In the past, Sky customers could only use the Sky Go service to a limited extent or not at all. But since 2018 you can also watch Sky Go in other EU countries, the reason for this is an EU regulation. This article explains how you can now watch Sky Go while traveling.
Sky Go within the EU
On April 1, 2018, a new EU regulation came into force, the so-called portability regulation. It prohibits geoblocking, which can be used to exclude users from abroad from streaming offers. Because your IP address reveals your approximate location - until then, foreign IP addresses were simply blocked by services such as Sky or Netflix.
The reason for this was that the services did not have a license to show their content outside of Germany. Thanks to the regulation, streaming offers such as Sky Go or Sky Kids can also be used in other EU countries without restrictions and at no additional cost. You can stream sports reports, films and series as usual using the Sky Go app or a standard web browser.
However, the regulation only applies to short-term stays abroad - i.e. not if you live permanently in another EU country. In order to check this, streaming providers may require proof that you are only temporarily abroad. This could be your identity card, for example.
Sky Go outside the EU with VPN
The regulation only applies to EU countries. In order to use Sky Go in non-EU countries such as Switzerland or Great Britain, you have to use tricks. With the help of a VPN connection, you can hide your IP address and pretend you are in Germany or the EU. To do this, you need to select a VPN server in an appropriate country..
Attention: If you use your Sky subscription outside of the EU, you are violating Sky's terms and conditions. If you are caught, your Sky account may be blocked.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN service creates a virtual, private network.
- You can find out exactly what VPN is here.
- Read here how to surf anonymously with VPN.
