“Business, more than any other occupation, is a continual dealing with the future; it is a continual calculation, an instinctive exercise in foresight.” – Henry R. Luce
Barely 24 hours after the announcement that Netflix launched across Africa, UAE based multinational telco, Etisalat, Nigeria, announced a data bundle dedicated to the widely popular subscription-based internet streaming media service provider called “Netflix and chill.”
While Africans were ecstatic over the arrival of the world’s leading internet TV service providers on the continent, a major concern was the high cost of data, and the lack of viable broadband infrastructure for their streaming services. Thankfully, companies such as Etisalat have stepped up to the plate, on a quest to make the Netflix buzz and excitement complete, and worth it.
it's time!!! #9jaNetflixandChill Learn more on our VideoPak streaming service>> https://t.co/9G7pjQx1q8 Pls RT pic.twitter.com/jF41ai0cYN
— Etisalat Nigeria (@etisalat_9ja) January 7, 2016
However, the Netflix and chill data plan is not a newly innovated bundle specifically designed for Netflix, but an existing app-specific data bundle called Smartpaks. In a smart business move, Etisalat simply thought up a fast way to cash in on the Netflix buzz. The bundle allows users enjoy two hours of video streaming on Netflix with just N400 naira.
This development makes Etisalat Nigeria a trailblazer in the telco space, as they beat other internet service providers to a data plan that supports Netflix on video streaming, even if all they did was revisit their pricing and delivery models.
Markets change, tastes change, so the companies and the individuals who choose to compete in those markets must change.
Those who have signed up on Netflix are aware of the “first month free” trial, hence they can enjoy that knowing that Etisalat has got them covered once that trial period expires. Also noteworthy is the fact that the Netflix’s subscription plans are affordable and not as expensive as we thought they would be. A basic plan costs approximately eight dollars (N1, 585) a month, a standard plan costs 10 dollars (N1, 981), while a premium plan is 12 dollars (N2, 377).
While Nigerians wait for other ISP’s to come up with a Netflix support plan, Etisalat Nigeria will definitely garner more subscribers for the time being. One can activate “Netflix and chill” by simply dialling *229*3*5# on a mobile device.
Regarding a chance to completely win the African audience, and knock Multichoice’s DSTV off the top of the ladder, some have suggested that the American multinational stream live football matches, aside streaming local content and original programmes.
