EU states agree roaming for online subscriptions to streaming services

Consumers will be able to access online subscriptions for services such as Sky, Netflix, and Canal + when they travel across the EU under proposals tentatively agreed by member states.

The law was presented by the Commission last December as part of its efforts to knock down national barriers in online services.

Member state representatives endorsed the proposal yesterday, paving the way for it to be approved by ministers on May 26.

Consumers with subscriptions to services such as Sky TV Now, ProSiebenSat.1 MaxDome TV in Germany or Netflix in France, would be able to view content they have paid for when they temporarily travel abroad.

What constitutes temporarily was left open.

The EC hopes the proposal will come into force in 2017, the same year roaming charges for using mobile phones when travelling within the EU are to be abolished.

While Netflix is already available in many European countries, content is tailored to local tastes.

The proposal got a lukewarm reception from broadcasters, some of whom are concerned producers and film studios could demand more money for making their content portable.

Rights holders are wary of anything that might be seen to be eroding the principle of territoriality, which they say is key to the financing of films.

However, their bigger worry is with the Commission’s upcoming reform of EU copyright law.