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OTT streaming app to be made available to Liberty Global customers across 30 countries.
Liberty Global on Wednesday announced a worldwide partnership with Netflix, a deal that will bring the OTT video-streaming service to Liberty customers across 30 countries.
The Netherlands will be the first new Liberty Global market to receive Netflix; other markets will follow in 2017.
"Arguably this is a bigger deal for Netflix who has been struggling to grow its base outside of the U.S. in recent quarters; this despite being available globally," noted Paolo Pescatore, director of multi-play and media at CCS Insight, in a research note.
"Netflix needs subscribers and it needs them fast," he continued. "A tie-up with Liberty Global gives Netflix more reach and we expect to see more telco and cable relationships over coming months."
Wednesday’s agreement follows the launch of the Netflix app on Liberty Global’s Virgin Media unit in the U.K. in 2013.
"We are committed to bringing the best content to our customers, and are thrilled to expand our partnership with Netflix. This deal will provide even more freedom to our subscribers – allowing them to access a goldmine of amazing TV and films at the click of a button, fully integrated into their usual TV viewing set-up," said Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries, in a statement.
"This partnership builds on our strong relationship with Virgin Media in the U.K., allowing millions of our mutual customers around the world to easily access the broadest range of TV shows and movies without having to search for that other remote control," added Neflix CEO Reed Hastings.
Existing Netflix customers will be able to log in when the app becomes available on Liberty Global’s digital TV platforms. New customers will be able to sign up via the app.
