Netflix & Fox+ join Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom is adding Ultra HD support and direct access to Netflix to its EntertainTV offering, along with a raft of new and exclusive content from the likes of Fox.

Deutsche Telekom will provide EntertainTV customers with direct access to Netflix following the launch of a new receiver this autumn.

Additionally, the operator, which already boasts exclusive sports rights, has for the first time taken German premiere rights to three major new TV series – Hulu’s dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale, Canadian crime series Cardinal and Louis CK-created comedy Better Things.

Deutsche Telekom has also secured German rights to Fox Networks Group Europe and Africa’s on-demand service, Fox+, giving entertain viewers access to more than 50 seasons of shows like The Walking Dead, Prison Break and 24,

On top of this, a new partnership with German film and television production company UFA, which this week saw Nico Hofman become its sole CEO, adds a wide selection of German movies and made-for-TV films to EntertainTV.

“Deutsche Telekom sees itself as an aggregator on the media market – we bring together the best content on our TV platform so that we can offer our customers the best package,” said Deutsche Telekom’s head of consumer, Michael Hagspihl.

“Combining superior technology, strong partners and exclusive content is crucial to achieving that aim. With television in Ultra High Definition, Netflix and Fox, as well as our exclusive top series, we are taking the next step and underline our leadership in the German TV market.”

The launch means Ultra HD content from other content providers like Videoland, YouTube, Sky and Insight TV will also be available through EntertainTV.

The Fox+ deal establishes Deutsche Telekom as the first German partner to launch the non-linear service, which is already available in France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Greece – with more launches due to follow before the end of the year.

“As we bring Fox+ to another key territory, the results we are seeing from the product are surpassing our expectations, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Deutsche Telekom, the leading telco in the region, for our debut in Germany,” said Diego Londono, chief operating officer, Fox Networks Group Europe and Africa.

MGM-produced The Handmaid’s Tale, Sienna Films and eOne Entertainment’s Cardinal, and FX Productions, Pig Newton and 3 Arts Entertainment coproduced Better Things will be available on EntertainTV starting October 4. The Fox+ catalogue will launch at the same time.

Deutsche Telekom said that all EntertainTV customers will be able to access UHD content on demand, but only customers on certain tiers will be able to watch UHD live.

Deutsche Telekom announced the news at the IFA technology trade show in Berlin. Entertain TV is an IP-delivered multiscreen TV service from Deutsche Telekom, which offers content live and on-demand and to the TV through a set-top box.