New and established Optus broadband customers will get a six months subscription to Netflix at no extra cost for those who take out 24-months contracts.
The exclusive free-for-six months deal with Netflix gives Optus an edge over Telstra, which is about to launch Telstra TV.
A partnership between Telstra and US streaming media set-top-box maker Roku, Telstra TV will offer Netflix, Stan, Presto Movies and Presto TV, movie rentals from Telstra’s BigPond Movies, the free-to-air broadcasters’ catch-up platforms and numerous apps via the Roku 2 device.
Although Netflix has an estimated 1 million subscribers in Australia, Optus says some Australians are still reluctant to try video-on-demand services.
A quarter of those who have not subscribed are concerned about additional internet costs including data charges, according to the Nielsen Connected Consumer Report 2015.
Optus offered new and re-contracting broadband customers a six month subscription to Netflix from its launch in March until July 5.
Vicki Brady, Optus MD of marketing and product at Optus, said, “Customers tell us they want an easy and flexible streaming experience that allows them to watch what they want and how they want, without the worry of frustrating data limits.
“They also want the convenience of a set top box that gives them access to a world of entertainment without the hassle of juggling between sources, devices and remotes. Our new Entertainment Starter Bundle includes Optus TV with Fetch and delivers everything our customers have been asking for.”
The Netflix offer runs from November 2 until January 31.
Optus TV with Fetch enables customers to record, pause and rewind up to 585 hours of standard definition digital free-to-air TV via their PVR; access to 30 new movies plus TV shows and a rental library of 4,500 titles; and catch-up TV.