In 1986, South Africa was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to launch a paid TV service. At a time when cable was all the rage, the service was "the cool thing to have."  But here in the digital age, TV is still king in South Africa. It's still pricey, and many say it's because of a monopoly.

In Tembisa, a 42-square kilometer low-income section of Johannesburg with more than 460,000 people, TV satellite receivers can be seen all over rooftops. With Internet being relatively expensive in South Africa, television remains the main source of entertainment.

TV subscription fees take up a big chunk of locals' income, and it's known for being expensive. The reason? The South African pay TV market is the least competitive, despite being the most developed in the Sub-Saharan region. Local industry leader DSTV controls over 93 percent of the market. "This market has been highly monopolistic. There are very few options for customers,” said John Yan, CEO of Startimes Media South Africa.

In the past few years, orange receivers started to show up in Tembisa. The Chinese company that provides them, Startimes, offers installation and subscription fees substantially lower than the local competitors. "We offer reasonable prices. It's only because prices were too high in this market,” said Yan.

Startimes is one of several newcomers to the South African TV market. Their arrival increased competition, and average fees in the industry have fallen in the past five years. Today, Startimes has over 200,000 registered users nationwide. "This is our solar-powered TV system. The PV panels can provide energy to the light bulbs as well as the TV, our African customers can watch our programs even in areas short of electricity,” said Yan.

At the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China pledged to bring satellite TV to 10,000 African villages. Startimes is one company carrying out that mission effectively.

(Cover image: Startime’s receivers being installed in Tembisa. /CGTN Photo)