Pay-TV subscriptions in Namibia dropped by 11% in the second quarter of 2025, reversing the 10% growth recorded in the first quarter, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
The regulator reported that total subscribers declined from 166,460 in Q2 2023 to 144,593 in Q2 2025. “This volatility may be attributed to the growing availability and adoption of over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms such as Netflix, which continue to reshape consumer viewing habits,” CRAN noted.
Digital Terrestrial Television (Go TV) subscriptions fell 13% over two years, from 50,504 in Q2 2023 to 41,577 in Q2 2025. The sharpest quarterly decline was between Q3 and Q4 2024, when subscriptions dropped from 49,491 to 40,627 before partially recovering in early 2025.
Satellite TV (DStv) also contracted, down 10% from 115,956 in Q2 2023 to 103,016 in Q2 2025. DStv’s performance showed volatility, with subscriptions peaking at 122,344 in Q3 2023, dipping to 112,440 in Q4 2023, and briefly recovering in Q1 2024 before resuming its downward trend.
Broadcaster revenues showed mixed results. Advertising income rose by 14% to N$23.5 million in Q2 2025, recovering from a 20% fall in the previous quarter.
Advertising contributed 11% of total sector revenue, in line with its historical share of about 10%. CRAN said this suggested that, despite subscriber losses, broadcasters continue to attract advertisers.
Other revenue streams, which make up the bulk of broadcaster income, fell by 4% from N$208.8 million in Q2 2023 to N$196.1 million in Q2 2025. As a result, total broadcaster revenue slipped 2% over the period, from N$229.4 million to N$219.6 million.
CRAN said the figures underline the pressure traditional broadcasters face as Pay-TV subscriptions decline and digital and streaming platforms increase their hold on audiences, reflecting wider shifts in Namibia’s media and entertainment market.
