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Modern OTT Subscription Plans and Access Methods in India: An Analysis of Netflix in 2024

GOOVER DAILY REPORT June 20, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Netflix Subscription Plans in India for 2024
  3. Bundled Subscription Plans with Telecom Providers
  4. Free Access Methods for OTT Platforms
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report titled 'Modern OTT Subscription Plans and Access Methods in India: An Analysis of Netflix in 2024' provides a comprehensive look into the subscription offerings of Netflix in India for the year 2024. The report details various subscription tiers, ranging from Rs 149 to Rs 649, each catering to different user preferences and budgets. It also explores bundled plans provided by telecom companies like Reliance Jio and Airtel which include Netflix subscriptions, making premium content more accessible. Additionally, the report discusses methods to gain free access to OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar through trials, bundled packages, loyalty programs, and ad-supported models. The aim is to give readers a well-rounded understanding of current OTT subscription strategies and their availability in the Indian market.

2. Netflix Subscription Plans in India for 2024

  • 2-1. Different subscription tiers ranging from Rs 149 to Rs 649

  • Netflix offers four subscription plans in India: a Rs 149 mobile-only plan, a Rs 199 Basic plan, a Rs 499 Standard plan, and a Rs 649 Premium plan. Each plan varies in terms of access and price, catering to different user needs and budgets.

  • 2-2. Features of each plan (e.g., mobile-only access, screen support, HD/Ultra HD content, download capabilities)

  • 1. **Rs 149 Mobile-only plan**: Only accessible on smartphones or tablets, supports 1 screen at a time, streams in 480p. 2. **Rs 199 Basic plan**: Accessible on multiple devices but supports only 1 screen at a time, streams in HD resolution. 3. **Rs 499 Standard plan**: Supports streaming on 2 screens simultaneously, streams in Full HD resolution, allows downloads on two devices. 4. **Rs 649 Premium plan**: Supports streaming on 4 screens simultaneously, streams in Ultra HD (4K), includes Netflix Spatial Audio support, allows downloads on six devices.

  • 2-3. Ad-supported plans

  • Netflix has introduced an ad-supported plan in some countries to provide affordable access to its content. This plan has not yet been rolled out in India. In other regions, this plan costs around $6.99 (approximately Rs 575) and includes 4-5 minutes of ads per hour.

  • 2-4. Restrictions on account sharing outside the primary household

  • Netflix restricts sharing of accounts with users outside the primary household. When a device outside the household attempts to sign in, Netflix requires the primary account owner to verify the device through a 4-digit code sent via email or SMS.

3. Bundled Subscription Plans with Telecom Providers

  • 3-1. Reliance Jio and Airtel bundled plans

  • Reliance Jio and Airtel have introduced attractive bundled plans that include Netflix subscriptions among other OTT platforms, making premium content more accessible to Indian users. Reliance Jio offers several postpaid plans with Netflix mobile plan bundled in. These include: - Rs 399 Jio Postpaid Plus plan: 75GB of data, unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, Netflix (mobile plan), Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar VIP, and 200GB data rollover. - Rs 599 Jio Postpaid Plus Plan: 100GB of data, unlimited voice calls, one additional SIM, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and 200GB rollover. - Rs 799 Jio Postpaid Plus plan: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, 100 SMS/day, 150GB of data, unlimited voice calls, two additional SIMs, and 200GB data rollover. - Rs 999 Jio Postpaid Plus Plan: 200GB of data, three additional SIMs, 500GB data rollover, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, unlimited voice calls, and 100 SMS/day. - Rs 1,499 Jio Postpaid Plus plan: 300GB of data, unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar VIP, 500GB data rollover, and international roaming in the USA and UAE. Airtel has also introduced postpaid plans that come with Netflix subscriptions. These include: - Rs 1,199 Airtel Postpaid Plan: 150GB of data for one month, data rollover facility, unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS per day, Netflix Basic subscription, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar Mobile. - Rs 1,499 Airtel postpaid plan: 200GB of data per month, 100 SMS per day, unlimited voice calls, Netflix Standard subscription, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar Mobile.

  • 3-2. Airtel Xstream and Reliance JioFiber broadband plans offering Netflix subscriptions

