Netflix Deducts Monthly Prices To Ksh200

Video streaming giant, Netflix, has lowered its charges for monthly subscriptions for its services in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The company stated in its statement on Tuesday, February 21 that it is offering its customers better value for its money.

The new prices which go as low as Ksh200 per month will also be applied instantly to new members who sign up.

"Our goal is simple: to offer a wide variety of quality shows and films, curated for you,” Netflix said in its statement.

A collection of films and TV shows available on Netflix. /FILE

Netflix's mobile plan will cost Ksh200 down from Ksh300 whereas its basic plan was lowered by Ksh400 to Ksh300, down from Ksh700.

Its standard plan was slashed from Ksh1,100 to Ksh700 while its premium plan now goes for Ksh1,100 down from Ksh1,450.

The price cuts took effect on February 21 at 8 am.

“The update will roll out to existing members over the coming weeks from their next billing cycle. 

"Existing members will be notified by email, [as well as within the Netflix app 30 days before the new prices are applied to them (this is only for auto-upgrades)]. The exact timing will depend on the specific member’s billing cycle," added Netflix.

For the Sub-Saharan Africa region, Netflix's mobile plan will cost $2.99 down from $3.99 whereas the basic plan will cost $3.99, down from $7.99

For the standard plan, subscribers will pay $7.99, down from $9.99 while for the premium plan, they will pay $9.99 down from $11.99.

The video-streaming platform has been one of the most popular in the country and across the continent due to its rich collection of films and TV shows, even in the midst of geo-restrictions.

Netflix users also prefer the platform due to its functional user interface, easy navigability and low bandwidth requirements, meaning anyone can stream their favourite shows depending on the strength of their Internet connection. Others can download their favourite shows to watch offline.

Recent price hikes affecting its plans have however scared a variety of customers from Netflix, with some resorting to using the free version which was rolled out to Android users or the cheapest mobile plan available to access the entire catalogue of shows. This has also left the platform vulnerable to being out-competed by other streaming giants such as Showmax.

Netflix has also embarked on changes including Greg Peters being appointed the co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) alongside Ted Sarandos, a promotion from his previous role as Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is after co-founder Reed Hastings was revealed to be stepping down from the CEO position which he held for 25 years, in a leadership change at the executive of the corporation.

Netflix also announced its plan to stop individuals from sharing passwords which are against its terms of service and causing harm to its overall revenue.

“Netflix accounts are still shareable, but only within one household. To ensure that your devices are associated with your primary location, Netflix is now asking users to connect to the Wi-Fi at their primary location, open the Netflix app or website, and watch something at least once every 31 days.

“Signing into Netflix outside of your home may lead to the device in use being blocked from Netflix. This could prevent you from signing into new devices while travelling, but Netflix has devised a workaround. Travelling users who want to use Netflix on a hotel smart TV, company laptop, etc. can request a temporary code from the service when signing in. This will give them access to their account for seven consecutive days,” stated Netflix.

The platform has been home to some of the world's biggest documentary exposés ranging from FIFA Uncovered to The Tinder Swindler.

The title credits for Netflix's 'FIFA Uncovered'. /FILE