Netflix has announced the signing of a deal with Japanese telecoms operator Softbank Group to launch its video streaming service in Japan on 2 September – marking an Asian first for the over-the-top (OTT) provider. In a press release, Netflix notes that under the tie-up Softbank customers will be able to sign up for Netflix’s video streaming
service at retail outlets, online or via call centres, as well as at major electronics retailers. Customers will be able to sign up for the service without fill-ing out any payment information, the press release further points out, as the Netflix fee will be added to their bill to simplify the payment process. At launch, Netflix is offering a choice of three tiers of service, with the entry-level, single-stream standard definition (SD) plan costing JPY650 (USD5.4), rising to JPY950 for the high definition (HD) dual-stream plan and JPY1,450 for the premier quad-stream 4K ultra-HD family plan.
