BBC iPlayer international subscription service first headed to iPad

If you want to access the BBC iPlayer application outside of the realm of the United Kingdom, you will soon be able to - especially if you have an iPad.

If you've played with the app on your computer in the UK, you'll know that access there is ad-and fee-free. This new global app, however, that is headed to the U.S. (among a few others) on the iPad first will require a paid subscription.

But if you don't have BBC America and you'd like to enjoy episodes of Ashes to Ashes, EastEnders and (my personal fave) The Apprentice UK, then maybe it's a small price to pay.

Neither the subscription costs nor an exact launch plan has been announced, but it should be rolling out by the middle of 2011.

[Image via Wired]