‘Thanks for the price hike – great timing!’ Netflix users slam ‘greedy’ streaming site for increasing subscription by up to £2-a-month as UK enters third lockdown
- Netflix said hikes are essential to reflect ‘significant investments’ it has made
- Standard package costs £1 a month more while premium package costs £2 more
- However the move forced many angry subscribers to vent their frustration
Nteflix users have slammed the ‘greed’ of the streaming giant for hiking subscription fees by up to £24-a-year as the UK enters its third lockdown.
The firm is increasing its standard package – which allows two screens to access an account, as well as HD – by £1 per month, from £8.99 to £9.99.
The premium package – providing four-screen access per account and Ultra HD – is bumped up by £2, from £11.99 to £13.99.
Netflix said the price hikes are essential to reflect the ‘significant investments’ it has made in new TV shows and films.
However, the move has angered many, with users rushing to vent their frustration on social media.
Netflix said the price hikes are essential to reflect the ‘significant investments’ it has made in new TV shows and films
One wrote: ‘Here we go Netflix getting greedy will only lose subscription. Price hike in the UK is not the answer in these COVID times’
Another said: ‘The nerve of Netflix to increase the monthly price when they still don’t have all the Harry Potter films on there’
A third questioned the move, asking: ‘Netflix is now going up in price? Why? They’d have made a killing already last year’
Another said: ‘Netflix can go take a hike as I’m not paying any more. @NetflixUK you should be ashamed! We are in the midst of national lockdown and you are coining in on that!’
A fifth said: ‘Thanks for the price hike @netflix great timing #lockdown’
One wrote: ‘Here we go Netflix getting greedy will only lose subscription. Price hike in the UK is not the answer in these COVID times’.
Another said: ‘The nerve of Netflix to increase the monthly price when they still don’t have all the Harry Potter films on there.’
A third questioned the move, asking: ‘Netflix is now going up in price? Why? They’d have made a killing already last year’.
Another said: ‘Netflix can go take a hike as I’m not paying any more. @NetflixUK you should be ashamed! We are in the midst of national lockdown and you are coining in on that!’
A fifth said: ‘Thanks for the price hike @netflix great timing #lockdown’.
Those concerns were echoed by Uswitch.com’s streaming and TV expert, Nick Baker.
He said: ‘Netflix has been a lifeline for many people during lockdown, so this price rise is an unwanted extra expense for households feeling the financial pressure.
“It’s unfortunate timing that this price hike coincides with another national lockdown, when all of us will be streaming more television and films than ever.
“During the first lockdown, the amount of streaming content watched by consumers rose a third on the previous year, and our viewing habits are likely to increase similarly this time.
“It’s worth remembering that if you feel you aren’t getting value for money from your subscription you can cancel penalty free whenever you want.’
Netflix’s one-screen non-HD basic plan will remain at £5.99 per month.
The streaming giant began raising subscription costs for new members in December.
Existing customers will be notified by email and will also receive a notification within the Netflix website and app a month ahead of their price change, based on their billing cycle.
‘This year we’re spending over one billion dollars in the UK on new, locally made films, series and documentaries, helping to create thousands of jobs and showcasing British storytelling at its best – with everything from The Crown to Sex Education and Top Boy, plus many, many more,’ a Netflix spokesperson said.
‘Our price change reflects the significant investments we’ve made in new TV shows and films, as well as improvements to our product.
‘Our basic membership will remain at the same price, ensuring as many people as possible can enjoy our content.’
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