StarTimes basically has two setups, the antenna (DTT) for folks who want something simple and cheap to install, and the dish (DTH) if you’re after better signal or more channels, especially in areas with spotty coverage. No massive dish like old-school satellite, it’s compact. Decoders start around ₦10,000 for antenna and ₦15,000-ish for dish, often with a free month thrown in. You can grab them from Jumia, local electronics shops, or StarTimes outlets.
DTT vs. DTH
Before looking at prices, you must understand which hardware you own, as the channel lists and monthly costs differ significantly between the two.
- Antenna (DTT – Digital Terrestrial): This uses the small indoor or outdoor “butterfly” antenna. It is highly reliable in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Kano but can struggle in remote villages. The packages are generally more affordable because the infrastructure cost is lower.
- Dish (DTH – Direct-to-Home): This uses a satellite dish. It is the gold standard for nationwide coverage. If you live in an area with poor terrestrial signals, the Dish system ensures you get crystal-clear HD quality regardless of your location.
Expert tips for 2026 subscribers
To get the most out of your StarTimes subscription this year, keep these professional insights in mind:
- The “Refresh” Secret: If you pay for your subscription while the decoder is off, the signal might not activate immediately once you turn it on. To fix this without calling customer care, download the StarTimes ON App. It has a “Self-Service” feature that allows you to send a refresh signal to your smartcard instantly.
- LNB Sensitivity: If you are using the Dish (DTH) and notice your signal drops during light rain, your LNB (the “eye” on the dish) might be aging or slightly misaligned. StarTimes signals are robust, but 2026’s weather patterns have shown that a high-quality LNB can prevent 90% of “signal lost” errors during storms.
- Data-Free Viewing: Your subscription often includes access to the StarTimes ON mobile app. On certain networks in Nigeria, you can stream specific channels on your phone without consuming your primary data plan, check with your provider for “StarTimes Data Bundles.”
List of All Startimes Packages in 2026
They streamlined their bouquets this year, so now the names are the same for both antenna and dish, but prices differ a bit. All are monthly subs, though you can do weekly or daily on the lower ones if you’re testing the waters. Here’s the rundown:
Nova Package
This is the bare-bones entry level. ₦2,100/month for both antenna and dish. You get about 30-40 channels mostly local stuff like NTA, AIT, Channels TV, some news, kids’ cartoons, and basic entertainment. Good if you’re just after Nigerian content and don’t need fancy extras. I know people who stick with this for the kids or elderly folks at home.
Some of the popular channels on this package include AMC, AWA TV, CGTN, Dove TV, Emmanuel TV, E-Stars, Farin Wata, Galaxy TV, Iqraa, Liberty TV, NTA Hausa, NTA Igbo, NTA Knowledge, NTA News 24, and many more.
Basic Package
Steps up the game. ₦4,000/month on antenna, ₦5,100/month on dish. Around 80+ channels here, adding more movies, music, and light sports. Think Bollywood flicks, African movies, and channels like Fox Life or Nickelodeon. The dish version might have slightly better quality or a few extra picks.
Some of the popular channels on this package include Africa News, Al Jazeera, AMC Movies, AMC Series, Area Ten, Arewa 24, BBC World News, Border T, CGTN Documentary, and many more.
Classic Package
Mid-tier favorite for families. ₦6,000/month antenna, ₦7,400/month dish. 90-100+ channels, including better series, documentaries, and sports like Bundesliga or local NPFL. If you want a mix without going premium, this is it. I’ve heard complaints about no full EPL, but for the price, it’s solid.
Some of the popular channels on this package include Baby TV, CBeebies, Colours TV, Discovery Family, DreamWorks, E!, ESPN , Eurosport News, Fashion One, Fine Living, Fox, Fox News, and many more.
Super Package
The top dog. ₦9,500/month on antenna, ₦9,800/month on dish. Over 120 channels, HD options, premium sports (ST Sports channels, World Football), tons of movies, and even some international news. There’s a Chinese-focused add-on or variant around here too, but it’s baked into Super for most. Great if you’re a sports nut or love binge-watching.
Some of the popular channels on this package include Baby TV, CBeebies, Colours TV, Investigation Discovery, MTV Base, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Smithsonian Channel, ST Adepa, ST Bollywood, ST Movies Plus, and many more.
A Few Tips from Experience
If you’re new, go antenna first unless you’re in a rural spot, installation is a breeze, no tech guy needed. Recharge via the StarTimes ON app (it’s free on Play Store), or use Quickteller, your bank app, or even POS spots. Always check your signal strength before buying; their coverage is good in cities but spotty in some remote areas.
Compared to GOtv or DStv? StarTimes wins on price hands down, you could get Super for what DStv charges for mid-tier. But if you’re all about live EPL or Hollywood blockbusters, you might miss out. Still, for Nollywood, African content, and budget sports, it’s killer. I switched a while back and haven’t looked back, especially with how easy it is to top up without drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my StarTimes antenna on a DStv decoder?
No. The technologies are different. A StarTimes antenna is for Terrestrial (DTT) signals, while DStv uses Satellite (DTH) signals. However, you can often use a third-party satellite dish to receive StarTimes DTH signals if you have the correct LNB and alignment.
What happens if I don’t subscribe for several months?
Unlike some older services, your StarTimes decoder does not “expire” or get blocked. You can leave it for six months and simply pay for one day or one month whenever you are ready to watch again.
How do I clear the “No Signal” error on my antenna?
First, check the “Antenna Power” setting in your decoder menu. If you are using an active (powered) antenna, this must be turned ON. If you are using a regular outdoor antenna, ensure it is facing the nearest NTA/StarTimes transmission mast in your city.
Does StarTimes show the English Premier League?
StarTimes primarily holds rights for the German Bundesliga, the Saudi Pro League, and various CAF competitions. While they occasionally have sub-licensed matches, they are not the primary broadcaster for the EPL in Nigeria.
Is there a discount for annual payments?
While StarTimes occasionally runs “Buy 2 Months, Get 1 Free” promos, their standard model focuses on daily/weekly/monthly flexibility rather than long-term annual discounts. It is usually better to stay on the monthly cycle to take advantage of seasonal promotions.
