TopTV to become StarSat

Low-cost South African pay TV service TopTV will change its name to StarSat, possibly in November, and will rebrand its channels, according to local reports.

The change reflects the involvement of China-based StarTimes as a major shareholder in TopTV, which has struggled to gain traction in the South African market, dominated by MultiChoice.

According to reports, StarSat will carry a new line-up of about 90 channels and an updated StarSat bouquet. The service will also include an adult package.

The change in the company’s shareholding structure is subject to approval by South Africa’s regulatory authorities.