Netflix has started removing its cheapest ad-free plans, leaving many with a tough decision
Netflix is officially going to abolish its basic subscription in a number of countries. This puts users in a difficult position: they have to take out a new subscription to keep their subscription, or they have to cancel the subscription.
News about the phaseout and images of it were found on the (aptly named) MildlyInfuriating subreddit. They show a Netflix alert informing the viewer that their last day to enjoy the streaming platform is July 13, with a message telling them to choose one of three subscription plans. The company offers the $5.99 Standard with ads plan, the $16.49 Standard plan, and the $20.99 Premium plan.
People are understandably unhappy. The comments section of the original post is filled with users expressing their frustrations and disappointments with the turn the platform is taking. There are even a few people lamenting the good old days before all these changes began.
Phase-out begins
It’s unknown where exactly the phaseout is taking place, as the poster doesn’t reveal their location. However, it’s likely Canadians, as the prices in the image are for Netflix subscriptions in Canada. That’s true, as threads on the Netflix subreddit over the past two months strongly suggest that the Basic plan is being discontinued in Canada and the United Kingdom First.
Commenters in those two posts claim to have received emails from the platform telling them that the service is shutting down and advising them to get a different plan. And if you switch to the Canadian or British Plans and prices page The Netflix Help Center shows the message: ‘The Basic subscription has been cancelled.’
Additionally, it appears that the phaseout is happening in waves. One poster in the previous subreddit threads said they had until June 8th to figure out a new plan. The other was given a deadline of June 15th. With July 13th as the current cutoff date, it’s possible that there will be another wave shortly after that.
Slow but sure
It is not known at the time of writing whether the company plans to do the same in the United States or other countries, although the chances are high that it will happen. After all, American users are cannot sign up for a Basic subscription since July 2023. We also reached out to Netflix to ask if we could get an idea of when the phaseout would begin in the US.
A company representative told us they are “looking for a retirement age” [their] Basic plan in some [their] ads in countries, starting with Canada and the UK in Q2 and going out from there.” Netflix couldn’t give us an exact timeline, but it seems like the Basic plan in the US will inevitably end at some point in the future. We’re sure there will be a new wave of outrage at that point.
If you’re looking to try out other platforms, be sure to check out TechRadar’s latest round-up of the best streaming deals for July 2024.
