M-Net has unveiled its new digital terrestrial television service for South Africa, called GOtv. The company believes that GOtv will give many South Africans, who are currently watching analogue television, the chance to experience digital quality TV at an affordable price.

At this stage there are two packages available. The GOtv Value package comes in at R99 per month and provides access to the following 12 channels:

• M-Net Movies Zone
• Africa Magic Epic
• Mzansi Bioskop
• Mzansi Wethu
• TLC Entertainment
• SuperSport Blitz
• SuperSport Select
• Disney Junior
• Nick Toons
• Mzansi Music
• Channel O
• Dumisa

There is also GOtv Lite, priced at R45 every three months, broadcasting Mzansi Music and Dumisa. According to M-Net, the GOtv decoder will also receive all free-to-air television and radio services when subscribed to one of the GOtv packages.

To get started, subscribers would have to first determine if they fall in a GOtv broadcast range. Signals are broadcasted from digital network towers throughout South Africa, so the service might not be available to all. To see if you are in the GOtv signal range, or for further info, visit GOtv.co.za.

The second step is purchasing a GOtv decoder for R699, which includes the first month’s subscription to GOtv Value. Subscribers also need to check if they have a UHF antenna. Both the antenna and decoder are available from OK, Game, MultiChoice Walk-In Centres and DStv Agencies. According to M-Net, the decoder is a plug-and-play device, so set-up should not be too much of a hassle.

Unfortunately, subscribing to GOtv doesn’t exempt one from paying the regular TV license fee to the SABC.

According to Tsabiso Letsoela, general manager for GOtv South Africa, the digital GOtv service will provide clearer pictures and sharper sound quality, while an electronic programme guide will also be on hand to make planning easier.