Netflix reportedly eyeing Indian launch

A report in India suggests SVoD platform Netflix will launch in the Asian territory before 2016.

Citing unnamed sources, the Times of India reported the US-based platform had “firmed up plans” to enter territory, a move that was concerning local DTH players.

Should Netflix launch in India, it would be the second American-owned SVOD service available there after Hooq, which is owned by US players Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. and Singapore’s Singtel, recently confirmed it was launching.

“We have said we plan to be nearly global by the end of 2016. We have nothing else to share at this point,” a Netflix spokesman told Times of India.

This year Netflix has launched in Australia and New Zealand and will soon be in Japan, and plans to expand further in Europe in Spain, Italy and Portugal.

Indian already plays home to several on-demand platforms such as Hotstar, Ogle, Big Flix and Spuul, but these have suffered due to poor internet connections, TOI reported. With 4G connection expected nationwide soon, Netflix has made its move.