Netflix adds 130 new countries, now available in 190 worldwide

Netflix has begun streaming its Internet video service in 130 more countries, nearly completing its expansion a year ahead of schedule.

CEO Reed Hastings made the surprise announcement at the end of a presentation Wednesday in Las Vegas at CES, a showcase for gadgets and technology services.

Investors cheered the news, sending Netflix's stock surging six per cent during another dour day on Wall Street.

With its latest move, Netflix is now available in about 190 countries. China is the only major missing piece in the company's global matrix. Filling that hole will likely require potentially difficult negotiations with a government that prevents its population from seeing material it considers objectionable or incendiary.

Netflix already has more than 70 million subscribers.