MultiChoice’s on-demand video streaming service, Showmax, has changed where it can be used.
As of December 1, 2023, it will no longer be available in areas outside Africa. This choice was made because of what the company calls a “strategic decision” to focus only on the African market and serve its growing customer base there.
The video streaming service said, “As of December 1, we will only be available in African markets.” The new rule will occur at midnight on November 30, 2023.
Before this statement, people outside of Africa could use the current version of the streaming service. People in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and North America have been able to use the service since December 2015. This lets South Africans living outside South Africa and travelers watch exclusive material, like Showmax Originals and many South African shows on DStv channels like Mzansi Magic and KykNET.
Read also: Mauritius’ MultiChoice unveils DStv Stream with Telecom
Currently, MultiChoice is getting ready to launch a new version of Showmax that will use technology from NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming app. “Showmax 2.0” is a project that came about because of a big deal with NBCUniversal, an American media and entertainment company. As part of this deal, NBCUniversal will buy a 30% share in a new Showmax group called EarthCo. MultiChoice will still own 70% of the new group.
MultiChoice has said that the new service will combine the company’s growing investments in local content with a large pool of licensed international material from NBCUniversal and Sky.
Multichoice adds, “This will be complemented by third-party content from HBO, Warner Brothers International, Sony, and others, as well as live English Premier League football”.
Another FAQ section stated that the streaming service’s new platform would only be available in 44 sub-Saharan African nations and launch by March 2024.
Partially available MultiChoice content outside Showmax
The streaming service subordinate revealed that while most of its original material is specialised for its platform, some co-productions and original programming will be available on worldwide entertainment platforms. This gives expats and international MultiChoice lovers optimism that they can still enjoy some of its content elsewhere.
The business said demand for its African content has increased, with MultiChoice Studios’ overseas sales growing 38% in the 2023 financial year.
Through our cooperation with NBCUniversal Formats, our African Real Housewives editions have sold well. The streaming service stated that it will continue to engage with worldwide distribution partners to reach the most significant international audience.
Multichoice DSTV Stream is now available to subscribers on two devices
Shutdown of Showmax issue
The video streaming service initially announced a December shutdown for overseas subscribers, but recent rumors suggest otherwise. Egypt Koketso (@mamiperez_) claimed to have been shut off from the service for days before the deadline.
Koketso said that Showmax had “canceled all accounts outside Africa,” preventing her from using the service in her nation. She posted a screenshot of a conversation with her mother showing Showmax’s error notice confirming its regional discontinuation.
Interestingly, Koketso’s Twitter page displayed both the South African and Mauritius flags. Mauritius may not be among the 44 countries where Showmax will launch.
According to the video streaming service website, “There are a few African countries that will not have access to Showmax at launch, but details will become available soon.”
Following her November subscription payment, Koketso expressed her anxiety. Showmax previously told auto-renewal subscribers they would not be charged beyond October 30, 2023, and may continue using the service until their subscription expires.
A Showmax spokesman denied premature customer disconnection and advised people with service access concerns to contact support@showmax.com for investigation and solutions.