Five streaming platforms now compete with DStv Compact on price, new comparison shows
By Aboki Forex —
Streaming services are now competing directly with DStv Compact on price. A comparison based on a MyBroadband report shows that five international platforms together cost about ₦37,260 monthly, only around ₦1,350 more than DStv Compact's ₦35,910.
The comparison uses an indicative exchange rate of R1 = approximately ₦90. It comes as MultiChoice faces subscriber losses in Nigeria and other African markets.
MultiChoice loses subscribers as streaming grows
In the financial year ended March 31, 2025, MultiChoice reported a decline of 99,000 subscribers in its middle-market segment. Its mass-market tier lost 394,000 customers.
Broadband expansion is driving the change. Fibre-to-the-home, fixed 5G and LTE services have reached more neighbourhoods, while data providers now offer larger and more affordable packages. Streaming platforms have also introduced lower-cost plans and data-saving viewing options, attracting price-conscious consumers.
How the five services compare with DStv Compact
Disney+ Basic is scheduled to cost R49 from September 2026, which translates to approximately ₦4,410 per month. Amazon Prime Video costs R59, about ₦5,310. YouTube Premium costs R81.99, roughly ₦7,380. Netflix Basic costs R99, about ₦8,910. Apple TV+ costs R124.99, approximately ₦11,250.
Together, the five services total about ₦37,260 monthly. DStv Compact costs R399, which is approximately ₦35,910.
Streaming offers more control and features
Beyond price, streaming services give viewers control over what they watch and when they watch it. According to the MyBroadband report, Amazon Prime Video offers 4K streaming and multiple simultaneous streams on eligible plans. YouTube Premium removes advertisements and provides extra features. Disney+ is also expanding the capabilities of its entry-level offering.
The competition is also putting pressure on illegal streaming operations. South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority, through its Asset Forfeiture Unit, secured a preservation order from the Eastern Cape High Court freezing R6.2 million allegedly connected to a large-scale pirate live-streaming operation that distributed premium DStv and GOtv content without authorisation.
For Nigerian consumers, the comparison is significant. As internet access improves and streaming platforms tailor services to different budgets, households now have alternatives that are priced close to DStv Compact. The battle for African viewers is shifting from the decoder to smartphones, smart TVs and internet connections.