BBC Global iPlayer Closing : Find Alternatives

The team at BBC has decided to discontinue Global iPlayer.  The BBC Global iPlayer service will close for good between May 26, 2015 and June 26, 2015.  If you are currently a member you can expect access to end on the day of your next renewal.  That means ex-pats around the world will be without their favorite BBC content.  I would imagine many of them will turn to VPN to continue watching their favorite films and shows.

BBC Global iPlayer Message

Find alternatives to BBC Global iPlayer

Regardless of where you live there are alternatives for viewing BBC content.  While the Global BBC iPlayer service was a convenience you can still enjoy your favorite shows by using one of the following options.

Option 1 – VPN

The first alternative to BBC Global iPlayer would be to use a VPN service like IPVanish or ExpressVPN.  Both are good options since they have large networks and fast servers in the UK.  You can watch BBC iPlayer from any country by using a VPN.  The key is to connect to a VPN server in the United Kingdom.  That will assign you an IP address in the UK.  From there you can watch BBC iPlayer and stream from other sites in the UK as well.

Option 2 – Smart DNS

A second alternative to BBC Global iPlayer is Smart DNS.  Think of SmartDNS as similar to VPN.  The difference is encryption.  A VPN will protect your privacy by encrypting you data.  That opens access to content in other countries and offers the additional benefit of privacy protection.  A SmartDNS on the other hand does not encrypt your data.  It’s sole purpose is to circumvent geo-blocks to content in other countries.  In this case it would open access to BBC iPlayer.  I would suggest you look at Unblock Us and OverPlay for Smart DNS service.

Option 3 – Netflix

Our third and final BBC Global iPlayer alternative is Netflix.  This comes in a distant third because you would still need a VPN or Smart DNS to access Netflix content in the UK.  However, if you find that Netflix carries your favorite BBC films or shows in a certain region you can use a VPN or SmartDNS to open access to any Netflix region.  We would suggest starting with option 1 and working your way down the list until you find the solution that best fits your needs.