Vodafone Australia partners with Netflix and unveils Vodafone TV

Vodafone hits play with Netflix and fast forwards rollout of nbn™

As part of its ongoing commitment to deliver better broadband to Australians, Vodafone today announced a partnership with Netflix and unveiled Vodafone TV, its first-ever streaming media device.

From today until 30 June, Vodafone will offer customers a complimentary pre-paid 12 month standard subscription to the Netflix service on two of its 24 month nbn™ plans – Essential Plus and Premium – starting at $79 per month over 24 months.

The partnership with Netflix comes as it prepares to launch Vodafone nbn™ services in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth and Tasmania during April.

Vodafone also has its eyes set on making it easy for customers to access and enjoy internet TV with the launch of its own streaming device: Vodafone TV. The Android TV powered device puts people within easy reach of popular content and services, and can be added to their post-paid account for $5 per month over 24-months.

According to Ben McIntosh, Vodafone’s Consumer Business Unit Director, the company is bringing to life the next step in its strategy of giving Australians broadband in a way that gives people the content they want without frustrating delays.

“Our vision is to help our customers make the most of their broadband budget by partnering with the world’s best providers and offering a fast and easy connection process,” said Mr McIntosh.

Australians showed their love for streaming with Netflix research reporting that last year, Australians devoured (watching more than two hours per day) drama series and mystery thrillers like Riverdale and The OA.[1]

Giving Australians the remote control with Vodafone TV

Mr McIntosh said that while entertainment services have undergone a massive transformation, the traditional subscription models continue to restrict consumers’ choice and freedom.

“We’re not going to maintain the status quo by buying up content rights and building walls around it. We don’t think it’s fair that Australians are being locked out of access to content they want to watch,” said Mr McIntosh. “Australians want fast and reliable broadband, with the freedom to watch the content they love when they want. This is exactly what Vodafone is fighting for.”

Vodafone nbn™ gears up

Following the successful launch of Vodafone nbn™ in December last year, Vodafone is now close to doubling its nbn™ footprint and expanding to 444 retail stores across the country.

From today, Vodafone will also consolidate its plans:

• Vodafone Basic (nbn™ 12 tier): $59
• Vodafone Essential Plus (nbn™ 50 tier): $79 (eligible for 12 month Netflix subscription on a 24 month plan)
• Vodafone Premium (nbn™ 100 tier): $99 (eligible for 12 month Netflix subscription on a 24 month plan)

Vodafone General Manager Fixed Matthew Lobb says people are opting for faster speed nbn™ plans to accommodate for the explosion of streaming.

“Our nbn™ 50 plan is in hot demand because people recognise that their broadband service needs to support the introduction of more and more connected devices in the household. The pre-paid 12 month subscription can be applied to new and existing Netflix accounts so our plans deliver terrific value, as well as easy access to the Netflix service for our customers,” said Mr Lobb.

“By almost doubling our Vodafone nbn™ footprint, more people around the country will be able to experience the Vodafone nbn™ difference.

“Last year we changed the game with the introduction of ‘Instant Connect™’, giving people peace of mind that they’ll stay online while their nbn™ is being connected. Our great partnership with Netflix coupled with the Vodafone TV device providing easy access to the Google Play Store, further demonstrates our understanding that Australians want technology to work for them, not for their telco.”

Vodafone TV

Vodafone TV runs on Google’s Android platform with access to apps and games through the Google Play Store. The device has been custom-built for Vodafone and includes key features:

• 4K compatible high definition resolution
• Access to Netflix and YouTube with only one click using the remote control
• Google voice-search
• Free-to-air TV tuner
• Dual-band Wi-Fi

Vodafone TV will be available in April for $5 per month over 24 months or can be purchased outright for $120 in-store.

[1] Popularity based on the average daily viewing hours per member between November 1, 2016 and November 1, 2017, Research based on more than 60,000 survey responses from Netflix members between October 24-30, 2017. The sample is representative of an adult population who watch TV shows as a couple in 32 countries. The survey included new show or new season launches of Netflix originals from November 1, 2016 – November 1, 2017 only.