In a few days' time, business travellers will no longer have to choose between finishing the final season of their favourite series or signing a contract in Madrid. From 1st Aprilall streaming platforms such as Netflix or Canal+ will be obliged to offer European users the same content whether they are in their country of residence or in travel in the EU.
Molotov.tvwhich claims 5 million usershas anticipated this new standard and has been offering this service since 20 March. To benefit from European compatibility, you must have at least the "plus" version of Molotov, for which you will be billed. 3.99 euros per month. In this way, the application verifies the nationality of their users via their payment card.
A major step towards removing barriers to the Digital Single Market
" La cross-border portability will give our users greater freedom and enable them to stay in touch with French television events. "David Blanc, CEO of Molotov.tv, is delighted. " This new possibility will enable Molotov to be used during times of mobilityof travelof holidays, where the appetite for television content is particularly strong and where features such as those offered by Molotov will be particularly relevant "he continues.
Putting an end to digital borders in Europe
However, the new legislation is more than just a boost for streaming services. It is part of a a more global vision of digital in Europe: " This is another important step towards removing obstacles to the digital single marketsays Andrus Ansip, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Single Market. We now need to conclude agreements on our other proposals to modernising EU rules copyright and offer greater access to creative content across borders "he continues.
The project would break down the digital barriers that still separate the 28 Member States. " This balanced solution is an encouraging sign for our efforts to build a Digital Single Market that offers new opportunities both for designers and consumers "In the words of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics, responsible for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. Last year, the end of roaming charges - or " roaming "had laid the foundation stone for this " digital single market "which has already begun to make business travel less painful.
