Geo-blocking is widely used by a number of companies across the world to restrict access to their content. This could be because the content they offer is only licensed to be used in specific regions, or it could be due to strict government regulations.
If you have heard of it or not, chances are pretty great that at some point you have been geo-blocked from accessing something you have wanted to watch… and you are not the only one! Whether you want to watch the viral video everyone is talking about, or you are traveling and still want access to your channel subscriptions, geo-blocking can be one of the most frustrating scenarios any internet user can come across.
Geo-blocking of content
Just some of the companies which impose strict geo-location restrictions include: A&E, BBC iPlayer, DMAX, Bravo, The CW, Hulu Plus, and HBO.
In fact, these restrictions are so tight, that even if you are a fully paid-up subscriber, you will be blocked from accessing content if you are trying to access it from anywhere outside of the broadcaster’s region.
Any device which is able to connect to the internet is given an IP Address. This address is uniquely registered to that device and it links your online identity to your service provider. An IP Address is not only your link to the internet but also your location. Websites monitor the location from which people are accessing them. This means that if you make use of a device with a US IP Address while trying to login to a site in the UK, the websites can see this. The site is then able to block your visit if the content you are trying to access is not available in the US.
Bypass geo-blocking with a VPN
The good news, however, is that there is a simple way to get around geo-blocking. The most affordable way to do this is through the use of a Virtual Private Network or VPN such as Shellfire VPN.
Through the use of a VPN such as Shellfire, your internet traffic is redirected to a secure server. By doing this, you are essentially masking your IP Address. One of the main reasons more and more people are choosing to make use of a VPN is the security which it offers. Through the use of a VPN, you also appear to be browsing the internet from an area which you are not situated in. For example, you could be located in the US and could connect to a remote secure server in the UK. Then to all the sites based in the UK, you appear to be surfing the internet from the UK.
Shellfire App for all your VPN needs
Shellfire offers two solutions for all your VPN needs. Firstly, there is a Shellfire App, which can easily be downloaded onto any device and supports a VPN.
How to install the Shellfire App
- In the App Store on your device, simply type Shellfire into the search bar and press search.
- Now, select the Shellfire App from the list of results.
- In the preview, you are going to have to press the download button.
- When prompted to do so, simply accept the App permissions.
- Once the download has completed you can open the App.
With the App open, you can log into an account which you previously created, or for first-time users you can create a new account. The Shellfire App is free to download from any App Store. To make use of the Shellfire service you are going to have to subscribe to one of the affordable plans available. Shellfire offers packages from as little as $1.99.
Shellfire VPN Router Box VPN solutions
Secondly, if you are making use of a device which does not support a VPN App, you are going to have to get yourself a VPN Router Box. Many users have found the Shellfire VPN Router Box to be the perfect solution. The device can be bought on Amazon and is easily connected directly to your existing Internet Router.
The Shellfire Box can be connected to either your in-home WiFi or to your device through the use of an Ethernet cable. What’s more is that a VPN subscription is included in your purchase of the Shellfire Box. Subscriptions can be for either one or two years depending on the option you chose when purchasing the box.
To further simplify the setup, the box arrives at your door pre-configured. This is great for VPN newbies because it means that there is no need for you to enter a password or any user information.
How to set up your Shellfire Router Box
- Take the Ethernet cable provided with your Shellfire VPN Router Box and plug one end into your existing internet router.
- Then, take the other end of the cable and plug it into the WAN port situated on your Shellfire Box.
- To power up the device simply take the USB cable which is supplied with the box and connect it to a nearby wall socket.
- The box will automatically switch on. You’ll notice that the lights on the box will flash. Once these have stopped flashing your box will be connected.
Now you can securely surf the internet or even access those shows which were previously blocked in your area. Shellfire is an all-around solution for beating Geo-blocking. It is important to note that while the device does let you bypass those strict restrictions, it does not remove ads from free to air programs. If you would like to watch your favorite shows without ads, you are still going to have to subscribe to their services.