Netflix secures Optus streaming pact

Ahead of its launch in Australia this month, Netflix has secured a carriage agreement with the country’s second-largest telecoms provider, Optus.

The deal means Netflix, which offers exclusive shows such as Marco Polo (pictured), will be offered free of charge for six months to new and renewing Optus customers on some broadband and mobile plans.

Prepaid customers will be handed a three-month subscription when they were purchase a prepay mobile phone or mobile broadband device.

From April 17, Optus customers will be allowed unmetered access to Netflix, meaning they can stream as much content from the platform as they like.

Second-generation Optus’ Fetch TV boxes will also begin carrying a Netflix app.

“We know that while many Australians prefer to watch their favourite TV show or the latest movies from the comfort of their home, they also want portable content for their smartphones,” said Optus CEO Allen Lew.

“With our subscription offer, we’re giving customers all the entertainment they need in the one place, and the freedom to watch what they want, when they want it.”

Australia’s SVOD market will soon see Netflix battling for subs with the likes of Foxtel and Seven West Media joint venture Presto, Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media JV Stan and the struggling Quickflix.

Presto recently secured a reseller agreement with leading telco Telstra, which owns 50% of Presto co-parent Foxtel. Stan, meanwhile, has partnered with Vodafone.