Last November, Netflix began testing a mobile-only subscription model in Malaysia. The test model, which allows users to pay less each month, but then only access Netflix on their mobiles has since been extended to India. As well as restricting Netflix to a smartphone or tablet, the mobile-only subscription model also limited streaming to Standard Definition (SD) only. Netflix is now extending this test in India, adding an interesting new element to its subscription model tests.
Netflix is testing weekly subscriptions in India
The new weekly subscription model that Netflix is introducing to Indian users will offer much more flexibility. Users will be able to subscribe one week but then not the other, allowing them to cut off their connection to the Netflix library during busy weeks and then hook themselves up again when they’ve got a bit more free time on their hands. It also works for users who might struggle to afford a full month’s subscription. A week’s subscription on one of the new plans will cost Indian users as little as Rs 65, which is only about 95 cents.
At such a low price, it will come as no surprise that the weekly subscription comes complete with restrictions. Fortunately, the restrictions do not hold back any of the Netflix catalog. All titles will be available to weekly subscribers, but like with the original mobile only plan, they’ll only be available in SD. The other main restriction is that the Netflix subscription will be limited to one device only, which must be a smartphone or tablet.
The Rs 65/week plan marks the cheapest of all the new subscription models that Netflix is testing. Prices will go up based on adding multiple devices to the basic package, the ability to watch on a laptop or TV, and also adding HD and Ultra HD to your weekly subscription. The most expensive weekly subscription, which offers Ultra HD content and allows streaming on up to four devices at the same time costs Rs 200, which is about $2.90 a week.
If you’re an Indian Netflix user and you’re interested in this new weekly subscription model, you’ll be happy to know that Netflix is offering a four-week free trial to all new users. Unfortunately, however, you won’t able to take advantage of the free trial without first handing over your financial information.
U.S. Netflix users shouldn’t get too excited about a new super-cheap weekly subscription model just yet. Even if the new weekly subscription does make it over to the States, we shouldn’t expect similar pricing structure for a week’s worth of Netflix. These tests are designed to help Netflix expand into markets where people can’t really afford a full Netflix subscription, rather than as a way to make it more competitive in markets where it already competes.
