CBC Gem is a free online streaming service provided by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It was launched in December 2018 to serve as the national public broadcaster’s primary online platform for its TV content. It’s comparable to services like BBC iPlayer in the UK but for the Canadian market.
Here’s a detailed look at what CBC Gem offers:
Content:
CBC Gem offers a wide variety of content, including CBC’s original programs, documentaries, feature films, and kids’ content. This includes popular Canadian series, like “Schitt’s Creek”, “Murdoch Mysteries”, and “The Fifth Estate”. It also includes news programming, like “The National”. Some international content is also offered, often from public broadcasters in other countries.
Live TV:
In addition to on-demand content, CBC Gem also allows users to stream CBC Television live, which is a feature not always available on online platforms. This means that users can watch the same content that is being broadcasted on CBC at any given moment.
Accessibility:
CBC Gem is available on multiple devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, Apple TV, Android TV, and more.
Free and Premium tiers:
CBC Gem offers a free tier, which provides access to a certain amount of content, but it’s ad-supported. There’s also a premium tier, which, for a monthly fee, offers access to the full library of content, live streaming of CBC TV without ads, and the ability to watch in higher quality. As of my last knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Premium subscription was priced at CAD 4.99 per month.
Region:
CBC Gem is primarily aimed at the Canadian market, and much of its content can only be streamed within Canada due to licensing agreements. However, some content, particularly news programming, can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Remember that the specific offerings and pricing might have changed post-September 2021, and it would be best to visit the official CBC Gem website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How to Access CBC Gem from Australia?
Step-by-Step guide on how to access CBC Gem from Australia using Express VPN. Please note that you’ll need a subscription to Express VPN for this.
-Install Express VPN:
If you haven’t done so already, go to the Express VPN website, purchase a subscription, and download the VPN software to your device. Express VPN supports all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
-Choose a Canadian Server:
After installation, open Express VPN, and from the list of servers, select a server located in Canada. This is because CBC Gem is a Canadian service and is geographically restricted to users in Canada.
-Connect to the VPN:
Once you’ve chosen a Canadian server, click to connect to the VPN. Your internet connection will now appear to be coming from Canada.
-Create a CBC Gem Account:
If you don’t already have a CBC Gem account, you will need to create one. Go to the CBC Gem website and follow the instructions to sign up. Although CBC Gem is a free service, they also offer a premium version with added features.
-Access CBC Gem:
Once you’re connected to a Canadian server and have a CBC Gem account, you can access CBC Gem content as if you were in Canada. If you are prompted to share your location, ensure your browser is set to do so. This should confirm you’re in Canada (based on your VPN connection) and allow you access.
-Troubleshooting:
If you still have issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or try a different Canadian server. Alternatively, you can try using a different browser or use an incognito window. Please note that while VPNs are a popular method for accessing region-restricted content, they are technically against CBC Gem’s terms of service. Using a VPN to access CBC Gem could potentially result in your account being banned, so proceed with caution. Also, please be aware of the legalities in your own country regarding the use of VPNs to access content that is normally geographically restricted. In some locations, this can be considered illegal. It’s important to research and understand the potential consequences before proceeding.
How to Access CBC Gem from Australia Using Express VPN Step-By-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Express VPN to access CBC Gem from Australia. Remember, it’s crucial to respect the terms and conditions of CBC Gem, which may not permit this sort of VPN use. Also, ensure you have a valid subscription or permission to use the VPN and CBC Gem services:
- Sign up for Express VPN: You can do this by visiting the Express VPN website, choosing a subscription plan that suits you, and creating an account. Remember to keep your account details safe.
- Download and Install Express VPN: After signing up, you’ll need to download the Express VPN application for your device. The website will typically guide you to the right download based on your device. After downloading, install the app on your device.
- Set up Express VPN: Open the Express VPN application after it’s installed. You’ll be asked to log in with the account details you created when signing up.
- Connect to a Canadian server: Inside the Express VPN app, you’ll find a list of server locations. Select a location in Canada. This is because CBC Gem content is geo-restricted to Canada.
- Verify your IP address: You can confirm whether the VPN connection is working properly by checking your IP address. Visit an IP-checking website – there are many free ones available. If the location shows up as Canada, you’re good to go. If not, try reconnecting to the VPN or choose another Canadian server.
- Access CBC Gem: Now, open your browser or the CBC Gem app, and visit the CBC Gem website. You should be able to browse and view the content as if you were in Canada.
- Create a CBC Gem account or log in: If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one. If you already have an account, simply log in.
Remember to disconnect from the VPN when you’re done watching to conserve your VPN data limit unless you have an unlimited plan. Also, always ensure that you respect all terms and conditions of both the VPN provider and CBC Gem. This guide is purely for educational purposes and should not be used to infringe upon any rules or regulations set by the service providers.
Why Do You Need Express VPN to Access CBC Gem from Australia?
As we’ve mentioned, CBC Gem is only restricted to locations within Canada because of the content distribution policies. So, if you were to ever try and access CBC Gem in Australia, you would get a message like “This site can’t be reached” or “CBC Gem isn’t available to watch in your location.”
This is where Express VPN comes in handy. It will change your IP address to a region within your chosen server location. And because CBC Gem restricts you by analysing your IP address, it would be unable to do that.
That’s 15 months for the price of 12. A single subscription simultaneously supports five devices and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
So, if you get Express VPN, not only are you getting access to CBC Gem but also American Netflix content and American Amazon Prime content.
