In Nigeria, GOTV and DSTV subscriptions have been the top choices for pay-TV for many years due to their extensive channel offerings and widespread availability. However, StarTimes subscription packages have emerged as a strong local competitor in recent years.
As one of the leading pay-TV providers in the country, StarTimes offers a wide variety of subscription packages to suit different needs and budgets – especially for those seeking a more cost-effective option compared to DSTV and GOTV packages. From basic news and entertainment-focused options to premium selections packed with extra sports, movies, and other channels, StarTimes has something for everyone.
In this article, we will explore the different StarTimes subscription packages available in 2023 after having hands-on experience with what both DSTV and GOTV subscriptions have to offer by way of comparison. We’ll look at the channel lineups included in each StarTimes plan along with monthly fees. Whether you prioritize news and variety shows or want access to live matches and the latest films, we’ll help you find the right StarTimes subscription fit.
StarTimes Dish Packages
StarTimes offers a variety of dish package options to suit different viewing needs and budgets. We have provided you with a list of different StarTimes dish packages, the monthly subscription price and the channels under each package.
1. StarTimes Nova Package (Dish)
Monthly Subscription Price: N1200
Number of Channels: 49 channels
Channel List:
- E.Tv
- Dasin Kowa
- NTA 24 News
- Channels
- E-Stars
- Orisun
- Farin Wata
- TVC News
- IQRAA
- Wap TV
- CGTN
- Baby TV
- AIT
- Da Vinci
- Star Guide
- ST Swahili
- ST Sports Focus
- ST Zone
- Nbs
- CGTN Documentary
- Mindset
- ST Gospel
- Channel Ten
- CNC World
- Tv5monde
- ST Novela F
- CCTV 4
- France.2
- MCM Top
- France.3
- ST KungFu
- Emmanuel TV
- CGTN Française
- France.5
- SFR Sports4
- France24
- Africa news.
- KTO
- Aforevo
- Border TV
- SCI Discovery Science
- AM HD African Movie channel
- Nigbati
- NTA 24 Sports
- SLBC Entertainment
- Nollywood F
- Plus TV Africa
- Star TV
- Btv
2. StarTimes Smart Package (Dish)
Monthly Subscription Price: N2800
Number of Channels: 88 channels
Additional Channels:
- JimJam
- ESPN
- Bollywood HD
- ST Rise
- N Xtremely Nigerian
- ZEE CINEMA
- Aljazeera
- Kasi Music
- Sino Drama
- E!
- ST Yoruba
- National Geographic Wild
- ISI Mbido
- ST Naija
- Trace Mziki
- Arewa24
- Novela E
- RT France
- Film Box Action
- RFM Tv
- M6 Music
- ZEE Bollywood movies
- ST Kids
- EWTN Global Catholic Network
- MUTV HD
- ZEE One
- ST Sports Arena
- CBS Reality
- W Sports
- StarLife
- Nollywood Plus
- Canal J
- Sky News
- Toonami
- Kartoon Channel
- PBO
- TNT
- Real Madrid Tv
Plus, all the channels are in the Nova Package (49 channels).
3. StarTimes Super Package (Dish)
Monthly Subscription Price: N5300
Number of Channels: 107 channels
Additional Channels:
- BBC World News
- Bloomberg Television
- Fashion TV
- Fox News Channel
- ESPN 2
- MSNBC
- StarGOLD
- ST Movies Plus
- StarPlus
- ST Sports Premium
- Fuel TV
- Classica
- ZEE Tamil
- National Geographic
- CBS Justice
- CBEEBIES
- Colors
- ZEEONE
- Dizi
Plus, all the StarTimes Smart package channels (88 channels).
4. StarTimes Chinese Package (Dish)
Monthly Subscription Price: N9800
Number of Channels: 124 channels
Note: Channels include 107 from the Super package + 17 Chinese-based channels.
StarTimes Antenna Packages
5. StarTimes Nova Package (Antenna)
Monthly Subscription Price: N1200
Number of Channels: 34 channels
Channel List:
- JimJam
- Dasin Kowa
- NTA24 News
- Galaxy TV
- Channels
- E-Stars
- Orisun
- Farin Wata
- NTA Knowledge
- IQRAA
- TVC
- Wap TV
- CGTN
- Rave TV
- NTA Hausa
- NTA Ikanni Ooduwa
- NTA Igbo
- Wazobia TV
- Dove TV
- Liberty
- AMC
- ST Guide
- ST Sports Focus
- NTA Lagos
- NTA Lagos 10
- CNC World
- AWA TV
- KungFu
- Emmanuel TV
- TVC
- Border TV
- Nigbati
- NTA24 Sports
- Plus TV Africa
6. StarTimes Basic Package (Antenna)
Monthly Subscription Price: N2100
Number of Channels: 83 channels
Note: Channels include 34 from the Nova package + 49 additional channels.
7. StarTimes Classic Package (Antenna)
Monthly Subscription Price: N3100
Number of Channels: 104 channels
Note: Channels include 83 from the Basic package + 21 additional channels.
Ways to Recharge Your StarTimes
Recharging your StarTimes decoder is a simple and convenient process that can be done through various methods, providing flexibility for customers. This comprehensive guide will explore different ways to recharge your StarTimes decoder, including online platforms, mobile apps, USSD codes, ATM, and POS.
Recharging StarTimes Online
Using VTpass Online Platform:
- Log in to the VTpass website.
- Select the bouquet to recharge.
- Enter StarTimes smartcard number.
- Provide your phone number and email address.
- Enter the recharge amount.
- Complete the payment details.
- Click submit.
Internet Banking Applications
- Access your bank’s mobile banking platform.
