The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Netflix could launch its lower-cost ad-supported subscription option by the end of the year, a month earlier than expected.

According to the story, the streaming pioneer plans to start cracking down on password sharing within its subscriber base around the same time, citing an internal memo to employees.

Netflix did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters right away.

Last month, the company reported its first loss of customers in more than a decade, with further losses on the way, a sharp contrast to the growth it had during the pandemic.

[embedpost slug=”/new-indian-movies-and-shows-on-netflix-april-2022/”]

Netflix considered releasing a lower-cost version of the service with advertising due to slow subscriber growth, noting the success of comparable services from rivals HBO Max and Disney+.

In April’s earnings call, CEO Reed Hastings stated that the business would “work out (the plan) over the next year or two.”

Netflix has also stated that it will crack down on users who share passwords, citing the fact that competition and password sharing make it difficult to expand.