DStv vs GOtv vs Startimes: prices compared
Every main bouquet of the three Nigerian cable TV providers, side by side at today's official prices. The cheapest way to watch right now is Startimes Nova (Dish) - 700 Naira - 1 Week at ₦700. Renew any decoder on Nata in minutes for the official price plus a flat ₦100 fee.
Prices checked 25 October 2026, 8:20pm (Lagos time)
| Provider | Cheapest bouquet | Mid-range | Top bouquet | Bouquets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DStv | DStv Great Wall Standalone Bouquet ₦3,800 | DStv Indian ₦14,900 | DStv Premium ₦44,500 | 8 |
| GOtv | GOtv Smallie - monthly ₦1,900 | GOtv Max ₦8,500 | GOtv Supa Plus - monthly ₦16,800 | 8 |
| Startimes | Nova (Dish) - 700 Naira - 1 Week ₦700 | Startimes SHS - 4,900 Naira - Weekly ₦4,900 | Startimes SHS - 39,000 Naira - Monthly ₦39,000 | 28 |
Official bouquet prices. On Nata you pay the bouquet price plus ₦100. Full lists: DStv packages, GOtv packages, Startimes packages.
- Service charge
- ₦100 flat
- Activation
- Within minutes
- Providers
- DStv, GOtv, Startimes
- Pay with
- Nata wallet balance
- Failed renewal
- Auto-refund to wallet
How to renew your TV subscription on Nata in 3 steps
- Pick the provider and enter your decoder number. DStv uses a smartcard number, GOtv and Startimes use an IUC / smartcard number printed on the decoder or shown on screen. Nata checks it and shows the registered name so you know it is the right box.
- Choose a bouquet. Every current package is listed with its official price. Add-ons such as Showmax, French or HD PVR are in their own table on each provider page.
- Pay from your wallet. You pay the bouquet price plus ₦100. The subscription is activated within minutes and the receipt is in your transaction history.
Which should I pick: DStv, GOtv or Startimes?
DStv and GOtv are both run by MultiChoice. DStv is the premium line: the most channels, HD on the higher bouquets, the full SuperSport football rights and the Showmax bundle. GOtv is the budget line on a separate, cheaper decoder with a smaller channel list and only a few sports channels. Startimes is the independent competitor; its entry bouquets are typically priced below the GOtv equivalents and it sells daily and weekly bundles, which is useful if you only watch at weekends or during a tournament.
In practice the decoder you already own makes the choice. A DStv smartcard only takes DStv bouquets, a GOtv IUC only takes GOtv packages, and a Startimes decoder only takes Startimes. If you are buying a decoder fresh, start from what you watch: live Premier League and Champions League on more than one channel points to DStv Compact and above; Nollywood, news and kids' channels on a budget points to GOtv Jolli or a Startimes Basic bundle.
What the prices in the table mean
Every figure is the provider's official monthly price for that bouquet, read live from our supplier, so the table changes when MultiChoice or Startimes announce new prices. Nata does not mark up the bouquet. The only cost on top is the flat ₦100 service charge per renewal, which is shown before you confirm.
Three bouquets per provider are shown here so you can compare entry, mid and top tiers at a glance. The provider pages list every package, including add-ons and the Startimes daily and weekly options.
Renewing for a decoder that is not yours
You can pay for a parent's or a shop's decoder from your own Nata wallet. Enter their smartcard or IUC number; Nata shows the registered name before you pay, so a wrong digit is caught before any money moves. Save the number as a beneficiary and the next renewal is a single tap.
If the renewal does not go through
When the provider rejects a request, the full amount including the charge is returned to your Nata wallet automatically. If the payment shows as successful but the channels have not come back after a few minutes, restart the decoder; MultiChoice also lets you reset by dialling the short code on the DStv or GOtv site. If it is still off, send the receipt to support on WhatsApp.
Renew from WhatsApp, Telegram or an AI assistant
You do not need the app. Message Nata on WhatsApp or Telegram, say which provider and decoder number, and confirm the payment with your PIN on the secure page the bot sends. Connected AI assistants such as Claude and ChatGPT can do the same from a single sentence.
Package lists: DStv, GOtv, Startimes · Electricity tokens · All Nata prices
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest cable TV package in Nigeria?
Right now the cheapest main bouquet across DStv, GOtv and Startimes is Startimes Nova (Dish) - 700 Naira - 1 Week at ₦700 (₦800 on Nata including the ₦100 fee). Prices update automatically when the providers change them.
DStv or GOtv: which should I pick?
They are the same company. DStv has more channels, HD and sports; GOtv is the cheaper, smaller line-up on a different decoder. If you already own a decoder, that decides it: a DStv smartcard only takes DStv bouquets and a GOtv IUC only takes GOtv packages.
Is Startimes cheaper than GOtv?
Startimes entry bouquets are usually priced below the GOtv equivalents, and Startimes also sells daily and weekly bundles, so you can pay for only the days you watch. Compare the two tables above for today's prices.
How do I renew DStv, GOtv or Startimes on Nata?
Open Cable TV, choose the provider, enter your smartcard or IUC number and confirm the customer name shown, pick a bouquet and pay from your wallet. The subscription is activated within minutes.
Is there a service charge?
Yes, a flat ₦100 per renewal on top of the official bouquet price. There is no other fee.
Can I pay for a decoder that is not mine?
Yes. Enter the smartcard or IUC number of the decoder you want to pay for. Nata shows the registered name before you pay so you can confirm it is the right one.
What happens if the renewal fails?
The amount is refunded to your Nata wallet automatically and you can try again.
Can I renew my TV subscription on WhatsApp?
Yes. Message Nata on WhatsApp or the Telegram bot, say which provider and smartcard number, and confirm the payment on the secure page you are sent. See the Chat & Buy page.
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