- Navigate to Pay Bills and select Cable TV, then StarTimes.
- Choose the desired package and input the StarTimes IUC number.
- Enter the bank’s authentication PIN.
Quickteller:
- Login to the Quickteller website.
- Use a Verve or Interswitch ATM card.
- Receive an activation code via email.
- Make payments by selecting StarTimes under Cable TV bills.
- Fill in the Smartcard number, email, phone, and amount.
- Confirm payment for reconnection.
Recharging StarTimes Through Mobile Apps
PayPaddi Nigeria
- Ensure your decoder is turned on.
- Log in to the PayPaddi platform or app.
- Register and log in.
- Choose StarTimes, enter the IUC number and select the package.
- Verify details and make payment for automatic recharge.
eTranzact Pocket Money App:
- Download eTranzact Pocket Money app.
- Register by texting REG, first and last name to 20220.
- Receive default PIN via SMS.
- Install the app and follow the steps to recharge.
StarTimes Mobile App
- Download and open the StarTimes ON app.
- Tap ‘me’ sign in with Facebook or Gmail.
- Select StarTimes decoder service, and choose recharge.
- Enter the SmartCard number, select duration, and provide ATM details.
- Complete the payment process for successful recharge.
Recharging StarTimes Using Bank Mobile Apps
- Download your bank’s mobile app.
- Log in and scroll to Pay Bills.
- Choose Cable TV, and select StarTimes Payment.
- Enter the amount and StarTimes card number.
- Confirm payment with a mobile app PIN.
StarTimes Subscription Codes via USSD
First Bank
- Dial *894#.
- Navigate to Bills, input cable TV number, and select StarTimes.
- Enter the IUC number, choose the bouquet, and input the transfer PIN.
Access Bank
- Dial *901#.
- Choose Other Services, then Bill Payments.
- Input the cable TV number, and follow on-screen instructions.
FCMB, GTBank, Union Bank, Zenith Bank
- Dial respective USSD codes.
- Input the IUC number, amount, and transfer PIN.
Interswitch USSD Code
- Dial *322*1#ubscription codeamount#.
Recharging StarTimes Using ATM
- Insert your bank card, enter the password, and select Quickteller.
- Choose Pay Bill, and enter Merchant Code (240534) and Smartcard number.
- Input the payment amount and follow the on-screen steps for confirmation.
Recharging StarTimes Through POS
- Insert your ATM card, input your PIN, and choose PayArena.
- Select pay bills, choose DSTV, and select a preferred bouquet.
- Enter phone number and smartcard number.
- Confirm the purchase to complete the transaction.
With these diverse methods, recharging your StarTimes decoder is convenient and accessible for users, catering to various preferences and circumstances. Whether online, through mobile apps, USSD codes, ATM, or POS, users have the flexibility to choose the method that best suits their needs.
How to Recharge StarTimes Online
- Go to the StarTimes website at www.startimes.com.ng and log into your account.
- On your account dashboard, click the “Recharge” option.
- Select the amount you want to recharge – options usually include ₦1,000, ₦2,000, ₦5,000 etc.
- Choose your preferred payment method, such as debit/credit card, bank transfer, mobile money, etc.
- Enter payment details like card number, bank account details or mobile money number, depending on the selected payment method.
- Review the transaction details and click “Pay” to complete the payment.
- Once payment is successful, your StarTimes account will be credited instantly with the recharged amount. You can now enjoy your subscription.
You’ll also receive an SMS notification confirming the successful recharge on your registered mobile number. For assistance, you can also call StarTimes customer care on 01-2799000 or email [email protected].
Startimes Vs DStv vs GOtv
We have conducted thorough research on the three major satellite television in Nigeria. It is very obvious that these satellite televisions may look the same, but they are completely different. Each has something unique to it. Here is the result of our research:
Pricing and Packages:
Startimes offers a variety of bouquets catering to different budgets, with daily, weekly, and monthly subscription options. DStv, known for its premium content, has various packages, while GOtv provides affordable options. Analyzing your budget and content preferences is key in deciding the most cost-effective option.
Content Variety:
For sports enthusiasts, the comparison reveals that Startimes provides a comprehensive sports offering, including live EPL matches, the Europa League, and more. DStv, with its premium status, has a wide range of sports content compared to any of them, while GOtv focuses on providing select live matches. Consider your sports preferences when making a choice.
Movie Channels:
The analysis shows that Startimes, DStv, and GOtv offer a mix of local and foreign movie channels. While DStv provides channels like African Magic Showcase, Startimes introduces PBO TV, a premium Nollywood channel, and Gotv provides channels like African Magic Family, which is a part of what DStv offers but in a lesser package. Consider the variety and exclusivity of movie channels to align with your movie preferences.
Kiddies Content
For families with children, DStv, Startimes and GOtv offer dedicated kiddies’ channels. Evaluate the number and types of channels suitable for your kids to ensure an entertaining and educational experience.
International News
Comparing international news channels, They all offer popular choices like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera. They all also have affiliations with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), providing local news coverage.
Affordability and Payment Options
Startimes stands out for its flexible payment options, allowing daily, weekly, and monthly subscriptions. GOtv and DStv, on the other hand, primarily offer monthly subscriptions.
Signal Quality and Graphics
Startimes excels in signal quality with broader coverage, making it suitable for various geographic locations. However, GOtv and Dstv take the lead in graphics quality, broadcasting most channels in high definition. Assess your location and visual preferences to make an informed decision.
Consider your budget, content preferences, and specific needs to choose the TV service that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s the diverse offerings of Startimes, the premium content of DStv, or the affordability of GOtv, there’s a TV service tailored to meet your entertainment needs in Nigeria.
