Netflix unveils low-cost mobile-only plan in limited markets

Netflix is unveiling a new plan in India that will allow customers to stream using only their mobile devices. 

The latest low-cost plan is set to begin in the next three months in the country, according to a letter that the company sent to investors on Wednesday. 

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The company has yet to reveal exactly how much the new plan will cost, but it’s been testing a $4 mobile-only plan in India and a few other Asian countries in recent months. 

In the letter, Netflix states the plan “will be an effective way to introduce a larger number of people in India to Netflix and further expand our business in a market where Pay TV ARPU is low.” 

As previously stated, Netflix has tested this feature before. Malaysian newspaper The Star first reported the much-cheaper mobile-only plan. 

According to reports from the Quartz, most people use the streaming service in multiple devices. However, around 60 percent of users stream content on Netflix’s mobile app at least once a month. So, the plan makes a lot of sense.

Plus, The Star also notes that Netflix has been working on lowering its price levels in Asia to attract new subscribers.

With the new mobile-only plan, subscribers have unlimited access to movies and shows, but can only watch them on one handheld device. Additionally, the content is only available in standard definition.

More Netflix news

Two years after the show 13 Reasons Why premiered, Netflix has edited the controversial suicide scene from season 1. The news comes following numerous studies linking the show to a spike in teen suicides.

The scene airs in the finale of season 1, depicting a very graphic scene of actress Katherine Langford that caused controversy following its premiere.

The episode received quite a bit of backlash with many activists and health care professionals worried it would contribute to copycat suicides.

“It was our hope, in making ’13 Reasons Why’ into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us,” showrunner Brian Yorkey says in a statement.

“Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it. But as we ready to launch season three, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr. Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it. No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers.”

The scene now shows Langford staring at her own reflection in the mirror then cuts to her parents’ reaction later in the scene.

Netflix released a statement Monday regarding the edit.

“We’ve heard from many young people that ’13 Reasons Why’ encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help—often for the first time. As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show. So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, there is help to be found. Please consider these online resources and talk to your regular doctor about your symptoms:

What do you think about Netflix creating this subscription option? Would you like to see it expand to other countries? Sound off in the comments down below!

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