Netflix scores Telecom Italia carriage

Netflix has secured carriage on Telecom Italia platforms ahead of its launch in Italy this autumn.

The deal means Netflix will be offered to internet customers of the Italian mobile and phone group’s set-top box TIMvision.

At launch in Italy, Netflix will offer original series such as Daredevil, Sense8, Bloodline, Grace and Frankie, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, documentary Virunga children’s series and stand-up specials.

It will also get the slate of upcoming exclusive movies, which include Beasts of No Nation, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, Jadotville and The Ridiculous 6.

Financial terms of the agreement with Vivendi-backed Telecom Italia were not disclosed.

Netflix is launching in Italy, Spain and Portugal later this year as part of its ambition plan to launch in 200 territories by the end of 2016.

“We are happy to present Netflix to the Italian public,” said Bill Holmes, general manager, business development at Netflix.

“Our partnership with Telecom Italy will make it even easier Italians discover Netflix and, with it, a new way to watch TV, which allows viewers to decide when and how to enjoy the show.”

The launch of Netflix would spur demand for super-fast broadband speeds, Telecom Italia said, adding it was investing in fiber optic networks and content deals as a way of creating new revenue streams.