My ISP blocks specific websites by default with OpenDNS. I requested they unblock them, and they responded that I need a “public IP address” costing 100 ZAR per month. Is this requirement legitimate, or are they attempting to scam me for extra money?

Unblocking Access: Navigating ISP Restrictions

If you’ve ever found certain websites unexpectedly inaccessible, you’re not alone. A recent encounter with my Internet Service Provider (ISP) revealed that they block specific sites by default using OpenDNS—a service designed for content filtering. After reaching out to the ISP for assistance in removing these restrictions, I was met with an unexpected hurdle: they informed me that to unlock these sites, I would need to obtain a “public IP address” for an additional cost of 100 ZAR per month. This left me wondering, is this practice legitimate, or simply a way to extract more money from customers?

The sites in question included those with adult content and popular torrent options like RARBG. While the simplest solution would be to use a VPN to bypass these blocks, I hesitated. VPNs often come with their own set of challenges, including potential speed reductions, and I didn’t want to pay for a service just to access content that should be available to me. It feels unnecessary that my ISP would impose such restrictions without my consent, making the whole experience frustrating.

After posting about my concerns and seeking advice, I received valuable insights from the community. It turns out many faced similar blockages and came up with alternative solutions. Some suggested altering the DNS settings on my devices to point to Google’s public DNS addresses instead of relying on OpenDNS. After conducting a bit of research and implementing this change, I was relieved to find that the problem had been resolved. I no longer encountered those frustrating “website blocked due to content filtering” notifications.

Interestingly, I initially overlooked this straightforward solution when searching for ways to bypass OpenDNS restrictions. Perhaps it was a matter of information overload, or simply missing the right keywords. Regardless, I am incredibly thankful for the community’s support and suggestions. If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider adjusting your DNS settings—it might just be the quick fix you need to regain full access to the internet.