Netflix Begins Operations in Nepal With New Subscription Options
Key Takeaways
- Netflix has launched in Nepal with a one-month free trial, but requires a PayPal account for sign-up
- Average internet speeds in Nepal are well below the minimum needed for smooth streaming
- Monthly subscription plans range from NPR 840 to NPR 1300, which may be steep for many local users
Netflix has officially launched its streaming service in Nepal, marking its expansion into 130 new countries. The company announced the move during a keynote at CES 2016. Nepalese users can now sign up for a one-month free trial, though a PayPal account is required for registration.
While the arrival of Netflix brings popular series such as House of Cards, Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Narcos, Sense8, Grace and Frankie, and Marco Polo to local viewers, several hurdles remain. Nepal’s current online payment infrastructure does not support direct domestic transactions, meaning most users must have a PayPal account to activate their subscription. In addition, the recommended minimum speed for Netflix streaming is 3 Mbps, while recent data from Akamai shows Nepal’s average internet speed sits at just 512 Kbps, making smooth playback difficult. Finally, monthly plan prices start at NPR 840 for the basic tier and rise to NPR 1300 for the premium tier, which could be a barrier for many typical users despite Netflix’s global reputation for quality content.
