The IP Address Guide has been around for more than ten years. When we first launched this website, the goal was to bring lots of information about VPN services, online security, how to surf safely without restrictions worldwide, and how to bypass geo-blocks. But, we have got to admit that a lot has changed since the page launched 10 years ago.
Ten years ago, any VPN could help you access just anything online. In other words, it was easy. First of all, there weren’t many streaming services existing either. Back then, it was all about unblocking TV networks, and you could easily connect to a VPN server in the UK and stream all the content on BBC and ITV at once.
Since then, we have seen an invasion of streaming services. It isn’t only Netflix; there are lots of others. Some are international, like HBO Max and Disney+, while others are more local, like Viaplay (in Scandinavia), PeacockTV and ParamountPlus (in the USA), and many others.
But, with the explosion of only streaming services, we have also seen an explosion of interest in bypassing the geo-blocks used by the streaming services to avoid abuse. And that has made it much harder to bypass geo-blocks (compared to how it was 5-10 years ago).
Today you need to do actual research to unblock streaming services and TV networks.
That is the truth. It isn’t enough to use a free VPN, and it isn’t enough to pay for a subscription with one of the prominent and famous VPN providers. You will quickly discover that some of them are unable to unblock streaming services such as Hulu and Amazon Prime, and others are unable to unblock American Netflix. It isn’t enough to have a subscription to a VPN that is supposed to give access to ParamountPlus; you also have to make sure to connect to the correct server. In other words, you might have to connect to 5-6 servers before you find the one that gives access to a given streaming service.
Do you get the point? Life has become more challenging for those who want to bypass geo-blocks.
Life has also gotten easier.
At the same time, we shouldn’t forget that life has also become easier. Do you know why? Netflix has gone worldwide, and so has HBO Max and Disney+ (almost). As a result, you do not need a VPN anymore to access the content on those platforms. More and more content is produced for and by the streaming services, meaning that the content difference is minimal between the different nations, making it easily accessible in your own country.
Of course, you will still find content on TV networks such as BBC and ITV in the UK or on NBC and CBS in the USA that isn’t produced for the giant streaming services (such as Netflix, HBO, and Disney+). But, if they are good, the big giants will quickly try to buy the streaming rights worldwide, which again means that you might be able to access it in your home country. You can either use a VPN or go stream something else while waiting.
Is life more expensive?
It might be that the content is easier accessible right now. But, is life cheaper? Not necessarily! Right now, you will need 3-4 subscriptions to different streaming services to get access to all the good stuff.
- If you want to watch The Flight Attendant, you need an HBO Max subscription.
- You need an Amazon Prime/Amazon Video subscription to stream Jack Ryan.
- Would you like to watch The Mandalorian online? Buy a DisneyPlus subscription.
- Do you want to find out Who Killed Sara? Buy a Netflix subscription.
In other words, life has become more accessible and more expensive at the same time.
I guess that is the world we live in today. Do you miss the good old days, or are you happy about how things are right now?
