KDDI to Start Netflix Video Service for Smartphones

May 30, 2018

Tokyo- KDDI Corp. said Tuesday that it has tied up with Netflix Inc. to start a new smartphone service in which people can watch the U.S. online video provider's movies and other content.

The Japanese mobile phone carrier hopes to increase the number of subscribers by enabling people to access one of the world's largest online video streaming services.

The new smartphone plan will include call rates, fees for data communications of up to 25 gigabytes per month and costs to enjoy Hollywood movies and original anime content on the Netflix streaming service. Prices will start from 5,500 yen per month.

According to KDDI, the plan will be over 1,000 yen cheaper than signing up for the services individually.

The company will launch the plan as early as this summer.

Netflix's service is gaining popularity among mainly the younger generation, as it allows unlimited viewing of movies and dramas at a fixed price. There are 125 million Netflix users in over 190 countries around the globe.

NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI's rival, is offering its own flat-rate video streaming service. Jiji Press