In a nostalgic move to win back viewers, MultiChoice is reviving one of South Africa’s most memorable television moments — DStv Open Time. The promotion marks 30 years since DStv first launched in 1995 and comes as the broadcaster introduces major decoder price cuts and expanded customer perks.
From 7 to 9 November 2025, all active DStv satellite subscribers will enjoy full Premium access at no additional cost. The event will feature every sports, movie, and entertainment channel available on the platform. It’s a limited-time opportunity that mirrors the iconic Open Time era, when South Africans could sample pay TV before subscribing.
A Nostalgic Comeback for DStv
The Open Time weekend aligns with a packed sports calendar, including the Springboks’ clash with France, Manchester City vs Liverpool, and the Brazilian Grand Prix — making it the perfect time to draw in fans.
MultiChoice has also confirmed that familiar TV personalities such as Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott, and Doreen Morris will feature in the campaign, reuniting faces that long-time viewers remember from the early M-Net days.
“When DStv launched in 1995, Open Time gave South Africans their first taste of subscription television,” said Byron du Plessis, CEO for South African Pay TV at MultiChoice. “Bringing it back is a nod to that legacy – and part of our strategy to make entertainment more accessible.”
Price Cuts and New Rewards
In celebration of its anniversary, decoder prices will drop from 1 November 2025 — by 30% in retail stores and over 40% through the online DStv Store. The move follows Groupe Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice Group, which concluded a few weeks ago. The French media giant is now steering a renewed strategy to re-energise the brand and expand its audience.
Premium customers will also enjoy two extra device streams for November and December, a concierge support service, and exclusive rewards like BoxOffice movie rentals, event access, and travel prizes linked to top sporting events.
The Open Time promotion, however, applies only to decoder users — streaming subscribers are excluded. Still, all DStv customers can join the upgraded DStv Rewards programme for additional benefits.
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