  • Airtel Xstream offers broadband plans with Netflix subscriptions included. The plans are: - Rs 1,498 Broadband Plan: Unlimited data, internet speed up to 300Mbps, unlimited voice calls, Netflix Basic subscription, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Xstream Premium, Apollo 24|7 Circle, FASTag cashback, and Wynk Premium subscriptions. - Rs 3,999 Broadband Plan: Unlimited data, internet speed up to 1Gbps, unlimited voice calls, Netflix Premium subscription, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Xstream Premium, Apollo 24|7 Circle, FASTag cashback, and Wynk Premium subscriptions. Reliance JioFiber also offers broadband plans with Netflix subscriptions. They include: - Rs 1,499 JioFiber broadband plan: 300Mbps internet speed, unlimited data, free voice calls, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Sun NXT, Voot Select, Voot Kids, ALT Balaji, Hoichoi, ShemarooMe, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, Eros Now, JioCinema, and JioSavan subscriptions. - Rs 2,499 JioFiber broadband plan: 500Mbps speeds, unlimited data, free voice calls, Netflix Standard, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Sun NXT, Voot Select, Voot Kids, ALT Balaji, Hoichoi, ShemarooMe, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, Eros Now, JioCinema, and JioSavan subscriptions. - Rs 3,999 JioFiber broadband plan: 1Gbps speed, unlimited data, unlimited voice calls, Netflix Standard, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Sun NXT, Voot Select, Voot Kids, ALT Balaji, Hoichoi, ShemarooMe, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, Eros Now, JioCinema, and JioSavan subscriptions. - Rs 8,499 JioFiber broadband plan: 1Gbps speed, unlimited data, free voice calls, 6,600GB FUP limit per month, Netflix Premium, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Sun NXT, Voot Select, Voot Kids, ALT Balaji, Hoichoi, ShemarooMe, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, Eros Now, JioCinema, and JioSavan subscriptions.

4. Free Access Methods for OTT Platforms

  • 4-1. Free trials for new users

  • Many OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar offer free trials to new users. These free trials typically last between a few days to a month, allowing users to explore the platform's content library before committing to a paid subscription. Users must sign up for the service and enter their billing information, with the option to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid charges.

  • 4-2. Bundled packages from mobile service providers

  • Mobile service providers like Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL offer bundled packages that include free access to various OTT services. Customers who choose these packages receive complimentary subscriptions to platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Zee5. These bundles often come as part of prepaid and postpaid mobile plans or broadband services, making it easier and more affordable for consumers to enjoy premium content.

  • 4-3. Loyalty programs like Flipkart SuperCoins

  • Flipkart SuperCoins is a loyalty program that rewards customers for their purchases. Users earn SuperCoins by shopping on Flipkart or using its services, which can then be redeemed for free subscriptions to OTT platforms like Zee5, SonyLiv, and Hotstar VIP. Flipkart regularly updates its offers, and users can occasionally find discounts or free access to premium services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

  • 4-4. Referral programs

  • Some OTT platforms offer referral programs that reward users for inviting their friends to sign up. Upon successful sign-up, both the new user and the referrer receive benefits such as free access for a limited period. This method incentivizes current users to promote the service, spreading its usage while offering temporary free access.

  • 4-5. Free content with ads on platforms like Voot and JioTV

  • Certain OTT platforms like Voot and JioTV provide access to free content with ads. While ad-supported content may not include the latest movies or exclusive shows, it still offers a diverse selection for users to enjoy without a subscription fee. These platforms allow users to watch a variety of content with intermittent advertisements.

5. Conclusion

  • In conclusion, Netflix offers a diverse range of subscription plans in India for 2024, each tailored for various consumer needs and financial situations. The collaboration with major telecommunications companies like Reliance Jio and Airtel has significantly reduced the cost barrier, making access to premium content more feasible for a broader audience. Methods such as free trials, bundled packages, and loyalty programs offer users opportunities to access multiple OTT platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar, at minimal or no extra cost. Despite these attractive options, limitations exist, particularly in free access methods which often involve ad-supported content or have restricted access periods. As OTT services evolve, the importance of adaptable and affordable subscription models will grow, driving increased consumer engagement. The future may hold more integrative and consumer-friendly offerings, especially as competition intensifies, pushing service providers to adopt more inclusive and inventive access methods. Practical applications of these findings highlight the increasing trend towards integrated service bundles that enhance overall user experience.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. Netflix [Company]

  • Netflix is a global streaming service offering a wide variety of award-winning TV shows, movies, anime, documentaries, and more. In India, Netflix provides multiple subscription plans catering to various consumer needs.

  • 6-2. Reliance Jio [Company]

  • Reliance Jio is a major telecommunications company in India, offering bundled plans that include subscriptions to popular OTT services like Netflix, aiming to enhance user experience by combining telecom and digital content services.

  • 6-3. Airtel [Company]

  • Airtel is a leading telecommunications company in India, providing bundled subscription plans and broadband services that include free access to popular OTT platforms like Netflix, to attract and retain customers.

  • 6-4. Amazon Prime Video [Service]

  • Amazon Prime Video is a popular OTT platform offering a vast library of video content, including exclusive movies and TV shows. It often features in bundled packages and loyalty programs.

  • 6-5. Disney+ Hotstar [Service]

  • Disney+ Hotstar is a popular OTT platform in India, providing access to a broad range of content including Disney originals, sports, movies, and TV shows. It supports multiple subscription plans catering to different viewer preferences.

  • 6-6. Voot [Service]

  • Voot is an Indian subscription video-on-demand service with a large library of TV shows, movies, and original content. It also offers ad-supported free content to users.

  • 6-7. JioTV [Service]

  • JioTV is an app and service provided by Reliance Jio that offers live TV streaming and on-demand content. It provides a range of free as well as premium content through bundled packages.

7. Source Documents