Netflix to end free service in Vietnam

By Luu Quy   October 3, 2023 | 03:36 am PT
Netflix to end free service in Vietnam
A free package is offered by Netflix in Vietnam on an Android phone. Photo by VnExpress/Luu Quy
Streaming platform Netflix announced on Monday that it will end its free service in Vietnam next month after two years.

"Your membership will be canceled automatically when the free service package ends," Netflix announced.

Netflix first provided the free package in Vietnam in November 2021.

The free plan let anyone with an Android phone in Vietnam enjoy Netflix for no charge, without any ads. The package can be used only on a phone.

Vietnam was the second market after Kenya to enjoy the plan.

Those who want to continue using Netflix will have to register for a paid plan which costs at least VND70,000 (US$2.90) in Vietnam.

The change is being made as Netflix looks for ways to raise its revenue and subscriber numbers.

In July, Netflix started requesting users in Vietnam to verify if they are living in the same house as the account's owner as it expanded its crackdown on users sharing passwords with people beyond their immediate family.

The service said the TV would recognize if the user was connected to the same internet network as the registered account, and that users could verify through a code sent via email.

In a financial report in mid-July, Netflix said its password-sharing crackdown is working. In its second-quarter earnings report, the streamer says it saw the addition of 5.9 million subscribers globally, with the U.S. and Canada making up 1.17 million new members from April to June.

 
 
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