By Mwakilishi
Kenya is among 130 countries that can now accessinternet streaming TV from Netflix.
The expansion of the online TV streaming service was announced and launched Wednesday, at the ongoingConsumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network. With this launch, consumers around the world will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously; no more waiting,” co-founder and Chief Executive Reed Hastings said.
“With the help of the Internet, we are puttingpower in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device,” he added.
New subscribers to NetFlix will enjoy the first month of service free with an option of three packages in subsequent months.
All platforms have nocommercial breaks during programming, and can be paused and resumed at a later time.
The first package will cost Sh816 which grants subscribers unlimited access to movies with an option to cancel membership at any time.
The second package will attract a Sh1018 monthly fee; subscribers of this package will enjoy among other benefits streaming in high definition and watching on two screens simultaneously.
Additionally, subscribers will be able to access the service across different devices (smartphone, tablet, desktop and laptop computers, and smart TVs).
Subscribers on the third pay package - to cost Sh1223 - will have the added benefit of streaming on four different screens simultaneously in ultra high definition.
The company also announced the inclusion of 31 new and returning original series in a programs lineup that includes 24 original feature films and documentaries, a wide range of stand-up comedy specials and 30 original kids' series.
With the inclusion of Netflix, Kenyans will now have six pay TV options to chose from with DSTv, Zuku, GoTv, Star Times, and Safaricom’s theBIGbox included in the list.
DSTv which has enjoyed dominance was in September last year faulted for charging high prices for its range of packages with the premium package charging a high of Sh9,400 per month.
The company however defended the increase saying it was reflective of the weakening shilling to the US dollar adding that a similar revision would be made should the shilling strengthen against the dollar.
The inclusion of the 130 new countries brings to 190 the number of territories where the service is available. See the full list of countries and territories where Netflix is now available here.
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