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Q: How can subscribers access the new channels?
Gelila: Customers have different options when
changing their equipment to receive [information]
from the new satellite. Subscribers who have the 1.8
metre dish have the option of only changing their
low noise block (LNB) and repositioning their dish
to the new satellite’s position. However, it is
mandatory that their smart card be changed to the
new Ku-Band smart card and that will be done for
them for free.
If their decoder is a MultiChoice decoder and is not
compatible with the W7 Satellite, then it will also
be changed for free. If subscribers choose to get
the smaller dish of 90cm, they have to buy a
complete 90cm dish set.
Following that, their smart card and MultiChoice
decoder will be changed for free if what they have
is not compatible with W7. The conversion will begin
this week, and all our DStv subscribers will have to
convert to the new satellite before the end of May
2010.
Q: There are locally produced programmes in some
countries that run on DStv but only within the
boundary of those specific countries. Will that be
applied in Ethiopia?
Gelila: MultiChoice’s experience in every African
country is unique. There has not been such a request
in Ethiopia’s scenario.
Q: Why do you not let subscribers pick their own
channels for each bouquet, instead of having them
pay for those already set by MultiChoice?
Gelila: The bouquets are structured in a way that
MultiChoice Africa believes will suit the different
viewing needs of a family or anyone interested in
getting different options.
Q: What is the ratio of subscribers on the basis of
packages you provide?
Gelila: Fifty five per cent of our subscribers have
the full and premium bouquets which carry all the
movies, entertainment, information, news and kids
channels.
Q: Many of the UEFA Champions League and English
Premier League matches are now being transmitted on
Ethiopian Television (ETV), meaning people can watch
the football games sitting in their homes rather
than paying extra to watch them at DStv subscriber
cafés or other places. This is affecting the sales
of those who run such businesses. What do you think
about this and the effect on your business?
Gelila: SuperSport screens more than 1,000 European
[UEFA] league games live through its many channels.
We still believe DStv carries an unparalleled number
of games compared to any other broadcaster. As a
result we are looking at a steady growth in the
number of subscribers.
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