After months of speculation, Netflix announced last month that the popular on-demand streaming service is coming to Australia and New Zealand in March 2015. Cliff Edwards, Netflix’s director of corporate communications and technology has said they are ready for pushback from a hostile market and fearful incumbents, according to Gizmodo.
Australian TV executives will be more threatened in the lead up to the launch and will spread more "FUD" about the service, Edwards warned in response to recent rumors that between 200,000 to 300,000 Australians currently use Netflix via VPN tunnels, bypassing the current geo-block. He doubted the amount, but said Netflix won"t be doing more than what they are currently doing to track down and stop Australians from using the US version when the Australian version launches.
Netflix will also face licensing issues when it comes to some TV shows in Australia, according to ZDNet. Current arrangements mean Netflix will be unable to stream some popular TV shows or will need to wait until the show is broadcast by others before streaming it. Netflix"s very own Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards are currently locked up in a exclusive broadcast deal with the pay TV provider Foxtel, meaning both could be left out of Netflix"s library at launch.
Netflix has confirmed its original series Marco Polo, BoJack Horsema, and All Hail King Julien will be available at launch, along with a number of documentaries and comedy specials. The library will be expanded later in 2015 to include Bloodline, Daredevil, Sense8, and Grace and Frankie.