Giant US streaming service, Netflix, is scheduled to launch in Australia on March 31, 2015, according to media reports, with prices starting at $9.99 per month.
Tech Guide is reporting that the company will offer 3 levels of pricing, with launch date confirmed by one of its sources at the giant Consumer Electronic Show (CES) show in Las Vegas.
Netflix has yet to confirm any details, but Tech Guide says their information was confirmed by a second source. A Netflix spokesperson said, "We do not comment on rumour or speculation. Details of the local Australian launch have yet to be announced."
The key question is, what shows and movies will be available on Netflix?
It seems that many Australians, who already subscribe to the US service, will be disappointed with the content on day 1.
An estimated 200,000 Australians are using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the "geo-blocks" which stop them from viewing US Netflix content. But Netflix exec Todd Yellin has dismissed those numbers. "We think the rumours are a little exaggerated because no one really knows," said Netflix's vice-president of product innovation, Mr Yellin. "We'd be curious ourselves."
Because content (shows and movies) is licenced by region and country, many shows on US Netflix may not be on the Australian version from launch date. But it is expected to improve dramatically following that. "The catalogue that the Australians will see on day one will improve on day 30, and day 90 or every couple of weeks – sometimes every day, as we have more content coming in," Mr Yellin said.
The other question is what impact will the arrival of Netflix have on the commercial broadcasters, Seven West Media Ltd (ASX: SWM), Nine Entertainment Corp (ASX: NEC) and the beleaguered Ten Network Holdings Ltd (ASX: TEN)?
Clearly, Netflix is going to compete with the broadcasters, while the fate of smaller streaming service Quickflix Ltd (ASX: QFX) appears pretty clear cut.
