Outrage over DStv SA accounts

MultiChoice Zimbabwe's clampdown on unregistered DStv agents facilitating subscription to South African accounts for locals has sparked outrage among subscribers, citing the service provider's unappealing and expensive packages.

MultiChoice Zimbabwe's customer base has in the recent past plumetted as locals opt for South African accounts which offer more channels at a lesser cost.

Investigations carried out by The Standard Style proved that the crackdown might be an arduous task for MultiChoice Zimbabwe given that most "fake DStv agents" are operational despite threats by the service provider.

"Of course we are still operating and we will not stop anytime soon," said one of the agents who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Viewers on the other hand expressed disgruntlement over the move, saying they have the right to choose who they subscribe to.

"Paying in South Africa is cheaper than this side so I feel it is unfair to stop us from accessing South African channels which are cheaper," said a woman who preferred to be called Lizzie, adding that some even bypass the agents and pay directly to MultiChoice South Africa.

Matthew Chirambamhanda said local DStv charges were exorbitant compared to other Sadc countries.

"That is not fair. I feel that Multichoice Zimbabwe must revise their subscriptions or rearrange their packages because the reason why people resort to subscribing across the border is because we are getting value for our hard earned money," he said.

He also opined that the agents were not the problem, but the absence of eye-catching channels similar to the ones offered by Multichoice South Africa at seemingly affordable prices.

"If I enter into a contract with MultiChoice South Africa by buying my decoder and registering it there, then pay my subscriptions from here, tell me where MultiChoice Zimbabwe comes in," he quizzed.

In a statement released recently, MultiChoice Zimbabwe threatened to put a leash on bogus agents dotted all over the country's major cities and towns.

"In terms of international copyright laws, MultiChoice South Africa can only provide its services to people resident in South Africa due to channels being authorised for reception in South Africa only.

"All operators providing DStv connections and support services in Zimbabwe are bound by the law to ensure that DStv services in Zimbabwe are those that are legitimately provided for this country, and they may not connect Zimbabweans to DStv services in South Africa," read part of the statement.

Efforts to get a comment from MultiChoice South Africa yielded no results but investigations proved that they have recorded more subscribers in the past year.