South Korean fixed broadband operator SK Broadband has said it’s having to double its network capacity to cope with Netflix demand.

In order to cope, the operator will boost its data transfer speed for high-speed networks to 100 Gbps from 50 Gbps. The operator plans to address complaints about Netflix streaming quality by doubling the size of its overseas network.

South Korea is renowned for its fast broadband speeds. Last year, SK Broadband rolled out 2.3 Gbps internet speeds and the nation regularly tops Akamai’s State of the Internet report for average download rate.

Below are Netflix’s stable internet download speed recommendations per stream for playing TV shows and movies:

• 0.5 Megabits per second – Required broadband connection speed

• 1.5 Megabits per second – Recommended broadband connection speed

• 3.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for SD quality

• 5.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for HD quality

• 25 Megabits per second – Recommended for Ultra HD quality

Netflix puts a tremendous strain on networks. The US-based streaming giant was often cited in the argument for repealing net neutrality rules.

In the neutrality debate, operators argued bandwidth-intensive services like Netflix should pay extra for ‘fast lanes’ to help fund infrastructure upgrades. Services were concerned their content would be restricted in favour of rivals, while consumers feared operators would charge for unrestricted access to certain services.

There are estimated to be almost one million active Netflix subscribers in Korea.

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