Watching TV from the UK in Malta!
Watching UK TV from Malta, or watching iplayer from Malta are some of the most popular search terms linking to my blog. I have a few posts about various services but nothing really comprehensive so I figured I'd gather all my knowledge and bosh out a post with everything. There are lots of different ways that you can watch live UK TV in Malta, or else enable yourself to watch catch up services like iplayer from Malta too.
Why can't I watch iPlayer in Malta?
This is one I get a lot. You can't watch UK TV catch up services from your computer in Malta precisely because you're in Malta. You can only use these services when you're in the UK, as they are UK based and funded either by the UK government (i.e your taxes) or by TV licenses. If you don't live in the UK, then you're probably not contributing and therefore don't have the privilege of using the services.
How can I watch live UK TV in Malta?
The best way to watch live UK TV (channels such as BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, E4, Dave, Pick and loads more) from Malta is via free service FilmOn. Filmon allows you to watch certain UK TV channels absolutely live from Malta, on your computer, laptop, mobile or tablet device. You don't need to create an account or pay to use the service if you don't want to!
Pros of Filmon:
- It's a free service.
- Allows you to watch the UK TV channels live.
- Works on loads of different devices.
Cons of Filmon:
- Image is not good quality and can be frustrating- there is a HD option but this is a paid service, however you get a months free trial, it's amazing quality and is really affordable. Click to watch FilmOn for free, or get a paid subscription!
- Often loses sound.
- Often loses connection, but usually switching channels then coming back will fix this.
- There are adverts, but they're infrequent and don't happen with the paid subscription.
As mentioned, there is a paid service for FilmOn too, which offers much better quality images (HD), no adverts and generally a better connection.
How can I watch UK catch up (iplayer, 4OD etc) from Malta?
Again, absolutely can be done! There are a few different services that will allow you to view and use websites, which would otherwise be blocked if you weren't in the UK but below are two that I know the most about and have used myself. Both services are paid services, as I find the free ones (which there are plenty of!) really not as good and often the UK sites see through them.
These paid services are incredibly reasonably priced and are paid month by month, so if you find you don't like it, or simply don't use it, then you can cancel the subscription at any time. So, if you want to watch UK TV catch up services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player or 4OD you can use;
ExpatTelly
ExpatTelly is a VPN service, which will temporarily give you a UK IP, thus tricking the sites into believing you're visiting from the UK. This will allow you to watch UK catch up services from anywhere in the world, so will work when you're on your holidays too! You can turn the service on and off as you please, so once you're done just log out and you'll have your normal IP address back again.
The pricing is super cheap, from as little as just €0.16 per day, depending on the package you go for and there are plenty to choose from. Also, as I said, the subscriptions can be cancelled at any time, so if you don't think it's viable for you, simply cancel the subscription and you wont have to pay any more months.
All of these services are ideal as you don't even need to pay for a TV package in Malta if you don't want- you can simply watch your favourite UK channels and shows on your computer, laptop or tablet or hook them up to the TV itself if you prefer!
My Private Network
My Private Network is another site allowing you to access otherwise blocked sites from Malta, including things like BBC iPlayer and so on. My Private Network is another incredibly cheap solution, with prices starting at just £4.97 a month, which works out at around €0.21 per day.
All of these services are either free, or very reasonably priced and those which are paid can all be cancelled whenever you want. You wont get the money back for the month you've already paid for (unless, of course, you encounter technical issues) but if you don't like the service you don't have to continue with it- no commitment and nothing risked or lost!
Let me know in the comments if you've found any other great services, or if you've tried any of the ones mentioned!