Why Does Netflix Have an 800 Number?

Media

Published: October 19, 2015 9:15 am

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Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is among the ultimate online companies. Once a renter of DVDs, its video service runs across the “cloud” to stream content to 69 million people. For some reason, Netflix has an 800 number, or to be precise an 866 toll-free one.

Netflix‘s “help desk” operates in part via 1-866-579-7172. Perhaps it is for Netflix customers who do not have an Internet connection, even though because Netflix is delivered via the Internet that makes no sense.

The 866 number dials into a service that suggests that customers use the online service from Netflix to solve their problems. However, a call to the line tells why Netflix has set it up. Many subscribers who use Netflix on portable devices need “troubleshooting” for operating the service on non-PC platforms. Netflix emails basic solutions to problems with smartphone and tablet operations.

Netflix has apps for Google Play and Android from Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Windows apps for the Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) Store, as well as Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) App Store. That means Netflix runs across devices with a number of operating systems and on portable devices from dozens of hardware manufacturers. Netflix has to go as far as creating the means to watch its content on game consoles.

A summary of Netflix migration to non-PC devices:

2007 Netflix introduces streaming, which allows members to instantly watch television shows and movies on their personal computers.

2008 Netflix partners with consumer electronics companies to stream on the Xbox 360, Blu-ray disc players and TV set-top boxes.

2009 Netflix partners with consumer electronics companies to stream on the PS3, Internet connected TVs and other Internet connected devices.

2010 Netflix is available on the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, the Nintendo Wii, and other Internet connected devices. Netflix launches its service in Canada.

Presumably the one price Netflix customers pay for monthly service allows access to that service from this huge hardware universe. However, that number of selections has to be too many for most consumers.

ALSO READ: Did Alibaba Just Seal Netflix’s Doom in China?

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