July 17, 2024, 12:59 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
RTL+ is raising its prices–but only for a very specific subscription package. TECHBOOK explains the details and background.
Initially launched as a pure video streaming service, RTL+ now also offers audio content. With the integration of RTL+ Music in 2022, the provider also revamped its subscription structure. Among other changes, the “Premium Duo” plan was replaced by today’s “RTL+ Max.” Existing customers, however, were able to keep their subscriptions. Now, this particular RTL+ subscription is facing a price increase. Subscribers don’t have many options.
Another Price Increase at RTL+ Affects Specific Group
Those who subscribed to RTL+ Premium Duo before the introduction of RTL+ Music received the provider’s most comprehensive package. For completeness: Before the 2022 change, RTL+ could be used as a pure video streaming service in three variants. The “Free” option included several commercials and limited content but was completely free. For 4.99 euros per month, there was the “Premium” plan, which offered only one commercial before the stream and unlimited access. RTL+ Premium Duo had no ads, a download function, and the ability to stream on two devices simultaneously–for 7.99 euros per month.
Even with the major overhaul, this price remained unchanged for existing customers. However, the subscription also did not include access to RTL+ Music. This launched in 2022 with the “Max” option. The subscription already cost the still-valid 12.99 euros per month at launch and was the only one at the time to offer both video and new audio content. A separate RTL+ Music subscription does not exist to this day. However, in March 2023, RTL expanded its offering with the RTL+ Family subscription, which costs 18.99 euros per month.
At the same time, a price increase for RTL+ Premium took effect, rising from 4.99 euros to 6.99 euros per month. The old Duo Premium package, however, remained untouched–until now. As reported by the portal “Golem,” customers who still have the old plan for 7.99 euros per month are currently being informed of a new price.
Price Increase for RTL+ Premium Duo
The message states that the new price of 10.99 euros per month will apply from the next billing. This is an increase of 37.5 percent. The notification to affected customers seems to be happening gradually. First, subscribers who pay for RTL+ Premium Duo through Apple’s booking system were informed.
Affected subscribers are not asked for their consent in the message. It is merely an information. RTL also confirmed this to Golem upon request.
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According to RTL, No Active Consent Needed
This approach is particularly noteworthy because similar cases in the past, such as with Netflix and Spotify, led to complaints that ultimately even went to court. And the users were proven right; the providers’ previous price adjustment clauses were thus invalid–TECHBOOK reported. Since then, services have required active customer consent for price adjustments.
That RTL+ did not do this with the current price increase could therefore open a loophole for affected subscribers. However, RTL points out in its statement to Golem that it has “implemented Apple’s guidelines.” Whether this means that the approach will change for other customer groups who also still have RTL+ Premium Duo remains to be seen.
Why the Price Increase for RTL+ Premium Duo?
The question about the reason for the price increase was answered by the streaming provider to TECHBOOK as follows: “The reason for the increase is that our costs for the content package for users in this plan have risen significantly. Of course, our customers can switch to another plan at any time. A transfer to another plan is currently not planned.”
In general, costs in the streaming sector have risen sharply in recent months; not only RTL+ is accounting for this. For example, Disney+ recently increased its prices for existing customers, and Netflix also recently eliminated the cheapest ad-free plan with the basic subscription.