Netflix Upsets Viewers with Changes to Basic Subscription
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 Netflix Subscription Plans
- Netflix is ending the basic ad-free subscription in the UK and Canada
- Basic plan subscribers will be moved to a tier with ads
- Price for the new basic plan will be £4.99 per month
- 720p video quality will be upgraded to HD for basic viewers
Netflix announced that the 720p video quality basic viewers currently enjoy will be upgraded to HD across the board. This means that the streamer’s slate of TV and movies will look better – but so will the adverts crowbarred into the viewing experience.
Impact on Subscribers
Changes will come into effect in the UK and Canada on June 4, with all basic users automatically switching over to the new £4.99 package. The email also advised subscribers that they could upgrade to the standard subscription, at a cost of £10.99 a month – which allows viewers to watch on multiple devices at a time. Meanwhile, the £17.99 premium plan lets fans see their ads in Ultra HD, on four devices at a time.
User Reactions
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 one user. ‘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 another.