Netflix has finally decided on the launch date for service in Australia and New Zealand, and it is March 24. Beginning that day, it will be possible for Australian viewers to watch an array of shows and movies once they subscribe to the streaming service.
Similar structure to that of the US
The structure of Netflix Australia is very similar to that of the U.S. It has three tiers: Basic, which is SD streaming to one screen; standard, which is simultaneous streaming to two screens and HD where available; and premium, which is four-screen streaming and 4K ultra-high definition where available.
Netflix’s service to Australian subscribers will be available on several devices that include smart televisions manufactured by Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips and Hisense, Fetch TV’s second-generation set-top box. Also viewers can enjoy the service on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Apple and Android tablets and smartphones.
The entry of Netflix into Australia was confirmed by the company in November, but at that time, the company gave a tentative launch time of March. The pricing of the service has still been kept a secret. At CES 2015, director of corporate communications and technology at Netflix Cliff Edwards said they won’t be announcing the pricing until closer to the launch of the service in Australia.
Un-metered Netflix service
Netflix announced that it had entered into a deal with iiNet for the provision of “quota-free” streaming to iiNet customers. With this move, the U.S. firm has become the first local streaming service to offer un-metered access. Optus is another internet broadband service provider that is willing to offer Netflix as an un-metered service. An Optus spokesperson said, “Optus broadband consumer customers will also be able to access as much Netflix content as they want, without metering.”
Netflix has partnered with Vodafone for providing services in New Zealand. Quota-free streaming service, as available to iiNet customers, will not be available to New Zealand customers, but subscribers to Vodafone services will receive “several months” of free access to the service.
