integration with smart TVs and modern viewing platforms.

Many users, especially in urban centres, are moving toward streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or even YouTube simply because they’re more convenient and offer fewer technical issues.

What Canal+ Must Do:

• Phase out outdated decoder models and subsidize smart decoders.

• Introduce hybrid streaming-satellite models that allow users to switch seamlessly between online and satellite.

• Invest in better satellite infrastructure and error management systems that auto-correct common decoder issues.

Bringing tech up to date is essential to compete in the 2025 media ecosystem.

4. Reduce Repetition and Diversify Content

Many subscribers complain that the same shows and movies are aired repeatedly across DStv and GOtv, sometimes across multiple channels on the same day.

The Problem:

The movie and general entertainment categories feel stale, and even when new content is added, it’s not always tailored to regional interests. While the SuperSport brand remains strong, it’s not enough to keep subscribers engaged year-round.

What Canal+ Must Do:

• Invest in fresh, original African content, especially youth-focused drama, reality shows, and documentaries.

• Expand channel partnerships to include premium global content not found on other platforms.

• Crowdsource ideas from subscribers on what content they want to see.

Canal+ is already known for its original productions in Europe and North Africa—it’s time to bring that innovation to the rest of the continent.

5. Rethink the Annual Price Hike Model

Subscribers have noticed a pattern: every year, like clockwork, DStv and GOtv raise prices—often without warning, and rarely with justification.

The Problem:

Rising inflation in African countries, rising unemployment, and currency devaluation make these annual increases difficult to accept. The perception is that MultiChoice was tone-deaf to local economic conditions. Canal+ has an opportunity to break this cycle.

What Canal+ Must Do:

• Freeze prices for at least one year while transitioning and gathering feedback.

• Tie any future increases to added value, such as new channels, better streaming integration, or improved tech.

• Communicate openly with users before any changes take place.

Rather than taking users by surprise, Canal+ must involve them in the process—and show empathy.

Time for a Real Reset

The Canal+ acquisition of MultiChoice represents more than a corporate reshuffle—it’s a chance to rewrite the playbook of satellite TV in Africa. Subscribers don’t just want change; they need it. From pricing to technology, customer service to content, the legacy issues of DStv and GOtv have reached a breaking point.

Now that Canal+ is at the helm, expectations are sky-high. Whether it succeeds will depend on how quickly—and how sincerely—it listens to its new African audience.