On the Call: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings

By The Associated Press

posted: 34 DAYS 6 HOURS AGO

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-Most of Netflix Inc.'s 11.1 million subscribers still get at least one DVD through the mail each month, but a growing number are spending more time watching an Internet streaming service that the company introduced in 2007.

Netflix always has combined DVD rentals and Internet streaming in the same subscription plans. Analysts, though, wonder whether Netflix might attract and retain more customers if the company gave them a choice. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings told analysts in a Thursday conference call he still isn't ready to unbundle things.

QUESTION: You have mentioned in the past that an a la carte pricing plan is something Netflix considers from time to time. Any updated thoughts here?

RESPONSE: "A la carte can mean several things. Pay-per-view, that is not something we are considering. If it means without the DVD service, that's something we are looking at and are open-minded to. So far we haven't seen so much demand. Everybody also wants to get DVDs, all the new releases are on DVD, the vast catalog is on DVD. When there is demand, it will make sense for us to meet that demand for streaming only."

2009-10-22 20:47:47