LOCAL DStv subscribers have accused service provider MultiChoice of using unorthodox means of squeezing more money from them through the introduction of DStv Box-office service in Zimbabwe which allows subscribers with DStv Explora and HD PVR decoders to rent blockbuster movies for 48 hours.
WINSTONE ANTONIO OWN CORRESPONDENT
Subscribers without DStv Explora and HD PVR decoders will, however, have to fork out more money to purchase the gadgets.
This is the first pay-per-view service available on the local market, although it has been available in other MultiChoice markets like South Africa and Nigeria.
Some local subscribers who spoke to NewsDay in a snap survey said DStv introduced the service as a way of marketing their Explora and HD PVR decoders. “This is daylight robbery by DStv as they are trying to make extra money through this service. After paying my subscription I would have to fork out some extra money if I am to access the service,” said Arial Dube of Warren Park.
Another subscriber, Nelvine Katsoka, of Hatfield said: “DStv was trying to market their expensive Explora and HD PVR decoders since one can only access the service on these two decoders.
“The introducing of DStv Box-office service in Zimbabwe is a marketing gimmick by MultiChoice so that they can sell their expensive HD PVR decoders which are only compactable with the service.”
Mavis Hapaori, however, welcomed the development which she said will allow her to watch the latest movies as soon as they are released.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Instead of waiting for DStv to show us new movies according to their programming, I am now able to choose what I want to watch for myself,” Hapaori said.
Subscribers have to register for the service online. They can log on to Internet from their mobile phones or laptops by typing a link- http://bo.dstv.com and options Registration and Rental will appear.
For registration the subscribers have to enter the first 10 digits of their smartcard then mobile number including the country code. Upon completing the process an SMS stating the successful registration process is received.
For renting a movie, upon selecting Rental, all the movies available will be displayed on the screen. Subscribers are then required to pay the $2.50 rentals through banks that accept DStv payments as well as via EcoCash and Telecash mobile money services.
Efforts to get a comment from MultiChoice publicist Elizabeth Dziva were fruitless as her mobile phone was not reachable and she had not responded to questions sent via email by the time of going to print.
