Belgacom To Offer Netflix On Set-Tops

Belgacom has notched a deal to offer Netflix on set-tops that power the pay-TV provider’s newly-branded Proximus TV service, marking another MVPD win for Netflix in the European region.

Netflix launched service in Belgium on September 19, and will be made available to Proximus TV subs by the end of this year, according to the operator. In Belgium, Proximus customers can subscribe to Netflix on one device for €7.99 per month (US$10.15) or €8.99 per month (US$11.42) in HD on two devices.

Belgacom announced the Netflix tie-in soon after making Proximus its primary commercial brand.

Belgacom added 30,000 TV subscribers in the second quarter, extending its total to 1.52 million.

Belgacom/Proximus joins a small-yet-growing list of European MVPDs that have integrated Netflix. Overseas, Virgin Media of the U.K. and Com Hem of Sweden have integrated Netflix on TiVo-powered devices. Danish triple-play service operator Waoo! has also completed an integration that provides access to the Netflix app on leased set-top boxes made by AirTies that run middleware from Nordija.

In the U.S., several MSOs have integrated Netflix on TiVo-powered boxes, including Midcontinent Communications, GCI, Suddenlink Communications, Atlantic Broadband, Grande Communications and RCN. Google Fiber also allows its subscribers to link their Netflix accounts to the Google Fiber TV box.

Netflix ended the second quarter with 50.05 million global subs, including 13.8 million international streaming customers. Netflix expects to add 3.69 million subs worldwide in the third quarter, including 2.36 million in its international markets.