Off Topic VPN recommendations

[tigermaul]

URGENT QUESTION...
Any ex-pats having problems using a VPN to access live BBC channels today? I'm in Canada as you might guess
Worked fine early uk time this morning but this pm I'm blocked?

EDIT: Problem fixed! Don't panic

Yes. Not an ex-pat but live a lot of the year in Greece and it seems BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have all upped their VPN detection and I can no longer get them. Can still get Prime, Apple TV, Now TV and Hull City live games. I’m using Express VPN which used to work.

 

[tigerscanada]

Yes. Not an ex-pat but live a lot of the year in Greece and it seems BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have all upped their VPN detection and I can no longer get them. Can still get Prime, Apple TV, Now TV and Hull City live games. I’m using Express VPN which used to work.

Hi tigermaul,

Don't know if this might help - I received this explanation from the VPN service I use after I submitted a ticket to enquire about temporarily losing access to the BBC streaming service. After clearing cache on my Windows 10 based desktop (several times, rebooting each time) as they had suggested, I finally regained BBC access again.
Did you contact/pester your VPN provider about your issue to try to get a resolution for your problem?
You never know, might work again if your cache is cleaned (or the equivalent on whatever software/device you use to access the Beeb tv service. Good luck.
tc
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Support Ticket Response:
Hello again,

I'm pleased to hear that the issue has been resolved and you're able to access BBC iPlayer channels once more.

As to your question about the sudden detection by BBC, it's not uncommon for streaming services to periodically update their VPN detection measures. They employ various methods to identify and block IP addresses that they suspect are coming from VPNs. This can sometimes include identifying multiple connections from the same IP address, which can be indicative of a VPN server.

When a VPN IP address is flagged by a service like BBC, it can temporarily prevent access until the VPN provider makes adjustments. This does not necessarily mean there is a need for immediate changes to the VPN software itself, but rather an update to the pool of IP addresses or the deployment of additional servers to ensure that users have a range of fresh IP addresses that are not recognized by these detection methods.

Our team continually monitors and works to stay ahead of such measures by updating our server network and IP address ranges to provide reliable access for our users. Adding new servers or refreshing IP addresses are part of the regular maintenance we perform to ensure the quality and reliability of our service.

Please continue to enjoy your access, and rest assured that we are dedicated to providing a seamless viewing experience. If you encounter any further issues or have additional questions, feel free to reach out.

Best regards,
Didier Dubot

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This is an AI-generated message; for human interaction, please specify in your next reply.

 

[tigermaul]

Thanks for all that. I know I can still get it if I hotspot from my phone and my phone (O2) is linking with a UK server, but it sometimes defaults to a Greek operator. Usually am here with my wife who has Vodafone which always links to UK Vodafone, rather than Greek, so it works that way. It’s only when we’re on Greek internet that it’s a problem. I just think the Beeb has upped its VPN detection recently. Clearing the cache etc doesn’t work, though it used to.

 

[tigerscanada]

Thanks for all that. I know I can still get it if I hotspot from my phone and my phone (O2) is linking with a UK server, but it sometimes defaults to a Greek operator. Usually am here with my wife who has Vodafone which always links to UK Vodafone, rather than Greek, so it works that way. It’s only when we’re on Greek internet that it’s a problem. I just think the Beeb has upped its VPN detection recently. Clearing the cache etc doesn’t work, though it used to.

Cheers. 30 mins ago I was locked out of all uk tv streaming. I rebooted my system, cleared cache and at the moment am getting BBC tv through my VPN. I think I now need to do more research as this instability is annoying as hell. !!

 

[John Ex Aberdeen now E.R.]

Thanks for all that. I know I can still get it if I hotspot from my phone and my phone (O2) is linking with a UK server, but it sometimes defaults to a Greek operator. Usually am here with my wife who has Vodafone which always links to UK Vodafone, rather than Greek, so it works that way. It’s only when we’re on Greek internet that it’s a problem. I just think the Beeb has upped its VPN detection recently. Clearing the cache etc doesn’t work, though it used to.

From the figures I have seen banded about, the BBC is haemorrhaging watchers/listeners, you would think they would what as many watchers/listeners to improver their figures.

 

[tigerscanada]

From the figures I have seen banded about, the BBC is haemorrhaging watchers/listeners, you would think they would what as many watchers/listeners to improver their figures.

You'd think they could extend the TV/radio licence subscription availability to foreign regions and whenever they encounter someone coming through using a VPN they'd check to see if the IP address was holding a paid-for licence. Add a bit extra to the license fee in those regions for a spin-off to the VPN service providers !
I'd be willing to pay that as probably many expats or foreign english speaking customers would across the globe !

 

[tigermaul]

You'd think they could extend the TV/radio licence subscription availability to foreign regions and whenever they encounter someone coming through using a VPN they'd check to see if the IP address was holding a paid-for licence. Add a bit extra to the license fee in those regions for a spin-off to the VPN service providers !
I'd be willing to pay that as probably many expats or foreign english speaking customers would across the globe !

I suspect they are trying to protect valuable international licensing deals. With the UK license fee being squeezed, it’s probably how they make a lot of their money. Still annoying though - especially as I’m a BBC pensioner.