Editorials

UnoTelly DNS and VPN Service Evaluation

If you live in the UK (or anywhere else in Europe) then the chances are you’ve dealt with regional blocking. Services like Netflix, HBO, Hulu and BET all restrict their content by region. Well UnoTelly is a service with a solution. They offer both DNS (Domain Name System) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) solutions that allow you to bypass regional restrictions.

There’s of course a negative stigma connected to this type of service, as many think it is illegal to do so. But although big dogs like Netflix don’t like regional loopholes, it’s still legal to do so. You’re paying for their service at the end of the day, and how you enjoy it is completely up to you.

UnoTelly works on dozens of devices including; Windows, Mac, and Linux computers; iOS phones and tablets, Android and Kindle devices, games consoles and routers. Set up is easy and there’s even detailed instructions to follow for non-technical users.

How Does UnoTelly Work?

UnoDNS
UnoTelly routes all requests through their own DNS servers which tricks services like Netflix and Hulu into thinking you’re from the server location. When you switch your DNS details over to UnoTelly’s you’re creating a bridge to their servers. Some may worry about the security of their data by doing this, but the DNS only activates for the supported streaming service you’re trying to access. Your regular browsing is unaffected, so for example, Google searches will be from your actual territory.

UnoVPN
UnoVPN works differently from UnoDNS. With VPN it masks your IP address completely to make it seem like you’re connecting from another country. This change will be site wide, so it doesn’t just affect the streaming services like Netflix, HBO and Hulu. Accessing a VPN also prevents your ISP from tracking information you access. Furthermore, if your ISP blocks certain websites you’ll be able to access them while connected to the VPN.

Many people find a reliable VPN service to be more secure than a regular connection, as it’s from a private source. The only thing you’d have to worry about is UnoTelly themselves prying on you. But the company ensures that the only information they retain is login time, logout time and the amount of bandwidth used.

Some of the devices UnoTelly supports
Some of the devices UnoTelly supports

How Does This Appeal To Gamers?

Consoles are pretty much computers these days. Just like tablets and phones they run apps and services such as Netflix, WWE Network, ESPN, HBO and Hulu, and most of these are restricted by region.

If you’re someone who worries about security and data access then running UnoTelly on your console instead of your computer is a much more secure solution. There are a few more advantages of running UnoTelly on your console, but we won’t discuss them all as The Koalition doesn’t condone those particular advantages.

Verdict

While the subject of region blocking loopholes is still touchy, we can argue that many of these services wouldn’t have the amount of subscriptions if it wasn’t possible. I rarely watch the native UK version of Netflix, because the US version is so populated with the content I want to see. I would have completely missed out on shows like Agents of Shield if it wasn’t for the ability to access the US version of Netflix. I understand that these companies sell the rights to their content based on the region, so it’s not their fault that they can’t deliver the same content to everybody. But if there was no way for me to access the US content, Netflix would have stopped receiving my money long ago.

UnoTelly also aims to innovate slightly by offering a feature called UnoDNS Dynamo. It lets users switch between channels regions. For example, with a US Netflix account, you will be able to stream from any of the 10 regions of Netflix available simultaneously.

On the downside, there is a subscription fee for UnoTelly. And considering you already have to pay a Netflix or Amazon Prime Video subscription, this can be seen as an additional cost to view the content you want. The Premium Plan, which covers DNS, costs $4.95 per month while the Gold Plan, which also provides VPN services, costs $7.95 per month. There’s a free 8 day trial available.

I know many of you are thinking “Why pay when plugins like Hola exist?” Well those free DNS providers aren’t always reliable. The DNS settings they use are mainly temporary and can drop at any time. Performance wise they aren’t as slick either, they use up a significant amount of memory on your browser and can even slow it down or freeze it completely.

You’re paying for UnoTelly because of the seamless performance, security and ease of use. After using the service for a week I am satisfied and have found no issues. So if accessing blocked content from other countries is a priority, and money is no issue to you, I highly recommend this service.