Blockbuster offers free trials to Netflix customers

7/15/2011

NEW YORK — Blockbuster has launched a promotion that offers disgruntled Netflix customers free trials to its movies by mail service after Netflix hiked its subscription fees earlier this week.

Blockbuster, which is owned by Dish Network, said that customers who switch to one of Blockbuster’s “total access” plans will receive a 30-day free trial.

Droves of subscribers complained on Netflix Inc.’s official blog this week with many threatening to cancel subscriptions after the video service hiked prices by up to 60 percent for users of its streaming and DVD-mail service.