Netflix raising prices as its costs increase

Netflix is raising its U.S. prices by 13 to 18 percent, its biggest increase since the company started its video streaming service 12 years ago.

Its most popular plan will see the largest increase, to $13 per month from $11. That option offers high-definition streaming on up to two internet-connected devices simultaneously. Even at the higher price, that plan is still a few dollars cheaper than HBO, whose streaming service costs $15 per month.

The extra cash will help to pay for the Los Gatos company’s huge investment in original shows and films and finance the heavy debt it has assumed to ward off rivals such as Amazon, Disney and AT&T.