25.6.15

Netflix plans India entry

After Singapore-based on-demand internet video provider Hooq launched operations here, the pioneer of internet TV , US-based Netflix, has firmed up plans to enter India by 2016. This has sent domestic DTH players into a tizzy with some of the major ones chalking out strategies to diversify beyond television. On the cards are iconic shows including Buniyaad, Nukkad and Malgudi Days on various mobile devices across iOS and Android.
Netflix is one of the leading on-demand internet streaming media companies in the world with around 62 million subscribers. More than 40 million of those users are in the US, a market which has become crowded with HBO Now, Sling TV and Sony entering the content streaming segment. Even Hooq, which lets a user stream and download movies and TV shows in India for Rs 199 per month, is a joint venture between SingTel, Warner Bros and Sony Pictures Television.
With 4G about to become a nationwide reality soon, it's no surprise that Netflix wants to enter the market, which is leading the world in mobile internet user growth. According to a recent report by one of Silicon Valley's leading VC firms Kleiner Perkins, India leads the world's internet user growth across all platforms. A Tata Sky spokesperson said that the Mumbai-based company is in talks with various content providers. Content could be in the form of television shows or movies that would be made available across iOS and Android platforms for a fee.
There are several video-on demand players present here including Hotstar, Ogle, Big Flix and Spuul but satisfying customer service has been limited due to scratchy internet connections.

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