DStv to phase out 10 older decoder models by September 2027, no Nigerian deadline yet

DStv will phase out 10 older decoder models from January 1, 2027, and all affected devices will lose DStv channels by September 1, 2027. The pay-TV operator has not announced a Nigerian deadline for the replacement exercise.

MultiChoice says the affected decoders have become incompatible with its upgraded satellite technology. Some of the devices were discontinued more than two decades ago and can no longer support modern broadcasting requirements. The company says channels and features will disappear gradually, not all at once on January 1, 2027.

Models on the shutdown list

The 10 models scheduled for replacement are DSD1110, DSD1131, DSD1132, DSD720, DSD910, DSD933, DSD990, DV1 (Dual View 1), PVR3000 (PVR 1) and MCDSD. Affected subscribers are advised to replace their decoders early to avoid interruptions to sports, movies, entertainment and other programmes.

The announcement was communicated to affected customers in South Africa. DStv has not confirmed whether the same deadlines will apply to Nigerian subscribers. The broadcaster is upgrading its satellite broadcasting infrastructure to improve picture quality, reliability and service delivery.

South African upgrade offer

Subscribers can obtain compatible devices through authorised MultiChoice service centres, accredited installers and participating retailers. In South Africa, DStv has introduced a limited-time promotional offer that cuts the price of its HD Single View decoder from R460 to R199.

The broadcaster previously adjusted prices for its Model 10S decoder, which cost R499 without installation and R799 with installation in January 2026. The prices are in South African rand and should not be mistaken for Nigerian decoder prices.

What Nigerian subscribers should do

For Nigerian subscribers, the immediate concern is whether similar decoder upgrades will become necessary locally. Customers using older DStv devices should check their decoder model and contact MultiChoice Nigeria for confirmation before buying a replacement. No corresponding Nigerian replacement deadline has been announced.

The development comes as Canal+, MultiChoice's new owner, pursues a strategy to expand its subscriber base across Africa. The French media group plans to reduce entry costs through hardware subsidies, expand distribution networks and strengthen marketing.

DStv subscribers across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, are also set to gain access to a new international sporting event after Canal+ secured multi-territory broadcasting rights to the inaugural ICONS Cup South Africa, a golf tournament bringing together prominent athletes from different sporting disciplines.