Netflix to Begin Streaming in U.K. and Ireland in Early 2012
Despite rumors that Asia would be Netflix's next area of expansion, the movie service announced this morning that it would begin offering streaming service in the U.K. and Ireland "in early 2012," according to the press release. Those countries won't get the DVD by mail option, which is also how Netflix operates in Canada, Central America, South American, and the Caribbean.
The offering will allow unlimited streaming on connected TVs, Windows and Macintosh computers, and mobile devices, all for one monthly price. Netflix hasn't yet announced that price, however, and will do so closer to launch.
The announcement also lacks details on content, so those interested in subscribing will have to wait until closer to launch to see how many titles are included, and how many major Hollywood and U.K. studios are involved.
While the expansion seems like a natural for Netflix, the U.K. is already served by LoveFilm, which offers both streaming and DVD service, and is owned by Amazon. LoveFilm says it has over 1.5 million subscribers in five countries. It remains to be seen whether U.K. and Ireland residents will welcome Netflix or stick with the U.K.-based LoveFilm.
Netflix began offering streaming service to Canada in 2010 and to 43 countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean in September, 2011.
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