Satellite TV

Satellite TV in South Africa: dish, decoder and installation prices

Updated 4 November 2026

In South Africa, a 65 cm galvanised steel dish kit costs about R 499 to R 599, and a basic decoder about R 249 to R 799. Installed sets with a higher-spec decoder run from about R 1,099 to R 2,149. These are approximate prices, according to sellers' websites in November 2026. For a quote for your home, post a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Rules, licences and repairs

ICASA is the regulator for broadcasting and communications in South Africa, and it publishes notices on the licensing of satellite services, aimed at operators. Guidelines from the Commission on repair, service and maintenance cover the aftermarket for televisions and other audiovisual equipment, and they note that the law gives protections beyond the express warranty. Electronic equipment also falls under extended producer responsibility rules, so ask the seller what happens to your old unit when it is replaced.

Season and installation timing

Summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August. An installation is quick, so the real planning is booking the installer and agreeing access to the roof or wall. If you want the work done before the holiday period, book it in November.

Delivery and how it is bought

Satellite equipment is measured in metric units: a 65 cm dish, mounting height in metres and cable lengths in metres. Listings often show a decoder alone, and an installed set costs more, so check which one you are buying. Ask whether the price includes installation in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town or Gqeberha, and whether a television is needed.

What to write in your request

Say whether you need a new or used set, where the dish will go, and how many televisions you want connected. Mention the installation conditions, such as the roof type or a wall you cannot drill, and the equipment you already have. Give your budget in rand and your city, so each seller can quote installation for your area.

BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. You describe the setup in your own words in the chat, and you can add a photo. The AI reads the request, asks for missing details and looks through sellers' websites and price lists in South Africa, then shows the prices and businesses it found. Sellers who are registered reply in the chat with their price, terms and installation, and your contact details stay hidden until you choose to share them. See also TV and video accessories or TVs.