Netflix Inc., the American streaming service has shaken hands with Indian cable broadband provider Hathway in a recent business deal.
The Deal
As part of the deal, Netflix content will be streamed through Hathway set-top box and its users will be able to access the same. The new set-top box will come with an exclusive remote that would have a launch button for Netflix and the users will be able to pay for their Netflix subscription through Hathway billing.
The Price Point
The initial pricing for the set-top box has been kept at Rs 2999/- and all new and existing customers who will pay for their subscription of Netflix through Hathway will receive the set-top box free of cost.
What Hathway Has to Say About the Tie-Up
“In this smart and digital era, customers are looking at leading Internet entertainment services like Netflix to access high quality, well-produced entertainment. The soon-to-be-launched Hathway set-top box will make watching streaming videos on large screens an incredible experience. The Hathway set-top box will be bundled with our high-speed, unlimited fiber-to-home monthly plans,” said Rajan Gupta, managing director, Hathway.
On 9 May 2018, Mint reported that Netflix plans to expand its local content in India over the next year with special focus on producing original feature films.
What Netflix Has to Say
“We’re very excited to partner with Hathway Broadband in India to bring the latest technologies and great stories under one roof,” said Tony Zameczkowski, vice-president, business development, Netflix Asia. “The Hathway set-top box will allow Hathway’s customers to use the Netflix button on their remote controls to seamlessly access and enjoy the best entertainment at high speeds.”
Netflix and India
Industry experts estimate the company has set aside Rs. 500-600 crore per year to invest in original content in India. Netflix is eyeing a lot of potential in the Indian market. If industry experts are to be believed, the company has an investment plan of about Rs 500 crore exclusively for Indian content. Up till now, they have tied up with Shahrukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, Anil Kapoor Film and Communication Network and also with Anurag Kashyap’s Phantom Films, wherein Red Chillies was their first tie up.
Well, a lot of non-smart TV users will be happy with this business deal, as through a regular Hathway set-top box, cable network, Netflix streaming would be enabled.
Are you excited?
