Softbank Partners with Netflix in Japan

SOFTBANK, on August 24th, announced its business alliance with Netflix, the world's largest on-demand Internet streaming media provider, in Japan regarding service handling of Netflix in Japan.

By this alliance, Softbank will become the sole partner to provide the integral servicing from the Netflix application reception to the charging in a flow in Japan. In the future original contents will be considered for joint creation.

Netflix is a US-based company, which provides monthly service for streaming high quality movies, TV shows, and drama. They are expecting to launch their service in Japan on September 2, 2015. There are 3 different plans depending on resolution and number of streaming viewable simultaneously. Basic Plan including SD quality and 1 same time screen is 650 JPY (5.4 USD), Standard Plan including HD quality and 2 same time screens is 950 JPY (7.9 USD). Premium Plan including UHD & 4K quality and 4 same time screens is 1450 JPY (12.1 USD). The first month will be free.

Softbank starts taking Netflix subscription orders targeting Sofbank cell phone or "SoftBank Hikari" users at Softbank shops, electronics retail stores, special website for their customers, and call centers from September 2. No need to input payment information and billing will be charged along with the existing services in use. Softbank shops will also accept application for standard plan. Furthermore, the Netflix app will be pre-installed on Softbank smartphones to be released after October.