NordVPN:
The Most Extensive Server Network VPN Option for Accessing CBC Gem from Australia
As you may have already guessed, NordVPN is a VPN service provider with the largest network of global servers in the world with more than 5500 servers in more than 60 countries, 440+ of which are USA servers that are going enable you to access CBC Gem in Australia totally hassle-free.
NordVPN provides you with the most solid online streaming experience in comparison to other VPN service providers with absolutely zero connectivity problems and its remarkable SmartPlay feature that combines VPN technology with Smart DNS, which allows NordVPN to bypass any streaming platform’s geo-restriction blocks smoothly.
While testing it out, we recorded a fantastic download speed of 86.18 Mbps and an upload speed of 42.13 Mbps. In terms of security, NordVPN is not falling short, packing a wide range of security features including, NordVPN has an impressive line-up of security and privacy options, including dedicated IP addresses, a kill switch that works automatically, over-the-counter encryption, and a strict no-logs policy.
NordVPN allows its users to connect to six devices simultaneously and can be easily accessed on Android and iOS devices, Linux, Mac, and Windows. Now talking about pricing, you can get a 2-year plan of NordVPN at $3.49 USD per month which is 5.3 AUD per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can get the answer to your question by following these three easy steps to access CBC Gem from Australia
- Subscribe to a secure premium VPN service and download it on your device (we highly recommend NordVPN as one of the best options after testing it out ourselves)
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a UK server from the list (We personally recommend using the NewYork server)
- Now go to the CBC Gem website and enjoy everything it has to offer from Australia
Note: CBC Gem doesn’t require you to get a subscription but you will have to make a CBC Gem account to avoid login issues and get a better-personalised experience.
Access CBC Gem from Australia using NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service provider based in Panama, offering a broad range of features and functionalities designed to enhance online security, privacy, and freedom. If you’re considering purchasing NordVPN from Australia, here is some detailed information.
Purchasing Process
- Visit the NordVPN website: Begin by navigating to the official NordVPN website.
- Choose a plan: NordVPN offers several different subscription plans. You can choose between a one-month, one-year, two-year, or three-year plan. The longer the subscription period, the more cost-effective the plan generally becomes.
- Create an account: After selecting your preferred subscription plan, you’ll need to create a NordVPN account. You’ll be asked for a valid email address, which will be used for communication and account recovery.
- Select your payment method: NordVPN accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, cryptocurrency, and other online payment systems. Choose the one that’s most convenient for you.
- Complete the purchase: Follow the prompts to complete your purchase. Once your payment is processed, you’ll gain access to the NordVPN service.
Features and Benefits
NordVPN offers a variety of features that make it appealing to users in Australia, and globally:
- Global Server Network: NordVPN boasts a network of over 5,000 servers spread across 59 countries. This means you can connect virtually anywhere in the world, accessing geo-restricted content or simply protecting your privacy.
- Strong Encryption: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, the same level of security used by many governments and military organisations, ensuring your data remains private and secure.
- No-logs Policy: As a Panama-based company, NordVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy. This means that they do not track, collect, or share your private data.
- Double VPN: This feature routes your internet traffic through two servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security.
- CyberSec: This feature blocks ads and protects you from entering malicious websites.
- Kill Switch: In case your VPN connection drops, the kill switch feature blocks your device from accessing the internet, ensuring your data is not exposed.
- P2P Sharing: NordVPN allows peer-to-peer file sharing, which is essential for torrenting.
Remember, using a VPN is completely legal in Australia. However, it’s important to use it responsibly and not for any illegal activities.
CBC Gem Pros and Cons
CBC Gem is a Canadian online streaming service provided by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. It offers live and on-demand access to a variety of shows, movies, and documentaries.
Pros:
- Content: CBC Gem offers a variety of content, including Canadian shows, CBC News, documentaries, and international series. There is also a live TV feature that allows you to watch CBC channels live.
- Free tier: It offers a free tier, which allows access to most of the content with ads. This is a great feature for those who do not mind ads and do not wish to subscribe to yet another streaming service.
- Canadian Content: For those interested in Canadian programming, CBC Gem offers a wide range of Canadian content, including popular shows and news.
- Kid-Friendly Content: It has a dedicated section for kids, which is great for families with young children.
Cons:
- Limited outside Canada: The service is primarily available in Canada. While it’s great for Canadian viewers, it’s not accessible for users in many other countries.
- Ad-supported: The free version of CBC Gem is ad-supported, which might not be preferred by some users.
- Limited content compared to other platforms: While it offers a good range of content, especially Canadian, it may not have as extensive a library as other streaming giants like Netflix or Disney+.
- Quality of streams: Some users have reported that the quality of streams can be inconsistent, particularly for live broadcasts.
Remember, your experience may vary and these pros and cons may have changed since my last update in 2021. For the most accurate information, I recommend checking out recent reviews and the CBC Gem website.
Wrap up
CBC Gem offers a diverse palette of content that can be enjoyed by viewers with varied preferences. It’s an excellent platform for catching up with your favourite Canadian shows or discovering new ones. While geo-restrictions may prevent users outside of Canada from directly accessing this treasure trove of entertainment, VPN services like Express VPN provide a workaround. However, it’s crucial to remember that this method should be used responsibly, respecting all terms and conditions of the involved service providers. This guide was designed to educate and illuminate the process, helping those with legitimate access to these services navigate geo-restrictions. As we venture further into the digital age, understanding these tools and how to use them responsibly becomes increasingly important. Happy streaming, and remember to always respect digital rights and regulations.