Bharti Airtel is in talks with the top video-streaming platform Netflix to offer a free subscription to Airtel customers using the Airtel TV application. This could be another massive partnership from Airtel, especially in the content game and this move will, of course, shake Reliance Jio, which might lead the latter to offer more. Right now, Airtel TV is sitting on top of the Google Play Store in the entertainment category, largely thanks to the Amazon Prime Subscription which Airtel started offering to its postpaid users since the start of this year. That said, an Airtel spokesperson declined to comment on the Netflix-Airtel partnership, but a PTI report says that the talks are in advanced stages.
"Netflix and Airtel are in advanced discussions for an exclusive tie-up to offer Netflix content to Airtel mobile customers. Several rounds of discussions have been completed between the two companies, and the deal could be announced in the coming weeks," added a PTI report. The publication even approached Netflix for comments, which went unanswered too.
Netflix has already partnered with Vodafone India, and the telco is providing free Netflix subscription for up to one year with its RED range of postpaid plans above Rs 999. Airtel might offer the same to its postpaid customers using any myPlan Infinity postpaid plan above Rs 999. But the details are yet to be revealed by the company though. If Airtel manages to offer free Netflix subscription to prepaid users, then it will be great news. There are some chances that Airtel might integrate the entire Netflix content to the Airtel TV application and users have to just make up for the data charges.
Already, the country's leading telecom operator is putting a lot of pressure on Reliance Jio in the content game. Earlier this year, it partnered with Amazon to offer free Amazon Prime subscription for Airtel postpaid users on the Rs 499 plan or above. Later on, it partnered with Hotstar and is currently providing free live streaming of IPL 2018 matches via Airtel TV application. The Netflix partnership will be a massive one for Airtel and its subscribers.
Netflix originally entered the Indian market in January 2016 and is by far the premium service as far as video content goes. Netflix's current subscription charges start at Rs 500 and goes up to Rs 800 for the premium one, and these charges are monthly rates. Amazon is offering free Amazon Prime Video subscription at Rs 999 per year, while Hotstar has reduced the subscription amount to Rs 999 per year.
More details about the Airtel-Netflix partnership will surface in the coming days or like always; we're expecting a sudden announcement from Airtel today or on Monday.
