Netflix Testing Higher End Subscription Plan

Netflix could be gearing up to roll out a new higher-end service that will cost more for users.

CNET, citing Italian blog Tutto Android, reported the new tier is being called Ultra and would let four devices receive Ultra HD video and audio streaming simultaneously on each device.  “We continuously test new things at Netflix and these tests typically vary in length of time,” Smita Saran, a Netflix spokeswoman, said in an email. “In this case, we are testing slightly different price points and features to better understand how consumers value Netflix.”

Currently, Netflix offers three monthly subscription plans with the Basic plan going for $7.99, the Standard at $10.99 a month and the Premium tier at $13.99. With the standard package, customers can view Netflix on two screens while with the Premium subscription it’s four screens. The Netflix spokeswoman told CNET that not all the Netflix subscribers will be able to take part in the test and it may not offer it after the trial is complete.

CNET noted that according to PhoneArena some Italian users are indicating that based on promotional material the current Premium plan would see the number of screens drop from four to two while the Standard plan could move to one screen instead of two. The Ulta tier is reportedly being priced at $19.80, noted CNET.

In May, Netflix and some of the major networks were the victims of a hacker who threatened to leak unreleased shows to the public if they didn’t pay a ransom. Netflix decided not to pay up and the hacker shared the upcoming season of the Netflix series “Orange Is The New Black.” In a statement at the time, Netflix said, “We are aware of the situation,” adding, “A production vendor used by several major TV studios had its security compromised, and the appropriate law enforcement authorities are involved.”