Netflix reportedly coming to Russia in 2016

American multinational online media streaming service Netflix will begin operations in Russia starting January 2016, reports the newspaper Izvestia, citing sources in media.

At first, however, Netflix will work with traditional television providers and Smart TV.

Multinational Korean corporation LG confirmed that Netflix would indeed enter the Russian market in 2016 via its Smart TV technology. It offered no further details on Netflix in Russia.

TV operator Rostelekom signed a contract with Netflix starting 2016, which will make the American streaming service accessible to Rostelekom customers, reports Izvestia. Rostelekom refused to comment.

Netflix provides access to its database of movies and TV shows for a monthly subscription fee.

The Netflix catalogue contains movies and TV shows from many film studios, as well as original content. Popular original series include "House of Cards," "Orange Is the New Black," and "Bojack Horseman."