DStv is a household name in South Africa, synonymous with entertainment for the whole family. They offer a variety of channel packages to suit different preferences. But did you know there are also a selection of free-to-air channels available?
This guide explores both free and paid DStv channels, helping you navigate your viewing options:
Free DStv Channels List
While a paid subscription is required to access DStv’s full selection, they also provide a bouquet of free-to-air channels, typically featuring South African public broadcasters. These channels offer a variety of content, including news, educational programs, and local shows.
Here’s a quick reference table of the free DStv channels:
| Channel Name | Channel Code | Description |
| SABC 1 | 191 | South African Broadcasting Corporation’s main channel, offering news, current affairs, and a variety of local programs. |
| SABC 2 | 192 | Focuses on educational programming, documentaries, and cultural shows. |
| SABC 3 | 193 | Offers a mix of popular dramas, sitcoms, and movies. |
| e.TV | 194 | A popular commercial channel featuring local and international content, including soap operas, reality shows, and movies. |
| Other Free Channels | 251-299, 701 | These channels may include regional broadcasters, religious channels, and educational programming (availability may vary). |
How to unlock DStv Free channels
Did you know there are hidden free-to-air channels on every DStv satellite dish? Follow the steps below to access them. Note that you can only access them if you have the DStv dish installed.
- Go to the Menu of your device by pressing the blue button using your remote control.
- Select Settings, then Satellite Settings.
- Select Additional Network under Satellite Settings. You will find Networks 1 to 5.
- Do not change any frequencies on Network 1. However, input YES where there is NO.
- On Network 2, change the frequency to 11514 or 11170, symbol rate to 28750, FEC to 3/4, and polarisation to vertical or horizontal. Next, apply scan this.
- On Network 3, change the frequency to 12562, modulation to DVB-S2, symbol to 30000, FEC to 5/6, and polarisation to horizontal. Next, apply scan this.
- On Network 4, change the frequency to 12522, symbol to 27500 or 30000, FEC to 3/4, and polarisation to horizontal. Apply scan this.
- On Network 5, change the frequency to 12633 or 12657 for sound, the symbol rate to 16166 or 4883 for sound, FEC to 5/6, and polarisation to vertical. Apply scan this.
- If you successfully complete the steps above, you will have new channels added to Network 2/5. You need to make a few changes to the settings to access them. Therefore, click YES to Enable Network and Use NIT. Modify the frequency to 12543, modulation to DVB-S, the symbol rate to 1600, FEC to 3/4, and polarisation to vertical.
- Once done, change from My DStv Channels to All Channels, then press 100.
- Scroll left to see all the channels coming before channel 100.