EU 'Netflix roaming deal' means you'll be able to watch subscriptions while abroad

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NetflixImage source, AP

You'll soon be able to access you own Netflix content while travelling abroad.

A deal to allow temporary roaming on subscription services has been "tentatively" agreed between members of the European Union.

The idea is to make sure there's no block on what you can watch when travelling around the EU.

It's hoped the deal will become law by 2017 - when EU mobile roaming charges are also meant to be abolished.

At the moment, streaming services aren't that handy when you're go abroad. You either can't access them or you're faced with having to watch unfamiliar content, often in foreign languages.

Although Netflix is already available in many countries, the content is not the same everywhere you go.

It's tailored to what's popular in that country.

Many a holiday has been ruined by arriving in some beautiful, exotic, far-flung beach paradise and then discovering you can't watch RuPaul's Drag Race.

Image source, Getty Images

Hopefully, this deal will end that nightmare.

The idea was suggested at the end of last year and now EU member states have roughly agreed the plan.

But it still needs formal approval later this month before it becomes law.

As well as Netflix, it will apply to other streaming services including Sky TV Now and Canal+.

At the moment, the deal says you'll be able to access your content for a "limited amount of time" while abroad.

So far it's not clear how long that will be.

While undoubtedly good for viewers, some broadcasters and producers are said to be less keen.

Broadcasters may not want to pay so much for exclusive content if it's readily available across the EU. And producers and studios may insist on charging more for material that can be viewed while you're abroad.

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