There is often some confusion when it comes to the UK's TV licence. Do you need a licence to stream? What if you only watch certain channels? Well it seems that many people may wrongly think that they do not need to pay for a TV licence when in fact they do - and if that's you, then you are breaking the law and in line for a pretty hefty fine.
In the days of having three or four channels on the box in the corner of the room, life was easy. But with streaming, on demand and catch-up in the mix, the 'do I need one or not' debate can be confusing. However, if you live in the UK and want to watch live TV or use the BBC's iPlayer service then that licence must be bought for your home.
While there has been debate about scrapping the fee completely by 2027 for now the annual or monthly payment continues. Currently changed at £159 a year, the fee is usually reviewed on April 1 each year - it is expected to be kept at the current rate until April 2024 but we won't know for certain until nearer the time.
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So, the big question is, if you use your television set only to watch streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus, do you still need a licence? And do you need one if you watch through paid-for services like Sky or Virgin? Well, according to a report in Liverpool Echo, it depends on what you’re watching, and when.
Now that doesn't make it much easier in terms of a blanket answer to the question, but thanks to the publication, here's what you need to know to make sure you stay within the law. After all, no one wants a fine up to £1,000 for breaking rules you didn't know about.
Why is there a TV licence and what does it pay for?
The money goes to fund the BBC, which is Britain’s state-owned broadcasting service. However, you still need a licence to watch other networks’ television shows, if you are watching them as they are broadcast live.
When do I need a licence?
A TV licence gives the holder legal permission to use television-receiving equipment, such as an aerial, to watch programmes as they are being shown on TV. So if you are watching a TV show, while it is going out live, you need a licence. That includes watching the shows through paid-for services like Sky, Virgin Media and NOW TV, and viewing on a computer, or through an app on your games console, phone or Smart TV.
You also need one if you use BBC’s iPlayer to watch any content, as TV licences fund the BBC. If you are watching other apps, like ITV Player, you need a licence IF you are watching the shows as they go out live. You also need a licence if you are recording live TV to watch later.
What does it cover and what if I'm watching on a laptop?
It doesn't matter how you are receiving the service, you'll still need to pay. A single TV licence covers all of the following in a single property:
- TV sets;
- computers;
- laptops;
- tablets;
- mobile phones;
- any other device that can receive a TV signal.
I already pay for Sky, Virgin or BT so do I still need to buy a licence?
Yes, if you watch TV through a digital box, such as Sky, Virgin or BT, you still need to pay for a licence.
How much is it and long does a TV licence last?
A TV licence is currently changed at £159 a year, with the fee is usually reviewed on April 1 each year. It is an annual charge, so you won't have to buy another one for a year.
What if I just watch Amazon Prime, Netflix or Now TV?
If you only watch on-demand or catch-up programmes through streaming services like Netflix, then you do NOT need a TV licence - that is UNLESS you’re watching BBC programmes on iPlayer. You also need one if you’re watching any live TV through apps. Live TV means any programme you watch or record at the same time as it’s being shown on TV or live on an online TV service. So, if you start watching Sky Sports through Now TV, you need a licence.
You need to be covered by a TV licence if you watch live TV on any channel or device. This includes:
- if you’re watching on TV or on an online TV service;
- for all channels, not just the BBC;
- if you record a programme and watch it later;
- if you watch a programme on a delay;
- to watch or record repeats;
- to watch or record programmes on +1, +2 and +24 channels;
- to watch live programmes on Red Button services;
- even if you already pay for cable, satellite or other TV services;
- to watch satellite or online programmes shown live from outside the UK or Channel Islands
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you watch or record live TV without a TV Licence.
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