This is a fusion of several tweets I shared on the topic yesterday on my timeline on Twitter @OgbeniFolusho.
Social media has been buzzing hours after Netflix announced expansion of its service to 130 countries including Nigeria. Originally, Netflix was only available in about 66 countries.
There have been questions, misconceptions and misinformation flying around so these few lines will provide some level of better understanding.
What is Netflix about?
Netflix is an online streaming service for movies and TV show episodes. You must be connected to the Internet to watch.
You can watch Netflix movies & TV shows online or stream right to your smart TV, game consoles, Apple TV etc.
Netflix has thousands of movies and TV show episodes available to watch instantly via mobile devices, game consoles, TVs, etc
Netflix is a subscription based online streaming platform like Hulu, Amazon, HBO, Vudu etc. You subscribe for a plan suitable for you.
Netflix does not display any commercials while watching no matter how long you watch or any device you watch from. You can pause, rewind, fast forward or re-watch a movie or TV show episode as often as you like.
Netflix Subscription Plans
Netflix offers 1 month free trial, which gives you unlimited access to watch movies and TV show episodes over the Internet for one month only.
Subscription for the 1 month free trial requires you input your debit/credit card details during the account setup process before you can start watching.
When your Netflix 1 month free trial expires, you can either choose to continue by doing nothing and your subscription is automatically renewed or you cancel your subscription outrightly.
Netflix subscription plans are based on the number of devices that may be allowed to instantly watch simultaneously and video quality.
Netflix Subscription Plans
1 screen: Standard definition video quality to be watched on one device at a time for $7.99/month.
2 screens: To be watched on two devices at a time and HD quality is available for $9.99/month
4 screens: To be watched on 4 screens at a time. HD, Ultra HD and 3D available for $11.99/month
These Netflix subscription plans are different from your internet access subscription. Which will be addressed next.
For a fact, Netflix is better enjoyed on FREE WIRELESS internet access or unlimited data plan and not capped mobile data plans we have in Nigeria.
Netflix streaming speed
Normal quality - 0.5 to 1.5Mbps
DVD quality - 3.0Mbps
HD quality - 5.0Mbps
Super HD & 3D quality - 7.0-12.0Mbps
Data consumption based on video quality:
Low Definition Video Quality - 0.3GB/hour
Standard Definition Video Quality - 0.7GB/hour
HD Video Quality - 3GB/hour
Ultra HD Video Quality - 7GB/hour
Affordable Data Plans/Options In Nigeria
So what are the affordable data plans or options available in Nigeria to access and watch on Netflix considerably well?
Etisalat Nigeria just rolled out its #9jaNetflixAndChill plan for N400 per 2hours of watch on Netflix. This data plan is Netflix specific i.e it only gives you 2hours access to watch on Netflix. You can't use it for any other app.
Airtel has not rolled out it official Netflix data plan but Airtel’s time based data plan of N180 per 60mins for unlimited data access is a better deal than Etisalat's Netflix data plan.
The Airtel’s time based plan is better because you can still be downloading stuffs on other apps / browsers while you are watching on Netflix within the time allotted.
Most of the TV Show episodes last for between 40 – 60mins and movies last for about 2 hours so Etisalat's Netflix 2hours data plan will be for just 2 episodes or 1 movie.
On a final note, for some of us, Netflix's expansion to Nigeria is a good development for the entertainment industry especially the online streaming service sector. It will also make our telcos and ISPs to work on providing affordable and high speed data service with unlimited data bundles.
