Skip to main content

Netflix to launch in Latin America

netflix-streaming-1

Movie streaming and mail-order DVD rental service Netflix announced today that its operations will expand to Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. This includes a total of 43 additional countries, according to a statement posted to the official Netflix blog. A list of all the countries included in the deal has not yet been published.

Netflix Vice President of Marketing Jessie Becker says that new members in the region “will be able to access Netflix.com in Spanish, Portuguese or English, depending on their preference.” They will also be able to access the service “for one low monthly subscription price,” on a “range” of devices, including Macs and PCs, and mobile devices.

The company has not yet announced when users in the Latin American world will be able to begin streaming movies and television shows. But those who are interested in finding out can visit the Netflix website and leave their email address. Netflix will send out a notification message when it officially launches

News of the expansion has sent Netflix stock price on NASDAQ skyrocketing 5 percent to more than $281 at the time of this writing, an all-time high since Netflix went public in May 2002. Last year, Netflix expanded its services to Canada. The move to the Latin America represents the largest overseas expansion in a master plan to make itself available in countries around the globe.

In addition to elevating his company to worldwide dominance, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently joined Facebook‘s board of directors. The social network is preparing to launch an initial public offering sometime in 2012. Hastings, who founded Pure Software before co-founding Netflix, has already been through two IPOs. The 50-year-old executive also serves on Microsoft‘s board.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings tells TV networks how to beat him
reed hastings says tv everywhere the key to beating netflix ces 2014

When it comes to competing with Netflix, the company's outspoken CEO, Reed Hastings, has two words for content providers: TV Everywhere.

That’s the umbrella term used to describe on-demand streaming apps that allow users to watch TV whenever and wherever they want. Speaking at a New York Times conference Monday, Hastings said he sees the strength of these apps -- or lack thereof -- as a key for content providers to compete with Netflix, and other streaming services in the ever-changing video landscape.

Read more
Netflix launches in Japan, though it’s doing things a little differently there
netflix launches in japan though its doing things a little differently there 2015

With a solid Internet infrastructure and a population of 127 million, launching in Japan is a big deal for Netflix.

The video streaming giant rolled out its service in the Asian nation on Wednesday, offering subscribers a month's free trial or the option to dive straight in with various packages.

Read more
Japanese telecom SoftBank will sell Netflix directly from devices at launch
Netflix gets the upper hand in Japan from telecom giant SoftBank
new on netflix

When Netflix launches in Japan on September 2, it'll have some major help from cell phone and internet giant SoftBank. Today, the video streamer announced a new partnership which will allow SoftBank's 37 million cell phone customers to pay Netflix's monthly fee directly through their SoftBank account in-store, online, or through major electronics retailers. The telecom giant will also begin pre-installing the Netflix app on its smartphones next month.

"Now, we have a shared dream to work together, SoftBank and Netflix, to find those amazing stories around the world, create new incredible experiences and deliver them to consumers around the globe and here in Japan," said Netflix exec Greg Peters to the Japan Times.
The popular video streamer announced three monthly subscription options for Japanese customers: a standard definition, single stream "basic plan"  for 650 JPY (~$5.49), an HD "standard plan" for 950 JPY (~$8.02), and a 4K UHD four stream "premium" family plan for 1450 JPY (~$12.24).
Netflix's launch in Japan comes as the streaming giant aims to reach "200 countries" by the end of next year. The streamer currently operates in 50 countries, according to Fortune, has tallied 65 million customers globally, and could reach 100 million subscribers by 2020. Japanese subscription video streaming competitors include Hulu (which has 1 million Japanese subscribers) as well as services from NTT Domoco, and SoftBank's own Uula. SoftBank will be focusing its efforts on Netflix going forward, according to the Japan Times.
Netflix may also consider a content partnership with SoftBank in Japan, although it has already inked an original content deal with Fuji Television. According to Deadline, Fuji has a new version of reality series Terrace House and a "coming-of-age drama" Atelier (Underwear) planned to premiere on Netflix Japan at launch.

Read more