Update: GOtv scrapped its FTA conversion clause a while back. You can no longer turn your GOtv decoder into a full-fledged free to air decoder. The best you can do is subscribe to the GOtv Lite package that gives you a couple of local channels and other interesting channels to keep your days filled up. You can take the:

• GOtv Lite Monthly (Ksh260)
• GOtv Lite Quarterly (Ksh590)
• GOtv Lite Annual (Ksh1500)

I bought a GOtv decoder, about a year ago and I was impressed at what it had to offer at the time. I would say it is mostly because there was no competitor with fairer prices. Even if that was not the case, they used to air premier league matches on SuperSport Select 2, more than they do now.  A couple of months down the line, a lot has changed for the better, except Gotv.

I opted to turn my decoder into a free to air decoder, as they had given this option, instead of paying for what I did not need. At first I was told that I had only to pay Ksh1,800 administration fee, for my decoder to be converted before I can begin watching free to air channels. The thing is that, their staff is very reluctant to make the change, but I somehow managed to do it. However, if you are not aware, changing your GoTV decoder from pay TV to free to air does not mean that you will stop paying for it. It actually attracts a recurring fee of Ksh1,800 every year, for purposes they can only describe as maintenance.

Nevertheless, I know many people are currently facing a problem that I faced some time back and I would quickly try to help them using a method that worked for me. In a few simple steps, you should have your GoTV Kenya decoder showing free to air channels, in a few hours (Although most Kenyan FTA channels are below par!). Apart from these, the only other GoTv channels that you will receive are Faith TV, Islam TV and GO Channel.

How to Convert your GOtv Decoder

First, you need to top up your account by making payments on the GoTv Kenya Paybill number: 423655. Ensure that you have topped up the right amount (Ksh 1,800) into your account, or else  they will not convert your decoder. Afterwards, you can opt to use their self-care center by dialing *423# and following the voice prompts or you can opt for calling their customer care service on 0711-066-000. If you only pay and fail to use any of the two options above to contact their customer care, your decoder will not be converted.

Before you make the call, make sure that you have your IUC number, as it is essential to associate your account with the decoder. Converting your decoder should be easy unless you find a customer care agent who is not in a good mood to help. Within a short time, your decoder will be showing free to air channels.

I have heard of people who, after converting their decoders to free to air, got an error message (E016-0 – Service is currently scrambled). It is very simple to clear this message. Just send an SMS with the word ‘RESET’ followed by a single space and then your IUC number to 22688. For example, if your IUC number is 1234567, your SMS should look this way without the full stop: RESET 1234567.

I hope you have managed to convert your decoder. Share your experience with us.