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Do I need a licence?
The law says that anyone who uses a TV, or any other device, to
receive TV signals, must buy a licence. This includes video
recorders, set-top boxes and DVD recorders. You will also need a
licence if you use your computer to watch live broadcasts.
Why do I need a licence for my PC?
You only need a licence if you use your computer to watch programmes
at the same time as they are being shown on TV.
Before now, this has not been a major problem as very few programmes
are available simultaneously on air and online. Computer users only
needed a TV licence if they had a special video card that could
receive TV signals.
But the TV Licensing Authority now says watching the BBC's World Cup
coverage over broadband will require a licence. This is to stop
people receiving TV programmes for free on their computer when they
would have to pay to see them on a regular television.
Is this just about the World Cup?
No. The TV Licensing Authority says you need a licence to watch any
TV station broadcasting within the UK on your computer. However, you
are free to watch archived programmes or downloadable clips without
a licence.
Why are businesses being targeted?
According to the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB), 98%
of households currently own TVs and therefore already require valid
TV licences to watch TV programmes. So the vast majority of people
do not need for separate TV licences for PCs, as they would already
be covered by any valid TV licence they may have.
Businesses are less likely to have TVs, and are therefore less
likely to possess a licence - so the Licensing Authority wants to
clamp down on employers who let their staff watch the World Cup
online.
How do they know who needs a licence?
Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (as amended), anyone who
sells or hires television receiving equipment must notify the TV
Licensing Authority of their customers' names and the address where
the equipment is to be installed.
These details are cross-referenced against a database of over 28
million addresses to find out whether people have applied for a
valid licence. The Authority then targets properties without
licenses to find out if anyone is breaking the law.
However, the law does not yet require retailers to notify the
Authority when people buy PCs, unless they are pre-configured to
receive TV signals - so there may be some gaps in their records.
Where can I get a licence?
TV Licences are available online from the Licensing Authority's
website. You can also purchase one from the Post Office or at one of
the 14,000 PayPoint outlets across the UK.
How much does it cost?
A colour TV Licence costs £131.50 and a black and white licence
costs £44. There are some concessions for the blind, and there is no
charge for people over the age of 75. The cost to businesses varies,
but they will generally only require one licence to cover an entire
building. |
