There was a time perhaps, when it
was still a new and foreign thing, that the idea of a digital media streaming
platform sounded too expensive for a Filipino subscriber, if it was even
available in that region then. With the rise of Netflix, for a time the streaming service with the easiest
recognition, Filipino subscribers were soon able to avail themselves of content
from that platform, priced accordingly to the Philippine market thanks to
telecom companies and such. But Netflix is always looking for avenues to expand
their user base. One idea is to implement a mobile streaming subscription plan.
And the Philippines is one of these lucky markets.
ABS-CBN News reports that Netflix Philippines is one of five
countries in the world that the global streaming giant, still going strong
despite losing much licensed media to their respective creators’ exclusive
streaming platforms, is introducing a mobile subscription plan for. This plan,
allowing Netflix content streaming on smartphones and tablets, offers one of
the cheapest monthly rates for digital media in the country yet, at P149 a pop.
Netflix chose the Philippines as one of the target markets, says product
innovation director Patrick Flemming, after determining that Filipinos spend
3.3 hours minimum everyday watching online content on mobile gadgets.
The terms of a Netflix mobile subscription
plan are as minimal as can be for a P149 price. Available streaming content are
at standard video definitions only (no HD and Ultra HD). In addition, the plan
only works on the Netflix mobile app and not on a standard laptop/PC or
internet-capable TV. Nevertheless, a mobile Netflix account will still offer
the usual five individual profiles that the higher-tier plans have, the better
to differentiate preferences of up to five users on a single mobile subscription.
Patrick Flemming is rather candid
on the rationale for introducing the near dirt-cheap mobile monthly plan right
now for the Philippines and four of its other markets. They believe the
Filipinos are one of the most constantly-increasing numbers of long-term
subscribers in the world at present, and Netflix could up that figure
exponentially by offering an entry-plan rate even cheaper than Basic. And with more
people feeling the need to stay home and hunker down in the shadow of the
now-pandemic of novel coronavirus, the global streaming giant is only too happy
to offer their content as both comfort and escape from the disease outbreak.
"We are happy to be there to
provide that comfort,” says Flemming regarding its Asian user base, which
provides 9% of Netflix subscribers worldwide. “Our product can provide some
kind of escape from the pressure."
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