MultiChoice to remove five channels from DStv Add Indian package

MultiChoice will remove five channels from DStv's optional Add Indian package with effect from October 31, 2026, cutting the add-on from eight channels to three.

The broadcaster notified affected subscribers in an email dated September 30, saying the decision was aimed at simplifying the viewing experience. The channels going are SET Asia, Zee TV, SET Max, Zee Cinema and WION.

The channels going and what stays

Subscribers will lose SET Asia on channel 450, Zee TV on channel 452, SET Max on channel 457, Zee Cinema on channel 460 and WION on channel 461 at the end of October.

The Add Indian package will retain three channels: Star Plus on channel 453, Star Vijay on channel 455 and Colours TV on channel 456. MultiChoice said the package will remain available and that customers will continue to enjoy Indian entertainment through the remaining channels.

The company also told subscribers that the revised lineup will be easier to navigate and offer a better viewing experience.

Why the lineup is being trimmed

MultiChoice explained the thinking behind the cut in its message to customers: “We are refining the DStv channel lineup to better match how our customers watch and enjoy content. Rather than spreading similar content across many channels, we're focusing on fewer, stronger channels to create a simpler viewing experience.”

On the separate Add Movies package, the company said movie lovers will continue to access Hollywood films on M-Movies+ and M-Movies Stars.

Price cut still unconfirmed

MultiChoice has not confirmed whether the monthly fee for the Add Indian package will change now that five channels are being removed. It said a reduced-price offer is in the works and that more information would be provided soon, leaving subscribers waiting to hear how much the smaller package will cost.

The proposed price reduction comes as the broadcaster keeps adjusting its subscription offerings to reflect changing viewing habits and customer preferences.

DStv introduced its Indian television offering in 2001 and has restructured and rebranded the package several times since. In 2015, MultiChoice combined its North Indian and South Indian packages into a single Indian package, which customers could also take as an add-on for an extra monthly fee.

Separately, MultiChoice Group has confirmed that 11 popular channels could be removed from DStv by December 31, 2025 if it fails to reach a deal with Warner Bros. The channels listed as under threat are Discovery Channel, TLC Africa, Discovery Family, Real Time, TNT Africa, Food Network, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery (ID), Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN International.

For Nigerian subscribers on the Add Indian add-on, the immediate effect is a smaller bouquet from November 2026, with the benefit of a cheaper rate still to be confirmed by MultiChoice.