Getting BBC One, Two Three, and Four outside the UK can be a real pain if you're trying it for the first time.

Here's what you're bound to run in to.

1. Missing Plugins

I just did a search on Google, and with the exception of BBC iPlayer, all sites that turned up said I had a missing plugin, I had java turn off, or was missing some kind of javascript and could stream the video they claimed I could. I call BS on that move - there's nothing wrong with my streaming capabilities. So what's the problem?

2. Advertisements

Most of the sites that had streaming problems were filled with lots of advertisements and other types of spammy banners that had to do with streaming TV. The sites were obviously just trying to get clicks and make money by tricking you into thinking you can stream BBC online.

3. Expensive Service

There are some specialty UK TV overseas services, but some charge upwards of 50 pounds a month for access. Even then, they may or may not stream all channels you're looking for.

A Better Solution

Virtual private networks is a kind of software that can change your IP address. This IP changing feature makes it look like you're in The UK. Once this change is made, your troubles are over. The reason BBC One and other channels are blocked outside The UK is because of your IP address. With an IP from Pakistan or Japan, you're blocked. If you're in these countries with a UK IP, you are not blocked. It's as simple as that.

With a VPN connection on your smartphone, computer, or other approved streaming device, this opens up not only BBC One outside The UK, but other BBC channels on iPlayer, and streaming movies on UK on demand websites like Netflix and LoveFilm. You will also notice that your internet connecting takes on a British personality. Websites that translate automatically will show up in British English rather than the local language. This is because of the UK IP address from the VPN. It's exactly like you were surfing the internet in The UK.

The type of VPN you should use for streaming is called PPTP. It has got low encryption features, but streams faster than other high encryption versions. Those would be called L2TP and OpenVPN, for smartphone and laptops, respectively. Though these can successfully stream UK-Only content as well, you may experience more lag because your bandwidth is being eaten up by more advanced encryption.