StarTimes to Allow Access to Free Channels for Only Two Weeks

StarTimes has revealed that it will allow access to at least six Free To Air channels upon the expiry of subscriber’s monthly subscription. But the catch is that the access will only be for two weeks. I smell something very wrong. Free channels must be free whether the decoder is for Pay or not. There is no reason free channels should be disconnected for non-payment of a subscription fee.

Why should free channels be charged? StarTimes, through a statement, claim that they will allow a two-week access to KBC, Citizen Tv, KTN, NTV, K24, GBS and STV-Guide upon the expiry of subscribers’ monthly subscription.

But StarTimes subscribers using the Free to Air set-top box will access about 20 local channels. The FTA set-top box (decoder) also has a dual feature enabling them to subscribe to the pay television channels at will while continuing to access the local channels for good upon the expiry of their monthly subscription.

StarTimes Pay Television and Free To Air decoders are currently retailing at Ksh 2,999 and 4,999 respectively both of which are enabled with one month Unique Bouquet subscription which normally retails at Ksh1,999.