. Katema

By SARAH TEMBO –
INFORMATION and Broadcasting Services Minister Joseph Katema has called on Multichoice Zambia to reduce the cost of DStv charges to enable more people access its facilities and services.
Dr  Katema said on Friday evening during the launch of Multichoice BoxOffice service by DStv that the cost of accessing the services of the satellite television was very expensive for many people.
Dr Katema, who is also Government spokesperson said with the dominant stature as Africa’s leading pay-television operator with the presence in over 50 countries, it was prudent for Multichoice to make the charges affordable for ordinary citizens.
“I note with appreciation that with this new innovation, DStv subscribers are able to rent and keep movies up to 48 hours for a minimal fee per movie.
“But it is impotent to mention here that we need to find ways and means to reduce the cost of DStv charges in order to enable more customers access these facilities and services,” he said.
Dr Katema however stated that Multichoice investment and confidence in Zambian economy had allowed government to take giant step in the future giving television viewers in the country access to world class entertainment.
“The company’s presence in Zambia is of immense benefit not only to our broadcasting industry but also the Zambian community at large.
“Apart from partnering with ZNBC to enhance its radio and television outreach around the country, Multichoice’s business approach is phenomenal,” he said.
The minister also thanked Multichoice for complementing governments’ effort of job creation because the company has currently employed more than 200 direct employees and hundreds indirect workers.
He further assured all business entities in Zambia that government would continue supporting their operations by coming up with policies that enhanced sustainable growth of their investment.
The minister warned that those indulging in criminal activities would not escape the law because his ministry and the police were on high alert.
Speaking at the same event Multichoice Zambia general manager Simon Bota said the BoxOffice would allow subscribers conveniently rent and watch the latest blockbuster movies.
He said the service will be packed with a provision for a variety of movies of different genres to suit subscribers’ different needs.
With explorer decorder, DStv subscribers would  be able to choose from a variety of 20 movies while those with HD PVR 2P decoders would be able to choose from a range of 15 movies.