Looking for an affordable alternative to DStv? StarSat has positioned itself as a budget-friendly satellite TV provider in South Africa, offering a range of packages that cater to different viewing preferences and budgets. With prices significantly lower than its competitors, StarSat is worth considering if you are looking to cut down on your monthly entertainment costs.
StarSat Packages, Channel List & Prices
StarSat Packages & Prices
StarSat offers six main packages, ranging from basic local channels to comprehensive international bouquets. The table below summarises the current pricing based on official ICASA data.
| Package | Monthly Price | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Package | R109 | 25 TV channels + 25 audio channels | Budget-conscious viewers wanting local & basic international content |
| Super Package | R209 | 80 TV channels + 25 audio channels | Families seeking diverse entertainment at the best value |
| Sports+ Package | R99 | Sports-dedicated channels | Sports enthusiasts |
| Chinese Package | R209 | 17 TV channels | Chinese-speaking viewers |
| Indian Package | R109 | 9 TV channels + 25 audio channels | Indian-speaking viewers |
| French Package | R129 | 9 TV channels + 25 audio channels | French-speaking viewers |
Source: ICASA Consumer Survey on Subscription TV Packages
It is worth noting that StarSat has previously frozen prices to help consumers manage rising living costs, demonstrating a commitment to affordability.
Channel Line-Up by Package
Special Package (R109/month) – 25 TV Channels
This entry-level package focuses on local South African content with some African and international additions.
Local South African Channels:
– SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3
– E-TV
– E-TV Extra
– Soweto TV
– Rising Sun TV
– Onse TV
– ST Rise
African & General Entertainment:
– African Movie Channel (AMC)
– Africa News
– ST Africa
– ST Eyethu
Children’s Channels:
– ST Kids
Faith Channels:
– ST Gospel
– GOD Channel
– EWTN
– TBN Yetu
News:
– BBC World News
– Al Jazeera
– Sky News
– Galaxy Universal Network
Language-Specific (depending on location):
– ST Yoruba
– ST Swahili
For Portuguese Speakers:
– RTP Internacional
Source: StarSat Official About Page
Super Package (R209/month) – 80 TV Channels
This is StarSat’s most popular package, offering exceptional value with over 80 TV channels and 25 audio channels. It includes everything in the Special Package plus the following premium additions:
New Additions to Super Package:
– CBS Reality (ch 170) – Featuring Judge Judy and Cheaters
– CBS Justice (ch 222) – True crime stories
– Kartoon Channel (ch 304) – For children aged 2 to 10, featuring Peppa Pig and Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten
– FilmBox Action (ch 140) – Action movies and series
Documentary & Learning:
– National Geographic (full channel)
– National Geographic Wild
Sports (Enhanced):
– ESPN
– ESPN 2
– Manchester United TV (ch 252)
– Real Madrid TV (ch 254)
– Additional StarSat sports channels
Telenovelas & Dramas:
– TLNovelas
– ST Nollywood Plus
Graduated Channels (moved from lower tiers):
– MSNBC (ch 263)
– Fashion TV Africa (ch 282)
Sports+ Package (R99/month)
This specialised package is perfect for sports fans who want access to premium sports content without paying for a full entertainment package. It includes dedicated sports channels with live events, analysis, and highlight shows.
Language Packages
StarSat stands out for its dedicated language-specific packages, catering to South Africa’s diverse population.
Chinese Package (R209/month): 17 TV channels featuring Chinese dramas, news, and entertainment.
Indian Package (R109/month): 9 TV channels plus 25 audio channels, including Bollywood movies, series, and devotional content.
French Package (R129/month): 9 TV channels plus 25 audio channels, featuring French-language programming from Africa and Europe.
Complete List of StarSat Channels (by Category)
Here is an expanded list of channels available across various StarSat packages, based on official StarSat and Wikipedia data.
