Nepal is slowly moving toward a new era of digital content, streaming, and Video on Demand (VOD) service. In 2016, Netflix also became available in Nepal. Now, Ncell has also partnered with iflix to bring its services to Nepal. Iflix is Asia’s renowned online VOD service provider. Its head office is situated in Malaysia and it focuses on emerging markets. Video On Demand is a new generation online service where users can watch premium content like TV shows, web shows, and movies using the internet.
Netflix came to Nepal in 2016. Then in 2017, we got NTC WOW Time and Iflix. This shows that content providers and companies are pushing for digital streaming services. This may be the ‘Cord-cutting’ phenomenon in action. Cord-cutting is a term in a broadcast market where customers drop their cable TV subscription to get internet-based services. This has been a growing trend in the USA, UK, Australia, and foreign markets.
As of 2017, international online payment is still not available in Nepal. Dollar cards are rare and they are only available to people or companies who earn in USD. So normal people can’t directly pay for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc. People rely on friends and relatives who live in foreign countries. However now, with help of Ncell, users can watch iflix content with ease. Nepalese can easily pay for Iflix from their phone recharge.
Update: After 2020, USD payments and dollar cards are allowed in Nepal. So people can pay for Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and more.
iflix in Nepal with Ncell: Free VIP Access
2017: Nepalese content consumers are now slowly getting knowledge of VOD and online streaming. New generation youth people want this technology because they know these from pop culture and the internet. On the other hand, the older generation is also getting to know the benefits of online subscriptions. So the trend is slowly gaining momentum. Even though enthusiasm exists, the payment issue is a huge barrier.
Currently, the iflix VIP service is free of charge as a promotion. The normal price for the basic package is Rs 300/ month for unlimited access. Users can connect a maximum of 5 devices with one account. The platform features high-quality popular shows like House MD, Flash, Mr. Robot, and a lot more. They also have tie-ups with more than 200 studios and distributors. This means we can enjoy a lot of shows on their platform.
Ncell is among the top telecom companies in Nepal. They have a lot of premium customers who have business services and even their normal tariff is higher compared to NTC. This means Ncell has many loyal users. So this VAS (Value-added Service) can be a good deal for many people. On the other hand, NTC is also working with the new WOW Time service. It is also a VOD service with more IP TV service integration. NTC is also planning to upgrade ADSL bandwidth for their IP TV Plan.
As a promotion, iflix viewers on Ncell can enjoy free service from 12 AM to 5 AM for 3 months. This is actually very tricky timing because people mostly sleep at that time. In addition, 4G users can enjoy extra 2 hours of content anywhere within 5 AM to 5 PM as well. We recommend using other internet means instead of mobile data for longer binge sessions.
How to activate iflix with Ncell
- Go to Google Play Store or Apple App store using the Ncell network.
- Download the iflix app from the store.
- Sign up using the required information.
- Log in to the app.
- Enjoy promotional service / Buy the package.
Notice: This service ended on 2020/06/06. So, Ncell users don’t get free VIP access.
Online Video Streaming and Buffering
Users can enjoy iflix content on their phones, tablets, and TV. Smart Android TVs can easily open the app and site while other can use casting devices. The buffering speed of videos will depend on users’ internet speed or mobile data. So if you get good reception of Ncell and good internet speed at your location, then you can enjoy smoother playback. However, if your location struggles to get good mobile data speed then you should definitely use WiFi or faster-fixed broadband internet.
4G users of Ncell are getting more benefits than other users from the company. Ncell users can buy video packs to watch videos and enjoy iflix. As told above, Ncell is providing extra 2 hours of extra content in the daytime to 4G consumers. So it is better to get 4G and then get an iFlix subscription.
Shutting Down of iflix free VIP access to Ncell Users: Normal Service Still Lives
On 2020 June 6th, iflix closed its service in Ncell. This was announced by Ncell through a post. The company also apologized for the discontinuation of service because there were many Ncell-based subscribers in Nepal. Ncell consumers used to watch Nepali movies and videos on the platform with free VIP access. They could also watch content from other regions with VIP access. Ncell served people with video streaming for 3 years since the 4G expansion.
Both companies have not given a detailed explanation of the closure. However, iFlix clarified that they have just terminated iflix video service pack for Ncell users. This meant that only VIP access for free was terminated for Ncell mobile or data users.
It didn’t mean that iflix stopped its entire operation in Nepal. People can still purchase VIP subscriptions and enjoy Nepali movies, shows, foreign series, and content. In 2020, the company posted in Facebook that Nepali users could still pay for premiums with help of eSewa, Daraz, Khalti, and Prabhu Pay. This meant users could reply on Nepalese digital mobile wallets to pay for international service.
Currently the video streaming, VOD, and IPTV market are very competitive. So the companies are doing cost cutting and trying to make more profit or stay afloat. This can be understood because a company has to make a profit because it is its legal duty. Overall it was a good run and people really enjoyed the service.
