Streaming giant Netflix has unveiled a new mobile subscription plan, ‘Made in India’, at Rs 199 to woo viewers amid intense competition from other platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hotsar and other local players.
The plan was unveiled on Wednesday in Delhi and will be exclusive to India. It will enable users to view content in standard definition (SD) on one smartphone or tablet at a time. Previously it was reported that the plan was to be offered at Rs 250 per month.
This is Netflix’s fourth Indian plan, in addition to the existing basic, standard and premium plans which range between Rs. 499 and Rs. 799 per month.
On the other hand, Amazon Prime Videos, Hotstar and Zee5 offer services at Rs 999 annually.
The mobile only plan means that users will be unable to access content on their desktop, PC or smart TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick. It will not support HD or 720 p or higher resolution content.
The new plan will not also support casting to other devices, so you will not be able to stream to your TV via Google Chromecast.
“Our members in India watch more on their mobiles than members any other country in the world — and they love to download our shows and films. We believe this new plan will make Netflix even more accessible and better suit people who like to watch on their smartphones and tablets — both on the go and at home,” Ajay Arora, Director, Product Innovation, Netflix, told reporters in Delhi, quoted IANS.
“Indian consumers watch on the go. And you can’t beat that feeedom.”
Netflix is investing heavily in Indian films and series across all genres and for all generations, including hits like Sacred Games, Chopsticks and Mighty Little Bheem. According to the company, thirteen new films and nine new original series are already in the pipeline.
The company began testing the mobile-only subscription service in a few countries in March.