StarSat Original Channels (ST)
| Channel Name | Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ST GUIDE ENGLISH | 99 | Electronic programme guide |
| ST MOVIES PLUS | 100 | Premium movie channel |
| ST MOVIES | 101 | General movies |
| ST NOLLYWOOD PLUS | 102 | Nollywood films & series |
| ST RISE | 120 | South African lifestyle & culture |
| ST ZONE | 129 | General entertainment |
| ST NOVELA E | 127 | Telenovelas |
| ST NOVELA E PLUS | 128 | Premium telenovelas |
| ST SINO DRAMA | 130 | Chinese dramas |
| ST KUNGFU | 155 | Martial arts movies & series |
| ST NOLLYWOOD | 131 | Nollywood content |
| ST REMBO PLUS | 166 | Premium African content |
| ST SPORTS FOCUS | 240 | Sports news & analysis |
| ST SPORTS ARENA | 241 | Live sports events |
| ST SPORTS LIFE | 243 | Sports lifestyle programming |
| ST SPORTS PREMIUM | 246 | Premium sports content |
| ST KIDS | 300 | Children’s programming |
| ST TOONS | 310 | Animated content |
| ST KIDS PLUS | 311 | Premium kids’ content |
| ST RNB | 321 | Rhythm & blues music |
| ST KASI MUSIC | 322 | Local South African music |
| ST NAIJA | 324 | Nigerian music & culture |
| ST GOSPEL | 360 | Gospel music & worship |
| ST SWAHILI | 400 | Swahili-language content |
| ST BONGO | 401 | Bongo Flava music & culture |
| ST SWAHILI PLUS | 402 | Premium Swahili content |
| ST DADIN KOWA | 404 | Hausa-language content |
| ST YORÙBÁ | 412 | Yoruba-language content |
| ST GANZA | 460 | African music & entertainment |
| ST REMBO | 484 | African movies |
| ST MAKULA | 492 | African content |
| ST MAKULA KIKA | 493 | African content |
| ST AM’MOBI | 527 | Mobile-focused content |
| ST AFRIK | 612 | Pan-African content |
| ST NOLLYWOOD F | 616 | French-language Nollywood |
| ST CHINESE HOMELAND | 800 | Chinese programming |
| ST MANIA | 957 | Entertainment |
International & Third-Party Channels
| Channel Name | Type | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| CBS Reality | Reality / Judge Judy | Super Package |
| CBS Justice | True Crime | Super Package |
| Kartoon Channel | Kids (2–10 years) | Super Package |
| FilmBox Action | Action Movies | Super Package |
| JimJam | Kids | Various packages |
| Toonami | Kids (Animated) | Various packages |
| ESPN | Sports | Super Package |
| ESPN 2 | Sports | Super Package |
| National Geographic | Documentary | Super Package |
| National Geographic Wild | Nature / Wildlife | Super Package |
| BBC World News | News | Special / Super |
| Sky News | News | Special / Super |
| Al Jazeera | News | Special / Super |
| MSNBC | News | Super Package |
| Fashion TV Africa | Lifestyle / Fashion | Super Package |
| TLNovelas | Telenovelas | Super Package |
| Manchester United TV | Sports | Super Package |
| Real Madrid TV | Sports | Super Package |
Why Choose StarSat Over DStv?
Price Comparison
The most compelling reason to choose StarSat is the cost savings. While DStv’s Premium package costs significantly more per month, StarSat’s top-tier Super Package is only R209 per month. This represents substantial monthly savings.
Language Packages
StarSat offers dedicated Chinese, Indian, and French packages, making it easier for non-English speakers to enjoy content in their mother tongue. DStv’s language offerings are more limited.
Flexibility
With six different packages to choose from, you can mix and match based on your actual viewing habits. If you only want sports, the Sports+ package gives you sports content without paying for entertainment channels.
Price Stability
StarSat has shown a commitment to affordability by freezing prices during tough economic times.
Technical Information
Satellite Details
– Satellite: SES 5 at 5.0°E orbital position
– Coverage: Sub-Saharan Africa
– Format: DVB-S2 MPEG-4 digital TV
– Encryption: Conax
Decoder Options
StarSat offers its own branded decoders, including the Sat3 decoder, which features:
– Full HD compatibility
– PVR recording capabilities
– Simple, user-friendly interface
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I subscribe to StarSat?
You can sign up through the official StarSat website (starsat.co.za) or by contacting an authorised StarSat dealer in your area.
Do I need a satellite dish?
Yes. StarSat requires a satellite dish aligned to the SES 5 satellite at 5°E. Installation can be arranged through StarSat for a minimal fee.
Are the prices inclusive of VAT?
Yes, all StarSat package prices include VAT.
Can I upgrade my package?
Yes, you can upgrade your package at any time. StarSat has promotional offers where existing Special Package subscribers who upgrade to Super Package receive bonus access.
Does StarSat offer a decoder with PVR functionality?
Yes, the Sat3 decoder includes PVR recording capabilities.
What is the difference between StarSat and TopTV?
StarSat was previously known as TopTV until rebranding following investment from Chinese company StarTimes.
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Conclusion
StarSat presents a compelling alternative to DStv for South African viewers who want quality entertainment without breaking the bank. With packages starting as low as R109 per month and a comprehensive Super Package at just R209 per month, it offers exceptional value for money.
The availability of dedicated language packages—Chinese, Indian, and French—makes StarSat particularly appealing to South Africa’s diverse population. Add in the channel additions like CBS Reality, CBS Justice, and FilmBox Action, and you have a service that competes strongly on content as well as price.
Whether you are a budget-conscious viewer, a sports fanatic, or someone who wants entertainment in your home language, StarSat likely has a package that fits your needs.