Netflix Has Quietly Removed One Of Its Streaming Tiers For Two Countries

Netflix has quietly removed one of its price tiers, amid a year of change for the streaming service. The once-premiere streaming service has made headlines for its efforts to reduce password sharing.

The streamer introduced an ad-supported plan costing users $6.99 a month last year.

This plan is still part of Netflix's roster, however, its "basic" plan has been removed from the streaming service's plan and pricing list.

The list of plans now includes a message explaining to users that the plan, which cost $9.99, will no longer be an option for users who plan to join or return to the service.

The streamer faced a giant plummet in subscription numbers in 2022, a situation The Blast has extensively covered.

Last winter, a list of user stipulations regarding passwords went viral.

Users quickly expressed their distaste on social media, which later led to Netflix expressing that the list had been posted in error.

According to our report on the matter, the aforementioned list contained strategies that were only valid internationally. These stipulations called for users to log into their primary WiFi network monthly. Their accounts would reportedly be "blocked" if a user failed to do so. (per Forbes Australia)

Users would be required to do this even if they were away from their primary WiFi network; they would be given a temporary login code valid for a week.

In February, Netflix responded to the controversial report with an explanation.

An unknown source affiliated with the streaming service mentioned the error in a statement regarding their attempts to reduce password sharing. One of them was to release a "paid sharing option" which was slated to be released at the end of 2023's first quarter.

"...For a brief time yesterday, a help center article containing new information that is only applicable to Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru, went live in other countries. We have since updated it," the source explained. (via The Streamable, per The Blast)

The streaming service began emailing users with accounts used to share passwords. According to a CNN report via our report on the matter, the email stressed to users, "Your account is for you and the people you live with-your household." Those users can transfer users to a new account or upgrade to a plan that allows the account holder to add users to the account.

Netflix members in the United States are now limited to three plans: the "Standard with ads," the "Standard," and the "Premium" plan, according to the streamer's official website.

The standard and premium plans are the aforementioned plans allowing the primary user to allow additional users to the account for an additional fee of $8.00.

The aforementioned explanation is also included on this page.

"The Basic plan is no longer available for new and rejoining members. If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until you change plans or cancel your account," it concludes.

According to a report from CNBC, Netflix UK is joining the United States in axing the plan. The outlet reports the reasoning behind the move is reportedly an attempt to "get more sign-ups for the recently launched ad-supported option."

As of this writing, Netflix has not explicitly revealed its reasoning for getting rid of the well-known tier.