Please note
Belmadeng is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by MultiChoice, DStv, GOtv, StarTimes, SLTV, IROKOtv or any TV/streaming provider. Prices, packages and channels change frequently — every figure here is indicative only; always confirm the current price and package on the provider’s official website or app before subscribing. We don’t sell subscriptions.
What StarTimes is
StarTimes is a pay-TV operator (Nigeria is one of its biggest markets) known as the most budget-friendly of the major providers, strong on local news, Nollywood and some international channels.
DTT vs DTH — key!
StarTimes offers two ways to receive its signal, and this matters more than buyers realise: DTT (Digital Terrestrial — a small antenna, like GOtv) and DTH (Direct-to-Home — a satellite dish, like DStv). Channel line-ups and prices differ between them, and the hardware isn't interchangeable. Ask the dealer whether a decoder is DTT or DTH before buying.
The packages
StarTimes runs several tiers (names include Nova, Basic, Smart, Classic and Super), each available in DTT and/or DTH versions at different prices. Super sits near the top; Nova is the entry tier. Confirm current prices for your signal type.
Who it suits
Budget-conscious households wanting local news, Nollywood and some international channels without the deepest sports line-up — though StarTimes does carry sport, so check the specific tier.
How to subscribe
Buy the correct DTT or DTH decoder, set it up, then pay via the StarTimes ON app, bank apps, USSD or reputable VTU platforms. See how to subscribe & pay.
Self-service
Use the StarTimes app/self-care to renew, change bouquet and reconnect — see self-service.
Tips
- Confirm DTT vs DTH before buying hardware.
- Often the cheapest monthly option.
- Check the tier's channels for your needs.
Two ways to receive it: DTT and DTH
StarTimes offers two reception options, which is part of its flexibility. DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) uses a small antenna and is cheaper to set up, but coverage is limited to areas with the terrestrial signal. DTH (Direct-to-Home) uses a satellite dish and works more widely, including rural areas. Choose based on where you live — DTT if you're in a covered town and want the lowest entry cost; DTH if you need broader coverage. Package availability and pricing can differ between the two.
StarTimes bouquets
StarTimes is positioned as a budget-friendly pay-TV option, with bouquets laddering from entry-level up — commonly names like Nova (entry), Basic, Smart, Classic and Super, plus specialist add-ons. Higher tiers add more entertainment, movies and sport (StarTimes carries a range of football). It's a strong choice for viewers who want more channels than free-to-air at a low monthly cost. Because tiers and prices shift, confirm the current bouquet and price on the payment platform before subscribing.
Paying and self-service
Manage StarTimes through the StarTimes ON app, its website, or USSD, plus the usual bank apps, bank USSD, and fintech/POS agents — payment is quick and activation usually follows within a few minutes. The app also lets you check your balance/expiry, change bouquets and stream on your phone. Keep your smartcard/decoder number handy for every transaction, and renew a little ahead of expiry so you're not cut off mid-programme.
Frequently asked questions
What are the StarTimes packages in Nigeria?
Several tiers including Nova, Basic, Smart, Classic and Super, each available in DTT (antenna) and/or DTH (dish) versions at different prices — Nova is the entry tier and Super sits near the top. Prices are indicative.
What's the difference between StarTimes DTT and DTH?
DTT uses a small antenna (like GOtv) and DTH uses a satellite dish (like DStv); their channel line-ups and prices differ and the hardware isn't interchangeable — confirm which a decoder is before buying.
Is StarTimes the cheapest pay-TV in Nigeria?
It's generally the most budget-friendly of the major providers, though free-to-air (FreeTV) has no monthly fee at all; compare current prices for your signal type.
Who is StarTimes best for?
Budget households wanting local news, Nollywood and some international channels without the deepest sports line-up — it does carry sport, so check the specific tier.
How do I pay for StarTimes?
Via the StarTimes ON app, bank apps, USSD or reputable VTU platforms, after setting up the correct DTT or DTH decoder.
What is the difference between StarTimes DTT and DTH?
DTT (terrestrial) uses a small antenna, is cheaper to set up, but only works in areas with the terrestrial signal. DTH (satellite) uses a dish and works more widely, including rural areas. Choose based on where you live and your budget.
What are the StarTimes packages?
Budget-friendly bouquets laddering from entry-level up — commonly Nova, Basic, Smart, Classic and Super, plus add-ons — with higher tiers adding more entertainment, movies and sport. Confirm the current bouquet and price on the payment platform.
Is StarTimes cheaper than DStv and GOtv?
StarTimes is positioned as a budget option, often competing closely with GOtv on price while offering both terrestrial and satellite reception. It's a strong pick for more channels than free-to-air at a low monthly cost.
How do I pay for StarTimes?
Through the StarTimes ON app, its website or USSD, or via bank apps, bank USSD and fintech/POS agents. Keep your smartcard/decoder number handy; activation usually follows within a few minutes.
Does StarTimes show football?
Yes — StarTimes carries a range of football and sport, with more available on its higher bouquets. Check the current tier's channel list, as sport rights and line-ups change.