VPN Recommendations and Discussion

[derek60]

I always use ExpressVPN when I'm in Hua Hin. I watch BBC, ITV [via browser], Netflix, Amazon.

On the few occassions I had an issue I have contacted support and it has been resolved quickly

[buksida]

I've just signed up for 15 months on Express VPN for $99 and must say I've very impressed so far.

I tried CyberGhost for two weeks as it was half the price, but it kept disconnecting so I got a refund.

The first thing I did with Express was a speed test and it has literally tripled my home internet speed. Did four tests to the same server in the U.S. using the same browser, two just on TOT, the other two connected with the VPN via Singapore. The results speak for themselves:

vpn1.jpg (25.37 KiB) Viewed 710 times

vpn2.jpg (36.07 KiB) Viewed 710 times

Just shows you how much filtering TOT is doing to throttle the connection speed by two thirds.

[PeteC]

Yes, I have Express also on the same deal. I originally used them years ago and then went round and round the mulberry bush looking for something better/cheaper. Here I am back with them again for the same reasons you give.

[Dannie Boy]

I’ve been an advocate of Express VPN for some time and have enjoyed an almost uninterrupted service for the past 3 years, however for almost 2 weeks now, I’ve been unable to access BBC iPlayer (I can still access ITV, Channel 4 etc) so it’s obviously the BBC who have better technology to identify that I’m using a VPN. So far, the Express VPN guys have been unable to come up with a fix.

Are others experiencing the same problem? Is anybody using a different VPN provider and can still access the iPlayer services?

[buksida]

I'll give it a test and report back, don't usually use it that much.

[buksida]

Got this error when connected to a London server via Express:

"BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues."

Not sure if you have to sign in or not, don't have an account.

Contacted them also, if enough people do, they'll have to come up with a fix.

[Dannie Boy]

They say they’re working on it - 13 days and counting!! They’ve already offered 2 weeks free extension to my contract, but obviously what I’m after is the service - hopefully they’ll come up with a fix soon

[GroveHillWanderer]

My Surfshark VPN is still working fine with BBC iPlayer. It's also a really good deal, $47.76 for a 2 year subscription (works out at $1.99 a month).

[Dannie Boy]

My Surfshark VPN is still working fine with BBC iPlayer. It's also a really good deal, $47.76 for a 2 year subscription (works out at $1.99 a month).

Although I’d be happy to pay your lower rates than what I currently pay, it’s the service that’s all important, but if they don’t resolve the issue soon, I’ll be giving Sufshark my money!! Thanks for the recommendation


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[buksida]

Personally I don't use iPlayer, but have been astounded at how much faster and more stable ExpressVPN has made my local internet connection - its up to four times quicker than the trickle of paltry international bandwidth that TOT provides.

That, for me, is worth every dollar.

[PeteC]

I don't think it will be too long before these VPN companies will need to come up with a second generation system.

Governments and companies with geographic restrictions constantly nibble away, as we see today with the IPlayer issue, and one day we could wake up to see a fully erected wall, everywhere. I hope they're on their game and working on something superior that will be block-proof far into the future.

Forget about videos, the fate of a free world could very well depend upon it.

[buksida]

Years ago everyone needed third party anti-virus software before connecting to another network. Then it was a firewall, anti-malware programs, and a secure browser. The next must have tool for computer users will be a VPN as ever oppressive states strive to lock their people into their own filtered 'intranets'.

[derek60]

Always do all these things...
- turn off location services
- set time to that of the relevant country
- logging out and back into streaming service [eg iPlayer]

[Dannie Boy]

Always do all these things...
- turn off location services
- set time to that of the relevant country
- logging out and back into streaming service [eg iPlayer]

I tried all of those but it still recognised that I’m not in the UK


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[buksida]

Here is the reply I got from Express regarding iPlayer:

Thank you for contacting ExpressVPN Support.

I understand that you're unable to stream BBC iPlayer using your device.

I'm sorry for the trouble. BBC is known to block VPN providers from time to time. We are aware of the current problem and our engineers are working on a fix. At the moment, we don't have an exact date yet on when it will be available again.

In the meantime, may I know if the content you are trying to access with BBC iPlayer is available via Live TV like BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC Four?

If yes, please connect to any of our Switzerland locations and visit zattoo.com in your browser. Zattoo requires you to register, but it’s completely free, and once registered you’ll be able to access BBC live TV channels, along with many additional channels. See supported devices here: https://zattoo.com/ch/en/zattoo-free/

We will send you another email as soon as we have an update or before the 2-week period ends.