https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0208/851070-eu-to-end-barriers-to-netflix-bbc-iplayer-in-2018/
EU to end barriers to Netflix, streaming sites in 2018
The European Union has taken a major step toward allowing people to use online
entertainment subscriptions such as Netflix or Amazon Prime all across Europe,
according to officials.
Europeans spend about one billion nights in other EU countries every year but
face a frustrating inability to access subscription services while outside
their home country.
The European Commission, the bloc's executive arm which proposed the change,
reached a compromise late last night with negotiators from the European
Parliament and the European Council of 28 member states, virtually guaranteeing
that the measure will succeed.
Once formally approved, EU consumers on the move will be able to enjoy
entertainment as if at home in early 2018, the commission said.
"Today's agreement will bring concrete benefits to Europeans," said Andrus
Ansip, the commission's vice-president for the Digital Single Market.
"People who have subscribed to their favourite series, music and sports events
at home will be able to enjoy them when they travel in Europe,"
As it stands, a subscriber to the Netflix in Ireland, for example, will only
have access to the service as it is available in a country they are visiting,
where the movies or series often drastically differs to their home version.
In another example, digital subscribers to Sky Sports are unable to access
Premier League football matches on their iPads or laptops when travelling
abroad.
"This is very good news for EU consumers," said Monique Goyens, head of
Brussels-based the European Consumer Organisation.
"Artificial barriers blocking you from using your online video, music or game
subscription contradict the very principle of a single market,"
Crucially, the measure puts a zero limit on the amount of time travelling
Europeans can enjoy their home-based subscriptions.
This is unlike the EU's free roaming promise for mobile phones that comes into
effect in June, but comes with a list of restrictions.
Sent from my iPhone
