Netflix confirms Australian launch date

Netflix has confirmed it will officially launch in Australia and New Zealand on March 24.

The announcement, which was made on the company’s official US Twitter account this morning, follows the streaming giant’s much-anticipated expansion into the Asia Pacific region.

From March 24 people using Australian and New Zealand IP addresses will be able to stream high-definition Netflix TV shows and movies from their smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, computers and internet-capable game consoles.

Netflix co-founder and chief executive Reed Hastings said in a statement the company was excited to begin streaming in the two countries by the end of this month.

“Many Aussies and Kiwis have heard a lot about Netflix over the years, and we’re excited they’ll get to experience our unique blend of Netflix original content, local series and films, and popular movies and TV shows from around the world, all for a low monthly price,” he said.

Heads up Aussies & Kiwis, we’re on our way to the lands Down Under. See you March 24th! Follow: @netflixanz for #NetflixDownUnder news.

— Netflix US (@netflix) March 2, 2015

Upon launching, Netflix will be available on smart televisions manufactured by Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Philips and HiSense, and Fetch TV’s second-generation set-top box.

The streaming service will also be available on PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One and Nintendo’s Wii U – as well as Apple TV, Google Chromecast and Apple and Android tablets and smartphones.

Netflix has also announced an unmetred agreement with iiNet, Australia’s second-largest DSL internet provider.

The chief executive of iiNet, David Buckingham, said in a statement the internet provider’s users would not have to worry about counting their data usage or hitting their data cap while streaming shows from the Netflix catalogue.

“Offering our customers quota-free access to Netflix is yet another demonstration of iiNet’s commitment to providing our customers great, hassle-free entertainment experiences,” he said.

Netflix announced the release dates for a range of new and original programs today, including ‘Jen Kirkman: I’m Gonna Die Alone (And Feel Fine)’ on May 22 and ‘Sense 8’ on June 5. These shows will be available to Australian users at the same time as people in America.

However a similar tweet from the company’s Australia and New Zealand account left out the release date for season three of Orange Is The New Black – which will be released to American Netflix users on June 12.

A spokesperson confirmed to StartupSmart that House of Cards will be available in Australia when the service launched on March 24.

“We have not yet made any announcements regarding Orange is the New Black at this stage,” he said.

Since launching in 2007, Netflix has grown to accommodate more than 53 million members. The company’s three-tiered pricing plan: standard definition video, high-definition and 4K ultra-HD will all be available in Australia.

Netflix has not yet revealed exactly how much each pricing model will cost in Australia.

Australia and New Zealand will bring the number of countries and territories in Netflix’s stable to 50. Netflix is currently available in countries such as the US, Canada, England, France, Sweden and Germany.

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