Amazon challenges Netflix by taking its video streaming service global

Amazon.com Inc is preparing to take its video streaming service worldwide in a challenge to Netflix Inc, the world's largest paid online TV network.

Amazon, which currently offers the service in only a handful of countries, announced the plans last fortnight in a blog post about "The Grand Tour," a lavish new reality show featuring the former stars of BBC's popular "Top Gear".

"In December, the show will premiere in 200 countries and territories around the world, exclusively on Amazon," the company wrote on its website. Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos also mentioned the plans on Twitter.