Do you love Game of Thrones? If you’re as big a fan as I am, then you will know it is currently showing on DStv 115 at 10:30pm daily. At 3 episodes per night, the whole show should be complete in 24 days. But that is not the story. I have seen the entire series at least 5 times, and I even have downloaded High Definition copies on my Hard Drive. However, I have been following it on Channel 115 because for some reason it is many times more exciting to know I am not the only person enjoying the HBO show at that time.
But again, that is not the story.
Early this year, I discovered I could upgrade my DStv plan and move to the level AFTER the next level (apologies, President Buhari). My Compact plan was about to expire when I got this memo, and I had already planned to upgrade to the Compact Plus package so I could watch Champions League Football. I did it, and I got the Premium Package. That turned out to be one of the best entertainment decisions I made this year, and I’ll tell you why:
Valar Moghulis!
Although some people will disagree, Game of Thrones was everything I expected, and more. It was exhilarating, but like all good things, it finally came to an end, with Brandon Stark becoming the King of the 6 Kingdoms. Football Season also ended with Man City and Barcelona winning their respective leagues, and Liverpool winning the Champions League Trophy. What this meant was I didn’t need to have Premium anymore. Besides, I was going to be out of Nigeria for most of July and August, so when my subscription ended in May, I downgraded to Compact. But to be honest, it didn’t feel the same. I had gotten used to having all the DStv channels including Comedy Central, MNET Movies Premiere, SS1 and 2, etc. So, when I returned to Nigeria late August, I knew I was going to upgrade to Premium so I could enjoy the full package. Football had returned as well, so I was motivated. However, before I could subscribe, I saw the good news; DStv Step Up boost was back.
Some background
Having successfully completed Phase One of the DStv Step Up boost campaign between January and April this year, MultiChoice Nigeria officially kicked off phase two of the campaign on September 2nd. The campaign which will last for 3 months is aimed at providing both active and disconnected DStv subscribers an opportunity to pay for a preferred higher package and get a boost within 48 hours to view more channels, with exciting programming on an even higher package.
Review
Upgrading from a Compact bouquet to the Compact Plus came with a boost to the Premium package within 48 hours. This significant upgrade offered improved television experience as expected. As a football fan, while my usual Compact bouquet already gave me the Premier League (SuperSports 3), the Spanish La Liga (SuperSports 7) and the Italian Serie A (SuperSports 8), the DStv Step Up Boost provided a broader variety of sports channels and programs to choose from. This meant that I could follow the the best of Tennis as well as keep tabs on the racing world with Formula one on Super Sports 1, 2, 11 and 12.
The movie experience also got an appreciable boost with the DStv Step Up boost. The double upgrade offered the opportunity to see premium blockbuster movies on channels like M-Net Movies Action+ (Channel 106), M-Net Movies Premier (Channel 108). It felt good seeing Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2 and many more exciting Hollywood movies
I always wondered why Africa Magic Showcase was exclusive to DStv Compact Plus, but with fresh episodes of MyFlatmates with Basketmouth, The Johnsons as well as blockbuster Nollywood movie premieres, I wonder no more.
The upgrade also brought my favorite Comedy Central with it. I never get tired of watching The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, it felt good to finally see fresh episodes on TV and other exciting international shows.
Negatives
The DStv Step Up boost basically appeals to sports fans and movie lovers; two areas where it really offers value. Getting a boost from Compact to Premium will give you an addition of six new sport channels offering a variety of programmes and sport competitions as well as nine new channels for movies and entertainment. For this reason, the promo might not appeal to subscribers who have no interest in in those two areas.
Another flaw in the DStv Step Up boost is the amount of time it takes for the upgrade to take effect. While my upgrade took effect almost immediately, I have heard that it can take as long as 48 hours to take effect. If you are an impatient person, this might seem like an awfully long time. However, the patient dog eats the fattest bone, right? Right.
Conclusion
The DStv Step Up boost is MultiChoice’ way of rewarding customers by giving them extra value for their money. Subscribers are offered the opportunity to enjoy programmes they do not regularly have access to. Having personally experienced it, I can conclude that the DStv Step Up boost is worth your time and money. Upgrading your bouquet and getting the boost that follows will transform your TV experience and open your eyes to an array of exciting programming irrespective of your preference. Try stepping up today, so you can enjoy the level that comes after the next level. Feel free to thank me later. Just send a tweet to @Chydee. You’re welcome.
Chidi Okereke
