Netflix to cut streaming video bit rates in Europe, aiming to reduce bandwidth by 25%


The home screen for the Netflix Inc original web television miniseries ‘Unbelievable’ is displayed on an laptop computer. For now, Netflix's decision to throttle back video applies only in Europe, not in the US or other territories. —Bloomberg

LOS ANGELES: Netflix agreed to temporarily reduce bandwidth used by its streaming service in Europe, saying it will cut video bit rates for the next 30 days at the behest of the European Union to ease the load on Internet networks in the region.

The move came after EU Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton, in discussions with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings over the last two days, urged the company the company switch to standard-definition video to ease congestion on networks during the coronavirus pandemic.

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