Netflix inks deal with Reliance’s Jio to expand India presence on August 18, 2023 at 11:15 am

Netflix has inked a “first-of-its-kind” deal with Jio Platforms, India’s largest telecom operator, to bundle the streaming service with the carrier’s two pay-as-you-go plans as the American giant pushes to expand its subscriber base in the South Asian market.

A Netflix mobile-only plan will come bundled with Jio’s 1,099 Indian rupees (or $13.2) plan, whereas a 1,499 Indian rupees offering ($18) gives subscribers access to Netflix Basic, the two companies said Friday. Both the plans have a validity of 84 days.

“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Jio. Over the years, we have launched a variety of successful local shows, documentaries and films which have been loved by audiences across India. Our collection of must watch stories is growing and our new prepaid bundle partnership with Jio will give more customers access to this exciting line-up of Indian content as well as some incredible stories from around the world,” said Tony Zameczkowski, Vice President of APAC Partnerships for Netflix, in a statement.

This is the first time Netflix has partnered with a telecom operator in India to offer the streaming service on a prepaid, or pay-as-you-go plan, Reliance said. (An existing partnership between the two firms also offers Netflix subscription with the carrier’s postpaid and fibre plans. The vast majority of people in India top up their phones with pay-as-you-go plans instead of subscribing to the typical recurring subscription common in most developed markets.)

“We are committed to bringing world class services to our users. The launch of Netflix bundles with our prepaid plan is yet another step to demonstrate our resolve. Our partnership with global partners like Netflix has grown in strength and together we are creating use cases for rest of the world to follow,” said Kiran Thomas, CEO of Jio Platforms Limited, in a statement.

More to follow.

​ Netflix has inked a “first-of-its-kind” deal with Jio Platforms, India’s largest telecom operator, to bundle the streaming service with the carrier’s two pay-as-you-go plans as the American giant pushes to expand its subscriber base in the South Asian market. A Netflix mobile-only plan will come bundled with Jio’s 1,099 Indian rupees (or $13.2) plan, whereas