Whether you’re sipping espresso in Rome, exploring Tokyo’s neon streets or sunning yourself in Sydney, there’s a universal modern dilemma: can I still watch UK TV and Sky while I’m abroad? The short answer is yes. And I’m here to tell you how.
Below, I’ll unpack how a clever setup can help you watch all your favourites across the globe.
What is Sky Stream?
I’ll keep it short and sweet. Sky Stream is a new way to watch Sky TV over the internet, instead of through a traditional satellite dish. A compact streaming box (often called the Sky Stream Puck) delivers live channels, on demand shows and sports via broadband. Its appeal lies in its ‘plug-and-play’ simplicity. Just one straightforward installation and you have multiple entertainment options in one easy package.
Sky Stream promises worldwide streaming with flexible packages, sports bundles and even multi-screen support for up to six devices. Perfect for families or anyone who wants TV on their terms.
Can you use it outside the UK?
Yes and no. You can’t just take a regular Sky Stream subscription and expect it to stream abroad the way it does at home.
Sky’s original services, like Sky Stream and Sky Go, are designed to work only inside the UK and Ireland. This is because that’s where Sky legally holds broadcast rights. In normal circumstances, if you take your Sky Stream box abroad and simply plug it in, your access will be blocked. The service will check your location via your internet connection and will immediately take action if you’re detected outside the UK. Your IP address has to be local to your physical address.
But you can work around it if you know how, like me.
A clever workaround: VPN router + Sky Stream
This is where sites like skystream.eu are useful. It offers a Sky Stream package that comes with a pre-configured VPN router, essentially allowing you to appear to be in the UK even when you’re not. Here’s how it works:
- Sky Stream Puck + VPN Router: You use the streaming box and a router that’s already set up to give you a UK internet connection.
- Anywhere, anytime: Once connected, your TV thinks it’s still in the UK. Even if you’re on holiday in Spain or living overseas for a while.
- Live TV, On-Demand, Sports etc: You’ll be able to stream live channels, BBC and ITV content, family movies, documentaries and even sports, as long as your internet speed is up to it. As little as 2 Mb/s can work for basic channels.
This type of setup let me bypass the usual geographical restrictions while still enjoying UK TV content. It’s not exactly Sky selling an “international” version; it’s more like making my connection look UK-based wherever I may be.
What’s the catch?
Sounds too good to be true? Below I’ll run through a few caveats to this setup:
Licensing rules still apply
Sky’s official Terms & Conditions usually limit use to UK/Irish addresses. If you use a VPN to bypass your location when abroad, you could be breaching those terms.
Not all VPNs work reliably
It’s easy to download basic VPN services from an app store. But the downside is that they often get detected and blocked. That’s why using the specialised VPN router from providers like skystream.eu is sold as the more stable solution.
Performance can vary
Streaming high-quality TV, especially live sports, depends heavily on your internet speed. That ever-annoying buffering icon can still appear if the connection isn’t strong.
Is streaming Sky outside the UK worth it?
So, can you get Sky Stream outside the UK? Yes, but only with tools that make it look like you’re still in the UK.
Is it the official way? Not quite and it’s a good idea to understand the legal and technical issues before you do it. But if you’re serious about keeping UK TV close while exploring the globe, this workaround for Sky Stream can be an effective way to keep watching your favourite shows and live action.
