Netflix Tipped To Launch In Australia In 2014

Online video and movie streaming service Netflix is likely to launch in Australia next year as it moves to capitalise on the 20,000 estimated Australians currently using loopholes to pay for the service.

According to The Australian today, the on-demand streaming service's reluctance to launch in Australia has been altered by the number of people who are bypassing the geo-blocking mechanisms to subscribe and they are investigating a launch strategy for next year. They had originally indicated that expansion into European territories was the platform's priority.

A spokesperson told the newspaper, “At this point we have not announced any further details about our international expansion.”

Similar to music streaming services, users pay a monthly fee of approximately $8 a month to gain access to a library of content. This year Netflix's popularity has been boosted by its commissioning of shows exclusive to the platform, most notably Arrested Development but also House Of Cards and Lilyhammer.

Netflix's initial concerns were originally believed to be around Australia's internet infrastructure and remaining profitable with a low subscription fee. The latter is a matter that the music streaming services have been battling with since entering the Australian market.

Foxtel have indicated that their own on-demand video service Presto, expected to launch late this year, may also expand to TV shows from its movie base to challenge Netflix and similar American service Hulu.