Netflix, the popular streaming service, has announced that it will begin phasing out its Basic plan, the cheapest advertising-free option, in the United States. The plan, which currently costs $11.99 per month, will be gradually discontinued in favor of other options.

The Basic plan, which offers ad-free movies and TV shows for a single screen at a time, has been a popular choice for budget-conscious subscribers. However, Netflix has decided to focus on its more premium offerings, which provide more features and generate more revenue.

Subscribers who are currently on the Basic plan will have the option to upgrade to the Standard plan, which costs $15.49 per month and offers ad-free content for up to two devices at a time for up to two account members. Alternatively, they can opt for the Premium Plan, which costs $22.99 per month and offers ad-free content for up to four simultaneous devices for up to three account members.

Netflix has also introduced a new Basic plan with ads, which costs $6.99 per month. This plan offers a more affordable option for subscribers who are willing to watch ads in exchange for a lower monthly fee.

The phase-out of the Basic plan is likely a strategic move by Netflix to encourage subscribers to upgrade to more premium plans and increase revenue. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix is likely looking for ways to optimize its pricing and plan offerings to stay competitive.

While the phase-out of the Basic plan may be disappointing for some subscribers, Netflix’s alternative plans offer a range of options for customers to choose from. As the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how subscribers respond to these changes.