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Netflix Testing Cheaper Mobile-Only Subscription Model in Select Countries

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As Netflix tries to grow subscriber numbers outside of the United States, TechCrunch reports today that the streaming video company is testing out a subscription model where users are only able to watch on a phone or a tablet. With this stipulation, the cost of Netflix is cut by as much as 50 percent from the "Basic" tier, down to around $4/month from $8/month.

netflix-november-2018.jpg

Right now, the test appears to be centered in Malaysia, but earlier in the week Netflix CEO Reed Hastings told Bloomberg that the company plans to test numerous lower-price plans throughout Asia. A Netflix spokesperson speaking to TechCrunch confirmed that similar mobile-only trials are "running in a few countries."

For the mobile-only option, users can only watch shows in SD, and if they ever want to watch Netflix on a laptop or television, they'll have to upgrade their plan. Like many companies, Netflix is always testing out new features and updates to its service, so it's unclear if mobile-only options will grow beyond trials and enter countries where Netflix is already popular, like the United States.

As of now, Netflix offers three subscription tiers: Basic, Standard, and Premium. Basic costs $7.99/month, offers one screen to stream content on at a time, and only in SD. Standard upgrades this by offering two simultaneous streams in HD for $10.99/month, while Premium has the most simultaneous streams on offer at four, as well as HD and Ultra HD content, all for $13.99/month. One year ago Netflix increased the price of its Standard and Premium tiers, which previously cost $9.99 and $11.99 respectively.

Article Link: Netflix Testing Cheaper Mobile-Only Subscription Model in Select Countries
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/14/netflix-mobile-only-subscription/
LULz those in the US that thought they'd lower their prices. That's not happening. With the billions they're investing in original content, they'll only continue to raise their prices.

Developing markets will be the only place we'll see lower prices. They'll offer just original content along with some of the cheaper stuff, stripping out things they have to pay more for or have difficulty licensing overseas like blockbusters from big studios. A lower priced package is all about getting people in the door and locked into the service.
 
Oh man, that’s a good idea but... only SD? Anyone can tell me if I’ll appreciate the HD quality on a 4,7” iPhone or a 9,7” iPad?
 
danny842003 said:
I will stream Netflix in SD from my $1600 iPhone to my $250 Apple TV to watch on my $1000 4K tv to save two cups of coffee a month, sounds like a great plan.
Click to expand...
Nobody said you need to spend $1600 on an iPhone, or spend $250 on an Apple TV, or spend $1000 on a 4K TV, to do this.

I would imagine, and please stop me if I am getting ahead of myself, that they would have these devices already, and not necessarily the more expensive versions you have quoted for.

Also, using cups of overpriced flavoured water, as some sort of economic measure, is for moronic arguments.
 
I don't foresee this plan being offered in the states though. Although it's not a bad plan by Netflix to extend their reach in other countries where people may just want to stream via their mobile devices.
 
Krayzkat said:
Nobody said you need to spend $1600 on an iPhone, or spend $250 on an Apple TV, or spend $1000 on a 4K TV, to do this.

I would imagine, and please stop me if I am getting ahead of myself, that they would have these devices already, and not necessarily the more expensive versions you have quoted for.

Also, using cups of overpriced flavoured water, as some sort of economic measure, is for moronic arguments.
Click to expand...
Here in the US a few 4K TV models from a few different stores will be $199 this Black Friday...

Quality may very, but my 50 inch-1080p, is still going strong after 5 years and I spent $199 on it...
 
macfacts said:
How are Netflix users locked in?
Click to expand...

Most people will stick with a service once they've started. There are countless folks who have Netflix and rarely use it but still keep paying for it.

Studies have shown that 67% of gym memberships go unused.

"Locked in" was a comment in reference to this. They know that once they get someone to start paying, they'll most likely keep doing so, even if they don't use the service. This lower price tier is a way of getting them in the door easier. Those that use the service a lot have a good possibility of upgrading to a higher package with more content, but even those that don't use it aren't likely to cancel.

This is why there are now a number of services that will scan your bank account and credit card account for reoccurring services you may not be using and suggest cancelling them. Chances are decent that you're paying for something you may not be using.
 
They will probably disable air play and hdmi cable with this limited version.
That's the only way I can watch since we have nothing but electric and cellular hotspot.
 
Populus said:
Oh man, that’s a good idea but... only SD? Anyone can tell me if I’ll appreciate the HD quality on a 4,7” iPhone or a 9,7” iPad?
Click to expand...
Pretty sure you should be fine on SD. I watch it on my X and it looks perfectly fine.
[doublepost=1542227276][/doublepost]I love Netflix. I mean, not for the sake of our society, but for the sake of being an example to other businesses. It’s inexpensive and an incredible value. That’s probably why they’re the biggest streaming service around, as well as tearing down all the TV companies. Hopefully they don’t let it go to their heads and hike up prices like Apple has...
 
Krayzkat said:
Nobody said you need to spend $1600 on an iPhone, or spend $250 on an Apple TV, or spend $1000 on a 4K TV, to do this.

I would imagine, and please stop me if I am getting ahead of myself, that they would have these devices already, and not necessarily the more expensive versions you have quoted for.

Also, using cups of overpriced flavoured water, as some sort of economic measure, is for moronic arguments.
Click to expand...

What more expensive versions I have quoted? These are all pretty standard prices. You can’t actually get an Xs for $1600 at retail prices.
 
danny842003 said:
What more expensive versions I have quoted? These are all pretty standard prices. You can’t actually get an Xs for $1600 at retail prices.
Click to expand...
Are you unable to think clearly?

Who mentioned that you HAD to have an Xs for this to work? There are lots of cheaper iPhones available.....
 
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