Netflix weighs deal with SoftBank

Netflix has partnered with Japanese telecoms and internet giant SoftBank to launch its video-streaming service in Japan. Among Japanese phone companies Softbank will exclusively offer a fully integrated Netflix experience, including billing. A basic standard definition plan will cost a monthly JPY650 (US$5.37), with a HD version costing JYP950 and an ultra-high definition 4K stream costing JPY1,450. The Netflix app will also be preinstalled on select SoftBank handsets starting in October. The Netflix fee will be added to users’ monthly bill that they receive from SoftBank.

In Japan, it will compete with Hulu, which sold its Japan business to domestic television network Nippon Television Network Corp.in February previous year.

Netflix’sJapan debut is a part of its global rollout, which it plans to complete by the end of 2016. The service will range from 650 yen to 1,450 yen per month and will come with one month of free viewing.

Netflix Japan president Greg Peters made the announcement with Ken Miyauchi, head of SoftBank’s mobile operations.

While Hulu failed to gain traction outside of the US, Netflix is already available in more than 50 markets worldwide.

Furthermore, the companies announced at a joint press conference yesterday they would seek to create original programming, though no specific details were revealed.

Netflix announced a partnership with Fuji Media Holdings Inc., owner of Fuji TV, in June, which will include broadcasting its local Terrace House drama series. Netflix plunged 7.58% on Friday on the NASDAQ to $103.96 and fell 3.92% to $99.88 by 09:41 GMT in pre-market trading on Monday.