Has its latest subscription policy put Netflix in a fix in Bahrain?

TDT | Manama  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

After Netflix announced its crackdown on password-sharing in Bahrain, people are beginning to cancel their subscriptions and opt for other streaming sites.

US expatriate Danny explained that as she shares an account with her family back home, she is waiting for the restriction to take place in her household. Once the ban is enforced, she says she is unsure whether she will subscribe to her own account or not.

"I only watched Netflix for the convenience of the site. My family and I sharing an account at a good price seemed like a good deal; however, I don’t think I will sign up for a new account when the restriction takes effect," Danny said.

The basic plan Netflix provides includes unlimited HD ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games, allowing subscribers to watch and download on one supported device for $7.99 (BD3) a month.

The standard plan includes unlimited HD ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games, allowing members to watch and download on two supported devices at a time for $10.49 (BD3.95) a month.

The premium plan, allowing four supported devices to watch at a time and downloading movies and shows on six supported devices at a time in HD, costs $15.79 (BD5.95) a month. Netflix said that an account is meant to be shared by people who live together in one household.

Those who are living in different households must sign up for their own accounts. Hamid, a Bahraini, relayed that he shared an account with his family while living in the United States and is certain he will not be purchasing his own account.

"For me, it’s not about the cost. But many shows have recently been removed from Netflix, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the site," he added.

"There are other alternatives that offer a better selection of shows, like Amazon, which I am more inclined to purchase when there is better variety."

Prime Video

Amazon Prime gives access to Prime Video, which would only cost the member $14.99 (BD5.65) a month. Many find this deal great, as one gets two services in one. For non-Prime members, Prime Video is available as a standalone streaming service for $8.99 (BD3.39) a month.

Another Bahraini, Basma, said that there are many streaming sites that offer many of the same shows for free. With more restrictions in place, she will opt for other streaming sites that are free of charge.

"Many people use Netflix for the convenience of sharing accounts. But I am sure that with the new restriction, we will see more people cancelling their accounts and possibly switching to other streaming sites. Or opting for the free sites as they will not pay for the subscription anymore," she added.