Netflix’s Australian service is expected to be free for the first six months to telco subscribers as it takes on Stan (currently available at no cost for 30 days) and the Presto Movies/Presto TV combination.
The US streaming giant announced today its Australian feed will be integrated with Fetch TV. That means Netflix will be marketed to approximately 180,000 Fetch subscribers that will have the second generation set-top box, distributed by Optus, iiNet and Dodo, by the time Netflix launches in late March.
While the two services won’t be bundled, Fetch’s STB will enable Netflix subscribers to watch the streaming service on their large screen TVs.
Also, Netflix customers will be able to buy Fetch’s movies and TV series when the latter adds an electronic sell-through component to its 40 linear channels and movies-to-rent later this year.
Netflix’s New Zealand feed, which will launch at the same time as Australia's, will be integrated with Fetch’s STB when it expands to that country.
The Netflix line-up will include Netflix originals Bloodline, Grace and Frankie and Marco Polo as well as Disney blockbusters such as Frozen and Maleficent.
Netflix has not announced any free trial but in markets such as the UK and Germany the service was available free for six months via a telco and a TV manufacturer.
Bill Holmes, head of business development at Netflix, said in a media release, “As we surveyed the Australian market, Netflix was impressed by the Fetch TV service, unique business model, and the committed coalition of Telco partners.
“By partnering with Fetch TV, we are making it easy for TV fans and movie lovers to watch Netflix on their televisions.”
Fetch TV CEO Scott Lorson said, “Today’s announcement represents a significant milestone for Fetch TV and our partners, and a very exciting development for our 170,000 plus customers.
“Netflix is the clear world leader in online entertainment, with a powerful brand, compelling content, and an unparalleled reputation for innovation and disruption. Netflix perfectly complements the Fetch TV service. We are now able to offer Australian consumers a world-class integrated entertainment offering at unprecedented value.”
On February 1 Fetch TV added a bunch of linear channels including BBC First, BBC Knowledge, UK TV, Nat Geo Wild, The Food Network and HGTV.