HBO is preparing to launch its first internet-only service -- tentatively named HBO Now -- but the finer details of the service are still private.

One of the big factors for success is how open HBO Now is to foreign viewers.

HBO has always offered its TV shows for license after an extended run in the U.S., meaning millions of European and Asian viewers torrent the show instead of waiting for one of the national channels to pick up the license.

Like Us on Facebook

Shows like "Game of Thrones", "Girls" and "True Detective" are all highly torrented.

If HBO continues to make its internet TV service U.S. only and sets up geo-location blocking tools, it will alienate a large viewing audience that want to pay the premium for high quality Game of Thrones and other shows at a reasonable timeframe.

Netflix has shown this model can work. It allows users to switch between its U.S., U.K and European service. There were rumors Netflix would start blocking these geo-location switchers but so far nothing has been done to stop users.

HBO could also make its internet TV service more expensive in the U.K, Asia and Europe, allowing it to gain more revenue. The only issue is DVD sales and licensing agreements would stop it from showing its full library in the foreign regions.

Game of Thrones Season 5 will start on April 12, which might also be the launch of the HBO Now service.

TagsHBO Now, HBO Go, HBO, Game of Thrones, geo-location blocking, netflix