Netflix, AT&T agree on streaming

AT&T has become the latest US telco to sign with Netflix to improve the speed and quality of the SVoD platform’s streaming content.

The companies have been working together on an interconnection deal that they said “improves the viewing experience for our mutual subscribers.”

The deal is the third in which Netflix pays an internet service provider (ISP) to ensure its TV shows and movies stream faster, after it made similar agreements with Verizon in April and Comcast in February.

However, it comes as Netflix, which has more than 50 million users worldwide, continues to fight internet service providers in the US over who must pay for the increasing pressure that streaming video puts on download speeds.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings recently called on ISPs to give content companies adequate network connections for free, accusing Comcast of being “weak” on net neutrality.

AT&T also joined the battle when its policy exec Jim Cicconi recently claimed that Netflix was looking for a “free lunch,” adding that the SVoD service should bear the cost for a recent surge in video traffic over broadband providers’ networks.

However, Netflix confirmed today that the two companies had reached an agreement although, like the agreements with Comcast and Verizon, terms have not been disclosed.