Netflix price hike causes ripples

Usually, price raises result in a clamoring of the negative kind. This time the reaction, at least from college goers, has been relatively quiet. Netflix has raised its prices. The basic plan has seen a rise of $1, a hike from $8 per month to $9 per month, the standard, or HD, from $11 to $13 and the premium, or Ultra HD, from $14 to $16. This price hike renders Netflix still competitive as HBO’s streaming service costs $15 per month and an Amazon Prime membership costs $13 a month. Not only that, Netflix’s appeal lies in the slew of Netflix originals that it showcases every so often along with fan-favorite TV shows. There is a show for everyone on Netflix.

The streaming service’s high perch across the world as almost a necessary resource is undeniable. It has become an integral part of the show-watching experience.

“I don’t mind the price rise. My family uses Netflix in lieu of pricier options, like cable packages, and still feel like we have plenty of material to choose from,” said Stephanie Nelson, nursing major. “As we are already customers, I don’t feel the need to shop around other, similarly-priced options, such as Hulu or Amazon, because we already enjoy what we have.”

The fact that Netflix was so many people’s first exposure to the power of online streaming plays a hand in the loyal customer base it has garnered.

Kumar Poudel, a graduate business student who loves “The Punisher” was worried by Netflix canceling shows left and right but is still willing to give Netflix plenty of chances. He is not worried about the cancellations too much because it was Netflix that introduced him to the Marvel street-level heroes close to his heart.

“I didn’t know ‘Daredevil’ before I borrowed a friend’s Netflix. That was two years ago. I am hooked now. I know that Netflix is canceling shows right now, and I was pretty sad to see ‘Daredevil’ and ‘Jessica Jones’ go, but I am excited for what’s coming. I don’t think Netflix will disappoint,” said Poudel.

Netflix is perfect for college students. Its low prices and value for money in a voluminous collection of shows. Just taking one’s laptop to a place with Wi-Fi is enough. There may be some people who are disgruntled by Netflix’s cancellation of some of their favorite shows and not decide to pay higher prices for the service, but many don’t care.

“I don’t use Netflix a lot, except to watch ‘[The] Punisher,’ but it is still a great resource to have around,” Poudel said. “As a college student, I have money worries but Netflix doesn’t figure into that. I gladly accept the price raises.”