07 March 2017, India:
Popular online video streaming service Netflix said it has formed three separate strategic partnerships with Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and direct-to-home (DTH) television operator Videocon d2h.
The new partnerships are meant to expand distribution and make access to Netflix easier for Indians via integration through set-top boxes and prepaid mobile schemes as per the report by The Mint.
“In 2017, we will work on making our Indian service better in every dimension. What’s unique about Netflix is that we have got international originals and we will focus on premium content,” Hastings added.
With these partnerships, Netflix’s critically-acclaimed programs like ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Narcos and The Crown’ will be easily accessible to consumers across direct-to-home and mobile platforms throughout the country.
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“Airtel has been a pioneer in bringing the best of global content and products to its customers. We are delighted to partner Netflix to bring their popular content to our customer on one of our key digital platforms,” Said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India & South Asia), Bharti Airtel.
“We are delighted to have Netflix as a partner on our HD Smart Connect STB. This partnership strengthens our DNA of innovation by providing an instant TV screen experience for Netflix users in a seamless manner,” added Saurabh Dhoot, Executive Chairman, Videocon d2h.
“We are proud to be the first mobile partner of Netflix in India and look forward to offering its rich content to further delight our millions of customers”, said Sandeep Kataria, Director Commercial, Vodafone India.
Netflix has 44 million of its 94 million global users in markets outside the US. The company also plans to tie up with telcos including Reliance Jio, as it seeks to reach out to India’s 300 million plus internet users.