Residents of Africa are spoilt for choice of satellite broadcast services. Paid and free services abound. While DStv is the 900-billion satellite broadcast gorilla, free satellite services are gaining root in Africa. Considering Africa is the 2nd largest continent in the world, the geography varies wildly with the service available in each location being very diverse.

Regional Coverage

North Africa

Proximity to the Middle East means most Middle Eastern satellite broadcast services are available. DStv doesn’t have much presence; Arab services dominate.

West Africa

Home to Nigeria, the market is dynamic and diverse. French companies dominate francophone countries while DStv and Multi TV hold sway in anglophone countries.

East Africa

The cradle of humankind, this region holds its own with local content variety.

Southern Africa

South Africa dominates, being home of DStv. OpenView offers free-to-watch service, plus many independent channels.

Satellites

Geostationary satellites hover at 36,000km above sea level. Key satellites serving Africa include:

EutelSat W7 at 36°E – DStv and a few FTA TV channels
EutelSat W4 at 36°E – some FTA channels
Astra 2B – Multi TV, Infinity TV, GTV, CRTV
NileSat1 & NileSat2 – most Arab-related TV channels targeted at the Middle East