Netflix and Now TV go open in EU but not BBC

EU citizens can now use paid-for online TV and film services such as Netflix, Ama­zon Prime, Now TV and Canal+ while visiting other European countries for holidays or work.

An EU regulation removed the This content is not available in your country restrictions that stopped users accessing content such as films, games, music, sporting events or e-books.

These are now available in any member state and service providers are banned from charging extra for EU-wide access.

It allows people to use their paid-for services as if at home – similar to mobile phone roaming – on a limited time basis.

However, the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 in the UK are not covered by the rules as their content is ‘free-to-air’ and the portability regulation applies only to subscription services. This means British residents visiting France can watch pre-recorded programming on an iPad etc but cannot watch live programmes without a satellite subscription or a VPN.