Will they, won’t they? That is the question most of us are wondering about Netflix in regards to a lower plan that will appeal to many more users in India. The plan has been put to test by the streaming giant in Malaysia for now, where it reportedly has over 1,32,000 users.
Going affordable for Netflix could be a bold but a much-needed move, and with India in its sights, the mobile-only plan, priced anywhere between Rs 200 to Rs 400, could open the gates for millions of price-conscious users to sign in.
Unlike Amazon and Hotstar, Netflix was never expected to roll out a cost-effective annual plan, but looking at the growth of mobile users around the world, including India, the tests could help them realise that mobile is where the real user-base potential is hidden.
According to a Bloomberg report, Netflix’s mobile-only plan has been priced at 17 Malaysian ringgit (Rs 292 approx) a month, compared to its Basic plan which costs 33 ringgit (Rs 567 approx).
The company refused to divulge further details as to which other countries could be part of its launch strategy with this special plan. But they did respond to Reuters saying, “We are testing to understand consumer interest in a mobile-only plan in some countries”.
This news comes after CEO Reed Hastings said Netflix will not be looking to lower the prices of its plans. Currently, users in India pay Rs 500 for the standard plan, going up to Rs 800 for the ultra-definition (4K) package, letting four users access the same account.
The mobile-only plan might not suit everyone’s need, but the appeal of getting to watch hit shows like Sacred Games and Narcos could work in the streaming company’s favour, thereby adding more users from India to its kitty.
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