Mumbai : Netflix is all set to launch it India operations. The leader in Online video streaming service is expected to make an announcement in this regard at the forthcoming Consumer Electronic Show at Las Vegas next week.
The development could be a bad news for Indian Broadcasters and Distribution Networks like DTH, Cable Networks etc, that are hoping to capitalise on the DAS Phase III and IV expansion. The entry of Netflix is expected to create a huge competition for the Entertainment Channels, the online streaming giant is tasting great success in major global markets like US, UK and Australia.
Extraordinary content line-up that could surpass the standards of TV Channels was the mantra of success for Netflix and its entry could make the warring channels run for their money. On the other hand DTH Operators and Cable Networks which are planning to cash-in by offering the Value added Services and special contents are also expected to face stiff competition from Netflix.
However, the entry of Netflix in India could be a boon to the Indian Production houses and Digital content providers and creators, as their opportunities set to raise many fold.
Netflix could enter India through a partnership with a local telecom firm to take advantage of the 4G networks that make watching high quality video streaming possible on a mobile anywhere. The video-streaming giant who has been making plans to enter the country however refused to share any details as to how it plans to spread out in India.
Netflix recently increased the subscription rate for some new members earlier this month by $1.00 a month to $9.99 in the US, Canada and Latin America.
Netflix, which is also battling competition from streaming services such as Amazon.com Inc’s Prime Video service and Hulu, has been aggressively building its overseas presence.
The company also announced earlier that it was in the “early stages” of its China entry and said it was “still learning a lot”.
Netflix said in July its plans to enter China in 2016 could be delayed. Netflix Inc will focus on developing its own content next year and nearly double the number of original shows to 31 from 16, its chief content officer Ted Sarandos said recently.
US-based Netflix, has firmed up plans to enter India by 2016, according to people familiar with the matter. 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.
The company, known for original shows such as “Orange is the New Black” and “House of Cards”, is also pulling back from signing deals with US movie studios with the exception of Walt Disney Co, Sarandos said.
