Source: http://www.theverge.com/2016/1/6/107...n-russia-indiaAt his CES keynote today, Reed Hastings announced that Netflix was going live in 130 new countries. The list includes massive new audiences like Russia, India, and South Korea. It's a huge expansion of the company's footprint, with China the notable exception to major markets where you can now stream its content.
Today's announcement basically triples the company's distribution. "Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global internet TV network," said Hastings. "With this launch, consumers around the world — from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo — will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously — no more waiting. With the help of the internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever, and on whatever device."
Netflix says that its service "won't be available in Crimea, North Korea, and Syria due to US government restrictions on American companies." And major series like House of Cards and Orange is The New Black may not be available in markets where Netflix doesn't own the distribution rights. But the company is increasingly moving to own those rights for its original content, with an eye toward maximizing the return it can get on paying to produce new films and series.
Always nice to see such services expanding around the world to be honest - Nice one Netflix.