Netflix has simultaneously launched its service across 130 countries around the globe, with co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings declaring the “birth” of the “global internet TV network”.

The video streaming service last year revealed plans to be available in 200 countries by 2017, representing a steep increase from its existing coverage of 60 markets.

Hastings yesterday (6 January) told attendees at CES 2016 in Las Vegas the service was going live in a further 130 countries during his keynote address (see below).

Although mostly available in English across new territories, Netflix has added Arabic, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese languages.

It is not yet available in mainland China, though the company said it “continues to explore options for providing the service”. It is also banned from operating in Crimea, North Korea and Syria due to US regulations.

“Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global internet TV network. With this launch, consumers around the world — from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo – will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously – no more waiting,” said Hastings.

“With the help of the internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device.”

Netflix is planning to launch a raft of original content over the coming year, including over 30 new and returning original series and over 20 feature films and documentaries.