BBC iPlayer is a very popular streaming site in the UK because it is packed with all sorts of content like live sports, news, films, and a great many others. All of this content is available 100% free which also makes this a very popular content site. Sadly, you cannot view BBC iPlayer in Australia because the site is geo-restricted.
If you have a craving for UK content and are sick and tired of seeing that annoying 404 Error pop up every time you try to view something fascinating then you have come to the right place because we are now going to show you how to bypass geo-restrictions so you can view any content you like right here in Australia.
The Challenges of Watching BBC iPlayer in Australia
You might have been able to watch BBC iPlayer while in the UK but once you cross that border, you will automatically be geo-blocked and you won’t be able to access the content on your device anymore.
What exactly is Geo-blocking?
Geo-restriction or geo-blocking is used by countries and businesses all over the world. Certain countries like China use geo-blocking to keep their residents from accessing sites like Facebook while some streaming companies use this blocking technique to limit the number of streamers that connect to their site or to specific content on their sites.
Why is BBC iPlayer blocking you?
There can be quite a few reasons for this website to restrict remote viewers. These content providers might not own all the rights to all of the content they offer. As such, they are not allowed to make the content available worldwide. Another reason might be that licensing regulations prevent them from streaming abroad. In some cases, content companies might also choose to limit their viewers because large masses of viewers could slow down the content providers’ overall streaming abilities.
Using a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia
The good news is that you can still watch BBC iPlayer right here in Australia by simply connecting via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This simple connection will allow you to view BBC iPlayer as well as a great many other websites and content that might be restricted in your location.
What Is A VPN?
VPN is a true revelation for anyone who is sick and tired of being blocked from viewing certain content.
A VPN is a network that extends a private network across the worldwide internet or public network so you can connect to a server in another country.
When you connect to one of the servers in the UK, for example, you will be able to send and receive any type of data across the public network without anyone standing in your way. You will be able to access the BBC iPlayer website and others without any more restrictions or problems since no one will be able to tell that your connection is remote instead of local.
Other Benefits of Using A VPN
Using a VPN service doesn’t just enable you to watch BBC iPlayer, it also offers many other benefits such as the following;
- You can connect to servers in lots of different countries to remove other geo-blocks so you can view content and websites from these countries as well.
- No one can trace your connection because your computer’s IP address is hidden. You are also connected to a server within a specific country which makes it seem like your connection is local.
- VPN’s are usually quite safe to use since these networks are highly encrypted. The chances of getting hacked or spammed when you use a VPN are highly unlikely.
Are There Any Cons Of Using A VPN?
Using a VPN service for streaming might have a few drawbacks. Here is a quick look at some of the drawbacks of using a VPN.
- Your connection might be a bit slower than usual.
- If you are using your VPN for streaming, you will need uncapped internet access.
- Some VPN providers might not have server connections available in the UK
What to Look For When Choosing Your VPN
There are many VPN service providers out there and it can be challenging to choose the best one. Here are a few tips to help you identify the right VPN;
Server locations
This is one of the most important things to consider when choosing your VPN. You need to ensure that the VPN you choose has server connections in the UK that you can use to access BBC iPlayer. The more server connections you can access the better.
Price
Most VPN service providers are quite affordable with their prices. But it is still a good idea to consider the price and to read the fine print on their package options. Some VPN companies provide unlimited bandwidth while others only allow you to stream a certain amount of data before you will need to upgrade to a bigger package. If you are quite fond of streaming online then it is probably best to stick with VPN service providers that offer unlimited bandwidth.
Speed
Just about every VPN service you use will impact your internet speed in some way. Some offer faster bandwidth speeds than others. The VPN you need offers high-speed bandwidth without capping. This way you can enjoy as much streaming without any streaming delays.
Service delivery
If you have a good VPN service provider then there shouldn’t be a need to contact your provider any time soon. But if you do feel you might need a bit of help with the setup then it is always best to choose a VPN that offers 24-hour assistance.
Device compatibility
The VPN service you use should have programs or apps available for all types of mobile and computer devices so you can enjoy streaming on your cellphone, tablet, laptop, or even on your desktop TV if you prefer.
Setup and Usage Guide
Once you have selected the right VPN, it is time to get it set up on your devices. This sounds a lot harder than it is. Modern VPN apps have been streamlined and are user friendly. Here is a quick look at the steps it takes to set up most good VPN providers;
Step 1 – You need internet access
Before you can download and install your VPN app, you will need an internet connection. If you are planning on streaming, you should have nothing less than an uncapped package. Streaming can be quite addictive and you can run through data packages pretty fast where uncapped internet allows you to view as much as you like.
Step 2 – Subscribe to your VPN
The next step is to visit the chosen VPN’s website and to subscribe. You should choose the package deal you need and purchase this package.
Most VPN providers offer monthly, annual, and bi-annual payment options.
Step 3 – Download and install
Now you can simply download it and install it on any of your devices. For smartphone devices, there should be an app that you can download and install for free.
Step 4 – Log in and connect
Finally, you can simply login on the app using the username and password that you used when you subscribed. In some cases, you can use your Google accounts manager to log into VPN apps without entering the password again.
Step 5 – Choose your server
Now that you are online, you can simply choose the right UK server. Once it is connected, you can securely access BBC i-Player and stream any content you like without any further hassles.
There is absolutely no need for you to miss out on any of the exciting content that BBC iPlayer has to offer. With a simple VPN connection, you can enjoy all the streaming you like and remove all geo-blocks to all websites across the globe.
