Multichoice runs to UCC, UNBS as Illegal decoders take over Dstv market

Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched a crackdown on the illegal importation, sale, and installation of internet streaming devices used to access premium content meant exclusively for MultiChoice’s digital subscription services on Dstv.

The crackdown follows a complaint from MultiChoice Uganda Limited to UCC, alleging that numerous entities in Uganda are involved in the importation and sale of illegal internet streaming devices that broadcast SuperSport and Bein channels in violation of MultiChoice’s broadcasting rights and copyrights in the country.

MultiChoice further decried that the widespread availability of these devices has negatively impacted its operations and revenue streams costing the South African pay-TV firm billions of shillings on the Ugandan market.

Following its investigations, UCC wrote to UNBS saying MultiChoice holds exclusive rights to broadcast SuperSport channels in Uganda, which can only be accessed via DSTV decoders with a valid monthly subscription. However, the proliferation of illegal IPTV set-top boxes has enabled unauthorized access to these premium channels, directly infringing on MultiChoice’s rights.

“In the complaint, Multichoice alleged that numerous entities in Uganda are involved in the importation, sale, and utilization of illegal internet streaming devices/decoders to broadcast SuperSport and Bein channels in violation of the Multichoice broadcasting rights and copyrights in the country. Multichoice further informed the Commission that the continued existence of the devices has negatively affected their operations and sales in Uganda,” UCC said in a letter addressed to the UNBS Executive Director on 13th February 2025.

“From its license and copyright documents, MultiChoice Uganda has exclusive rights to broadcast SuperSport channels on only DSTV decoders that are subscribed to monthly in Uganda’s jurisdiction,” The letter further reads in part.

The regulator further identified several brands and models of illegal IPTV streaming devices being used for unauthorized access to digital content. These include Starsat SR-4060HD, Starsat SR-2090HD Extreme, Mediastar MS-M1INI 1111 Forever, Senator Ice 2+ 1080 Mini HD, Senator Tik Tok Pro Forever, Red Tiger Digital Satellite Receiver T3000, Digisat DX Mini Combo, Digisat DX 1000, and Sunplus receivers.

According to UCC, these devices are primarily imported from Dubai but are manufactured in China.

The commission highlighted the economic implications of these illegal streaming services, revealing that unauthorized residential and commercial piracy has resulted in an estimated financial loss of UGX 2.74 billion annually to MultiChoice and the Ugandan broadcasting sector at large.

UCC, under its mandate in Section 5(1)(j) of the Uganda Communications Act Cap 103, therefore tasked key stakeholders, including UNBS and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), to deliberate on enforcement measures to curb the illegal importation and distribution of these devices.

This enforcement action is a reiteration of UCC’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring a fair and competitive broadcasting environment in Uganda. The commission has also pledged to raise public awareness about the illegality of these devices and the potential legal consequences for those involved in their trade and use.

The crackdown, if implemented, is expected to intensify as authorities collaborate to dismantle the networks facilitating the illegal distribution of IPTV streaming devices.