DStv defends high bouquet prices

Multichoice Zimbabwe says criticism of prices of its DStv bouquets is unjustified as they are among the cheapest in Africa.

The digital satellite television company says the cost of DStv bouquets in each of the various countries depends on market conditions and other factors specific to each of the countries.

"Each country operates as a separate business, with local shareholders, agents or franchises and differing cost and tax structures," read part of the statement from Liz Dziva, the company's public relations and publicity manager.

"This is similar to other products sold internationally by multinational companies, with price and product offerings being country-specific and which vary according to the market conditions in that country."

The MultiChoice Zimbabwe spokesperson was, however, unprepared to divulge the taxes her company pays in Zimbabwe that impact on the prices of DStv bouquets.

"Skynet (Pvt) Ltd, which trades as MultiChoice Zimbabwe, is a registered, legitimate business that pays all the required taxes in Zimbabwe. We do not provide this information (on taxes)," said Dziva.

According to a table of four countries provided by Multichoice, Zimbabwe's Premium Bouquet at $77 is cheaper than that of Ghana ($78,75) Zambia ($81,49) and Kenya ($82,76).

Zimbabwe's family bouquet is priced at $20 against that of Ghana ($19,17), Kenya ($19,24) and Zambia ($20,12).

According to the same table made available by Multichoice Zimbabwe, the local Access Bouquet is pegged at $10 while Ghana is priced at $9,58, Kenya ($9,62) and Zambia ($10,60).

At $31, Zimbabwe's Compact Bouquet is 22 cents dearer than the price on offer in Kenya but cheaper than in Zambia ($31,19) and Ghana ($31,67).

The Compact Plus Bouquet in Zimbabwe costs $51 which is a dollar more than the price available in Kenya and Ghana but cheaper than Zambia ($52,32).

While the prices of Zimbabwe's bouquets compare favourably with most African countries, they are considerably higher than those in South Africa and Botswana. The price table availed by

Multichoice Zimbabwe did not include the two southern African countries but an analysis of a similar table recently generated by technology website Techzim shows that Botswana offered cheaper bouquets.

According to Techzim, the Access Bouquet costs $10 in Zim, Botswana ($8,92) and South Africa ($9,29).

The Techzim table also shows that the Family Bouquet costs $20 in Zimbabwe, Botswana ($15,61) and South Africa ($16,43).

The technology website also states that the Compact Bouquet costs $31 in Zimbabwe, Botswana ($25,64) and South Africa ($25,81).

Techzim further shows that the Compact Bouquet costs $51 which is about $10 more than in Botswana.