Subscribers of StarHub's Fibre TV will be able to access Netflix via their set-top boxes by the second quarter of this year, as part of a partnership between the local telco and the US video-streaming service.

StarHub will also join the Netflix Open Connect programme, which provides its mobile and broadband customers with the "highest- quality viewing experience possible", it announced in a press release yesterday.

As part of the partnership, the telco's customers will be able to pay for their Netflix subscription through their StarHub bills.

A Netflix subscription in Singapore costs between $10.98 and $16.98.

Mr Howie Lau, StarHub's chief marketing officer, says: "This partnership with Netflix allows us to deliver convenience to all our customers who are fans of this popular service. Mobile and broadband customers will enjoy a smoother streaming experience due to our Open Connect partnership.

"Fibre TV customers will also enjoy a seamless viewing experience as Netflix will be directly integrated into their set-top boxes, making StarHub TV the only stop for the entire family's entertainment needs."

More information will be available at a later date, StarHub added.

On Thursday, rival telco Singtel had announced its own partnership with Netflix. Customers who recontract with Singtel or sign up with its mobile or Internet and television bundle services get up to nine months of a complimentary Netflix subscription.

They can also access Netflix directly through their set-top boxes.