Streaming media provider Netflix announced Wednesday it has expanded its services to 130 countries - including Israel - at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Speaking to “Globes”, global CEO Reed Hastings said Netflix did not plan to open offices in Israel, contrary to domestic rumors.
“Our corporate strategy is not to open offices in more places, and we are not planning such in Israel,” he said. “I am happy we launched the service in Israel. I know we have a lot of users over there who watch us through VPN services; now they can connect to us more easily.”
The service, launched on Wednesday, begins at $8 per month but does not include a Hebrew interface or Hebrew subtitles - though Arabic is included. Hastings said that was not likely to change soon: “We will see the success of the service in Israel and decide if we should localize it.”
Netflix produces and broadcasts several shows including House of Cards, Narcos, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and Marvel’s Daredeveil.
While a basic Netflix subscription costs $8 per month, the company also offers a more expensive $12 plan, which includes access from four devices. Netflix offers a free trial month, with its app available on most smart TVs available in Israel, Apple TV, smartphones, and Sony and Microsoft game consoles.
The mobile app is available from Google Play and the App Store.
Cable broadcaster Hot said, “Hot provides its users one of the leading and most advanced viewing experience in Israel - which cannot be compared to Netflix - with a wide and diverse selection of Israeli productions for children and adults and the new seasons of the best shows in the world. The company will continue to invest in quality content even with the entry of new players into the market.”
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 7, 2016
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