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Arts & EntertainmentNetflix

Netflix is reducing streaming bit rates in Europe to relieve networks strained by coronavirus pandemic

By
Natalia Drozdiak
Natalia Drozdiak
,
Lucas Shaw
Lucas Shaw
, and
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
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By
Natalia Drozdiak
Natalia Drozdiak
,
Lucas Shaw
Lucas Shaw
, and
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 19, 2020, 3:30 PM ET

Subscribe to Fortune’s Outbreak newsletter for a daily roundup of stories on the coronavirus and its impact on global business.

Netflix Inc. agreed to reduce its streaming traffic in Europe by about 25% for the next month, an attempt to relieve networks strained by the coronavirus pandemic.

The move follows discussions between European Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton and Netflix Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings.

“Netflix has decided to begin reducing bit rates across all our streams in Europe,” the Silicon Valley-based company said in a statement Thursday. “We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25% while also ensuring a good quality service for our members.”

The virus outbreak has shuttered schools, businesses and restaurants in much of the region, sending millions of people home — where they’re using services like Netflix. The amount of time people spent streaming spiked by more than 20% worldwide last weekend, including more than 40% in Austria and Spain.

The surge has regulators to pressure companies to lessen the load.

“I welcome the very prompt action that Netflix has taken to preserve the smooth functioning of the internet during the Covid-19 crisis while maintaining a good experience for users,” Breton said. “Mr. Hastings has demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and solidarity. We’ll keep closely in touch to follow the evolution of the situation together.”

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—Filmmakers must make a choice as coronavirus forces festivals online
—How Harvey Weinstein’s sentencing could change the entertainment industry
—As coronavirus spreads, is this weekend’s historically low box office Hollywood’s new normal?
—Don Cheadle on Black Monday, Wall Street in the Trump era, and hope about the climate change fight
—How Netflix’s Lost Girls upends the conventions of serial killer movies
Follow Fortune on Flipboard to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis.

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