StarTimes is a Chinese media and electronics company that operates widely across Sub-Saharan Africa. In Tanzania, it provides both satellite and terrestrial digital TV services in partnership with the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC). Its goal is to make pay-TV more affordable and accessible to a broader population.

Services & Platforms in Tanzania

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT): Provides digital broadcasts via antenna and decoder.

Satellite TV (DTH): Extends service to rural and remote areas beyond terrestrial reach.

StarTimes ON (OTT / streaming app): A mobile app for live TV, movies, series, and offline downloads.

StarTimes GO: A teleshopping platform where viewers can order goods through TV shows, mobile apps, or phone calls.

Channel Packages & Pricing

StarTimes Tanzania offers different bouquets to suit varying budgets. Package names are in Swahili:

Nyota: Entry-level, affordable basic channels.

Mambo: Mid-range, with 80+ channels across entertainment, news, and sports.

Uhuru: Premium package, featuring more HD and international content.

Content & Channels

Includes a wide mix of self-operated and third-party channels covering movies, series, kids’ shows, sports, news, and local Swahili content.

Sports coverage is a strong draw, including football leagues and tournaments.

StarTimes also invests in dubbing and translation, ensuring shows are available in Swahili and other African languages.

Partnerships

In Tanzania, StarTimes works closely with the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), sharing infrastructure and expanding digital TV coverage nationwide. It also partners with local and international broadcasters to deliver a variety of content.

Strengths and Challenges

Strengths

Affordable pricing compared to many competitors.

Wide reach through both satellite and terrestrial services.

Strong local content offerings in Swahili.

Options for streaming via app in addition to TV.

Challenges

Competition from other providers like Azam TV.

Criticism around sustainability of rural rollout when affordability and electricity access are issues.

Concerns in some markets about content influence and censorship.

Contact & Presence

Headquarters in Dar es Salaam (Bagamoyo Road, TBC premises).

Customer support available through phone, email, and social media channels like Facebook and Instagram.