The shift from terrestrial transmission to digital has seen an increase in the number of cable TV users in Nigeria. This has led to various cable TV providers offering different packages for Nigerians to access local and international channels. One such service provider is Startimes – which provides multiple subscription packages.
An Overview Of Startimes
StarTimes is a digital terrestrial television (DTT) network service that is an offshoot of Startimes Media – a Chinese company with a broad presence in West Africa. It was introduced to Nigeria by NTA Star TV Network Limited in 2010 with a DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast on Terrestrial) technology. But it has since upgraded its technology to DVB-T2.
Notably, Startimes is the primary competition for DSTV and GOtv in the Nigerian market, so the company constantly reviews its prices to ensure its stake in the market is not diminished. This cable TV provider offers different subscription packages – daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual. Each package comes with prices and benefits, allowing customers to choose the best fit their budget and viewing habits.
So let’s look at its packages and their respective prices.
Startimes Subscription Packages
1. Startimes Super Package (N5,300/Month)
The Startimes Super Package provides access to channels and content at relatively higher prices than other packages. This is a popular package with 107 channels, including local and international news, entertainment, documentary, and sports channels.
Some of the popular channels of the package are ST Nollywood, ST World Football, ST Sports Focus, ST Kung Fu, and ST Novela E Plus. As such, you can enjoy a wide range of content that meets your preferences and interests.
2. Startimes Classic Package (N3,100/Month)
The Startimes Classic Package can be described as the mid-tier option that offers a good balance between price and content. You can access 104 channels with this package, which provides content that includes sports, entertainment, news, etc.
This package provides a decent selection of channels at an affordable price. You can also pay for a longer duration at discounted prices on this package. For instance, you can subscribe to the Classic Package for three (3) months, six (6) months, or even a year. The longer you choose, the more money you save on your Classic Package.
3. Startimes Smart Package (N2,800/Month)
The Startimes Smart Package provides 88 channels across various genres, including sports, entertainment, news, movies, etc. This budget-friendly package allows access to channels like ST Nollywood Plus, ST Sports Focus, ST Novela E, AMC Series, etc.
This low-tier subscription package offers affordable access to diverse television channels and content.
4. Startimes Basic Package (N2,100/Month)
The Startimes Basic Package offers 83 channels that border local and international content. These include news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle channels. Therefore, it is a cost-effective package for users seeking a primary channel selection without draining their pockets.
Some popular channels on this package are AMC Series, E! Entertainment, Nickelodeon, STV, BBC, Al Jazeera, Startimes World Football, etc.
Furthermore, additional channels are available at an extra cost on the Basic Package. This enables you to tailor your viewing experience to a specific preference. Therefore, you can enjoy many unavailable channels on the regular Basic Package. The cost of adding these additional channels varies with the preferred channels. Hence, there is a need to check with Startimes for the most updated pricing information.
5. Startimes Nova Package (N1,200/Month)
The Startimes Nova Package is the cheapest option for Startimes subscribers. It provides primary access to different TV channels at a budget-friendly price. This package offers 49 channels, including sports, lifestyle, news, and entertainment.
Some popular channels on the Nova Package are AMC Series, Siilverbird, STV, NTA News 24, AIT, etc. Although no premium channels are on this package, it still provides some decent entertainment channels.
6. Startimes Chinese Package (N9,800/Month)
The Startimes Chinese Package is exclusively designed for people interested in Chinese content. You can access Chinese news, entertainment, documentaries, and movie channels.
This package provides 107 channels to enable subscribers to enjoy Chinese cultural programs, shows, and language learning content – making it ideal for people who want to explore the Chinese culture in Nigeria. You can choose a subscription duration that includes daily, weekly, and monthly to access this package.
How To Subscribe To Startimes
You can make your Startimes subscription by visiting the official Startimes website or its mobile app. Choose your preferred subscription package and make payment to access and enjoy all its exciting channels.
In addition, you can use other payment methods like online payments (bank transfers, mobile money, debit/credit cards), Startimes dealers, and Quickteller.
Conclusion
It is relatively affordable and flexible to use Startimes in Nigeria due to its wide range of subscription packages and budget-friendly prices. So, if you do not want to spend more on monthly cable TV subscriptions, you may consider Startimes.
However, staying up-to-date with Startime packages and prices is essential, as they can be subjected to changes over time.
