Netflix Upsets Viewers with Changes to Basic Subscription Plan
Outraged Netflix viewers are threatening to cancel their memberships over a sudden change to its basic package which has been labelled ‘dumb’. A mass email to customers explained that Netflix will be ending their basic ad-free subscription in the UK and Canada later this year. Customers who continue with the basic plan will automatically be enrolled on the company’s lowest tier – which includes advertisements inserted into TV shows and movies. This means that fans will no longer be able to enjoy recent hits such as Baby Reindeer, or Liam Neeson’s critically acclaimed crime drama without enduring ads popping up during the experience.
Changes to Basic Subscription Plan
- Netflix to end basic ad-free subscription in the UK and Canada
- Customers on basic plan will be moved to a tier with ads
- Price reduced to £4.99 from £7.99 for basic plan
- Video quality to be upgraded to HD
In July 2023, Netflix announced that its basic £7.99-a-month ad-free plan would no longer be available to subscribers, introducing a price tier system that allowed viewers to opt out of adverts. While those paying a little bit more had been able to opt out of receiving advertising during their viewing experience, this won’t remain the case for long.
Impact on Viewers
These changes have left users fuming, with many threatening to cancel their membership altogether. ‘Dumb move because I’ll just cancel any service that starts overcharging or forces ads,’ wrote the user @Oberje. ‘People don’t like ads. It’s why I stopped watching YouTube. It’s why I cancelled Prime Video. It’s why I will soon cancel Netflix. Find a better way to sell products,’ said @BLU3JAY3.