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Uncategorized Monday, September 17th 2012 at 9:40 am

Netflix Executive: Canadians Have “Almost Third-World” Internet Access

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The Internet is serious business. These days, a number of businesses absolutely require the Internet to function. This is especially true if those companies are looking to stream media content to their customers. When Internet service providers gouge their customers for bandwidth, they’re less likely to use said streaming services. It’s for this reason that Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer, isn’t a big fan of Canadian providers.

Speaking at the Merrill Lynch Media Communications & Entertainment Conference last week, Sarandos didn’t mince words when describing the throttle applied to Internet access in the form of broadband caps. “It’s almost a human rights violation what they’re charging for internet access in Canada,” he said, according to GigaOM. So, yeah, he’s not what we’d call a fan.

Those Canadian broadband caps in place at service providers mean that anyone that exceeds their monthly allowance has to pay more. Overage charges are no joke, especially with some caps as low as 15GB. As previously mentioned, these kind of limits make it difficult for streaming services to be a worthwhile endeavor for customers. Netflix just doesn’t look as shiny when you know you’d probably have to sell plasma just to afford it.

Even after adjusting their rates, Netflix is having a rough go of it. Expansion’s been curtailed by the caps, as few want to pay exorbitant prices just to watch a few movies. When asked if the Canadian side of things would be better if these weren’t in place, Sarandos admitted that it would. “The problem in Canada is… they have almost third-world access to the Internet.” Well, that’s not the problem in Canada, but it is a problem.

(GigaOM via reddit, image via meddygarnet)

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  • Dafuq

    So what the hell are you insinuating THE problem in Canada is then?
    (Not saying internet isn’t)

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Rollin Bishop

    It’s more that saying Internet access is “the” problem in a country is grossly underestimating any other issues.

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • Jack Bond

    Communism is the problem

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687991878 Dave Diem Martinez

    In this case, it is specifically under-regulation of the telecom industry. Telco has a strangehold on data in Canada with a near monopoly. Instead of taking the profits they reap, they simply keep them instead of reinvesting in upgrades to the networks. The upshot is Canada has poor overloaded infrastructure, and companies with no need to upgrade with a quasi-monopoly.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    Netflix executives need PR and sensitivity training. A couple years ago the CEO proudly called Americans ignorant as his justification for charging Americans more for the same services Canadians paid less for. He then came up with the bright idea to split the company so he could charge customers more (that went over well), and now they are insulting Canada. Its as if this company is run by the clowns on Jersey Shore.

  • Anonymous

    How are they insulting Canada?

    Everything he said is 100% true. Our internet situation here, with bandwidth caps, is horrendous. As a Canadian, I don’t feel insulted… I feel happy somebody in the position to be heard has said something about how pathetic the situation is up here.

  • http://twitter.com/ChrisBowman22 Chris Bowman

    Way to go Netflix! Now bring more content to Netflix Canada!

    Also: You can’t sell plasma in Canada. And companies like Teksavvy will sell you unlimited bandwidth.

  • Rollin Bishop

    To be honest, it’s probably for the best. It’s not exactly the best way to get money. In fact, it comes in pretty close to the bottom.

  • Toby Mole

    As LOW as 15Gb!! Not everyone lives in silicon valley la-la land you know!! broadband caps and over-usage costs are pretty much standard in a lot of countries, most caps being a bit lower than 15Gb!

  • Hector Henry

    Thir-world he say but Netflix dont have problems whit internet cap in countries from third-world, because they dont have but Netflix dont have good movies on there library for south America.

    The cap in Canada Internet its only business whit its bad for user.

  • http://www.facebook.com/zeonchar Amanda M. Ramsey

    My friend lives in South Korea and they have faster internet than I do here in Silicon Valley so I dunno where you are going with that…

  • http://www.facebook.com/fi123 Fiona Coles

    Yeah, one country does not equal most countries. Australia only recently moved into the availability of unlimited internet, very recently (two, three years ago) 20GB would have set you back $50 a month. Now it gets you 100-200gb, unlimited is generally 70ish

  • http://twitter.com/pounddollarsign Michael Corey

    That is amazing. I go through more bandwidth than that on my phone, and average 200+Gb on the ‘ol home network.