Eight years has gone since Netflix, the Internet television network, was launched for the first time to offer TV shows and movies online. After this time, on January 6th the company announced that it will start its online streaming in India.
“With this launch, consumers around the world -- from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo -- will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously -- no more waiting. With the help of the Internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device.”, said Reed Hastings, Netflix’s Chief Executive, according to the company media center.
Hastings, who gave the announcement at CES 2016, confirmed Netflix is moving forward by offering its services to more than 130 new countries around the world. This way, the online streaming giant reaches more than 70 million members in over 190 countries worldwide.
In India, users can try Netflix for free during one month just by signing up at www.netflix.com. After that time, they can choose a monthly plan whose prices goes from Rs 500 to Rs 800, and they will have access in both HD and Ultra HD content without commercials.
Also, the platform now supports 17 languages for both Netflix’s original series/films and third party content; and it will increase the production of original audiovisual content from 16 to 31 shows.
While Netflix service is now available in Russia, India and South Korea; it won’t be working in China, Crimea, North Korea and Syria because of the restrictions on U.S’ companies development in these countries.
Facing the challenge
According to BBC, “despite having the third-largest population of internet users in the world, India stands at 52nd place in terms of internet speed”. The reason? This country has an average speed of 1.5 to 2 mbps, while developed Asian countries like South Korea enjoys speeds of 14.2.
Low broadband speed could play against the good performance of Netflix in India, but maybe is soon to know it. What is clear is that, with this move, Netflix is trying to give a step ahead from its closer competitor: Amazon’s Prime video service.
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