Last night for some unknown reason out television streaming service disappeared and after a quick search on Google there was no announcements. What I did find was a story with the same service provider having technical issues in Kenya.
The problem is this problem is widespread and not just a Kenya problem and is far bigger than a software update fix. The problem arose when DSTV did an upgrade to their system that then blocked everyone using the DSTV streaming app. DSTV has been in decline for years and was recently taken over by the French media giant Canal Plus in a $3 billion deal. The upgrade was meant to bring new users across from another service supplier Canal had bought and shut down, but in the process shut everyone down including myself.
The easy fix is not easy as the DSTV log on does no longer work and cannot connect to the website or server at this time. Africa being a football loving continent two weeks out from the World Cup must be in panic mode.
This afternoon knowing the Monaco qualifying was happening for the Formula One Grand Prix tomorrow I thought I best make use of my tv box which was a Christmas present from the family.
Not to worry I clicked on HD Streamz and selected Sport in the UK and had 20 sports channels available. Sky Sports F1 popped up and I was sorted. I have now been watching all the URC rugby matches and now the French Top 14. If truth be told there is actually too many sporting options and if you want to watch a certain event you just need to know the time of the event.
The DSTV stream is only great for the English Premier League which covers every single game live otherwise it is not worth the monthly cost. The TV Box I have installed is a once off purchase with no monthly payments for what it offers is unmatched.
I do not watch much television besides sports yet at my finger tips I have every film ever released in various categories including films currently in the cinemas. All the series ever produced including the latest episodes updated daily so there is way too much with the biggest problem of not knowing what is good or bad.
I am sure the DSTV stream will be up and working next week but what irritates me more than anything is the denial they have a problem. An announcement letting their customers know they are having difficulties is not that difficult as we know any type of communication helps. Telling everyone there is no problem when they know they have a problem is the problem and why the company is losing customers to other service providers.
Canal Plus were crazy to buy out DSTV because it has been on a decline for the last 3 years and this year will see the same trend. Last year saw a decline of 589K subscribers and the only reason for the growth prior to 2023 was expanding the service throughout Africa. The figures peaking at 17.3 million subscribers is not a realistic number especially with the extra competition launching in this sector since then. A decline of 9% year on year is where they find themselves and you have to ask how they can turn this around. People cannot justify the costs in todays economy and why people like myself find an alternative solution.
