MultiChoice Malawi’s best kept secret is finally out. Wednesday evening, the digital satellite provider launched Gotv, which MultiChoice Malawi representatives say is an affordable digital television service.
Launched in the backdrop of a dramatic presentation by Nanzikambe Arts Group of a traditional setting in which indunas (chief’s counsels) were complaining about lack of a television service, the unveiling of the new package was followed by traditional and urbanised dances to show the extent of its penetration.
“It’s for everyone, everywhere,” said MultiChoice Malawi marketing and sales manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda.
Currently, the television service is available only to residents of Blantyre and those within a 100 km radius in the commercial city.
With Malawi planning to migrate to digital television soon, Multichoice Malawi is moving a pace ahead since GOtv is beamed over the digital television.
At the launch, a video featuring top music personalities such as Lucius Banda, Wendy, Lulu, Piksy, Maskal and Armstrong shot in locations such as Chilobwe were shown to be used as a marketing package for GOtv.
The package is already making inroads in many African countries.
Nyirenda said GOtv is selling at K36 500 for a full package inclusive of decoder, and three months subscription for GOtv plus.
Those on GOtv will be able to access DStv channels such as Africa Magic, Africa Magic Movies, Blackbelt tv, Disney Junior, CNN, Supersport Blitz, Select Sports, Discovery World, NatGeo Wild and Channel O. The other added channel is BET which is not available on DStv.
Nyirenda revealed that all 32 games of the Africa Cup of Nations will be beamed on GOtv.
Because the digital signal is compressed and takes up a lot less space than analogue, it means viewers will receive more TV channels. DTT transition makes it possible to offer up to 21 digital channels using the same amount of frequency that would only offer analogue channel.
