Before hissy fits are thrown, even though the idea of limiting access by country truly pains me, keep in mind that UK residents already pay for BBCI as part of the license fees that support the BBC. Until now, they’re the only ones who have been paying. It would be awfully nice if they’d agree to consider providing overseas access as a global public service and it makes a considerable amount of sense. After all, BBC Radio has been available that way far longer. But, as the Media Guardian reports, the internet comes with a different cost structure. In addition to licensing, there are distribution costs.
Another thing to keep in mind as some solace: it probably won’t include BBC News. Here’s the gist from the Guardian: “The BBC won’t comment on the plans, but it is understood that, initially at least, it will seek to block access to its websites from overseas. Until recently, that was difficult, because there was a risk that, in doing so, some domestic users would be accidentally barred. Those problems have been ironed out, and charging a small fee has not been ruled out in the longer term.”
Presumably they’ll need some form of domestic registration that will allow access for fee payers traveling abroad.
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