Although they each have their own regional partners for video streaming service, local operators PLDT and Globe Telecom had to create monthly packages for online video subscribers after tech pioneer Netflix announced at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that it was making its service available globally, including the Philippines.
PLDT has partnered with Asia-based Internet TV provider iFlix, while Globe has hooked up with regional video streaming player Hooq. The rival telcos are not shying, however, from offering Netflix to local subscribers.
To prepare for its global invasion, Netflix has implemented an adaptive streaming technology that recognizes how robust the connection is and automatically adjusts the video quality streamed to the screens.
In a statement, PLDT said its Home Fibr, DSL, Ultera, and Smart subscribers can now access the extensive library of movies, TV shows and original content of Netflix.
Customers can choose from three Netflix plans starting at P370 per month for the Basic Plan. Users automatically get one free month after sign-up. Subscribers of Standard (P460/month) and Premium (P550/month) Plans get additional viewing screens and HD and Ultra HD viewing options.
Smart postpaid customers may also subscribe to Netflix on their iOS devices with their Pay-with-Mobile service without having to use a credit card. Subscribers will be given a unique Virtual Credit Card number that they can use exclusively with their iTunes accounts and charge their Netflix subscription to their postpaid bill.
PLDT and Smart?s digital financial unit, PayMaya Philippines (formerly Smart eMoney), also offer customers without credit cards to subscribe to Netflix using their PayMaya mobile app which generates an instant Visa card for any mobile subscriber. Consumers can immediately use their PayMaya account after being topped up in over 15,000 reloading centers nationwide.
Globe, meanwhile, said its subscribers can enjoy Netflix with Google Chromecast with a Globe Home Broadband Plan starting at Plan 1299. Globe Platinum Broadband customers can also avail of Chromecast for free starting at Plan 2499 to Plan 9499.
Similar to PLDT, Globe said GCash Mastercard as a payment facility allows non-credit card owners to subscribe and get a Netflix account to enjoy access to 100 million hours of TV shows and movies per day.
