Is a licence needed for TV on a mobile?

[gameboy]

Now that's a question and a half...

Let's see what answers I get before I explain the Television Licensing Authority (TLA) answer

 

[rolfw]

I saw the piece on Sky news the other day, so I know.

 

[Skip Channel]

I wouldn't worry about anything TVL say! ;)

 

[RedDevil_UK]

i would imagine, the answers is yes..... but they would have trouble catching you

 

[gameboy]

Statutory Instrument 2004 N0 692

Any device that can receive 'live' TV pictures, whether or not originally designed or intended to do so, must be covered by a licence.

When is 'live' then? If the pictures are delayed - digital, satellite or for censorship purposes - is it OK to watch them without a licence?

Sounds like NO - if the device is 'capable' you need a licence!

So if your sitting at work and log onto the BBC web site to watch the news you better make sure your company has a TV licence even if it doesn't have a TV!

 

[spiney]

Yes!

Receiving any "UK originated" broadcast tv channels requires a tv license, regardless of the equipment used (whether tv set, computer, mobile phone, or whatever else; note that Internet Cafes also require a tv license!).

In theory, recieivng only non-UK broadcast tv in the UK doesn't require a tv license, eg only German channels on Astra1, but just try proving that you never watch any British channels!

(TV detection equipment can tell which analogue channel or digital mux you're watching, by picking up local oscillator frequencies. And, no doubt, details of all mobile phone tv reception will be sent straight to tv licensing!).

 

[Analoguesat]

Id have thought there was an argument for the "operates on an internal battery" rule and are therefore exempt as you are covered by your house licence.

Quite why anyone would want to watch tv on a 2" square low res screen baffles me

 

[Skip Channel]

In theory, recieivng only non-UK broadcast tv in the UK doesn't require a tv license, eg only German channels on Astra1, but just try proving that you never watch any British channels!

They changed that one (very quietly as well - I guess they wanted to catch people out!?).

The thing is, if people didn't talk to them then they wouldn't catch people out. And they change the rules as they go along.

 

[spiney]

They changed that one (very quietly as well - I guess they wanted to catch people out!?).

The thing is, if people didn't talk to them then they wouldn't catch people out. And they change the rules as they go along.

Fair enough, but can you provide any supporting reference for that?

But yes, they certainly do change the rules as they go along! According to statutes, a "television receiver" has no particular definition, and hence is whatever the Secretary of State says it is, at any particular time!

 

[Skip Channel]

I can't provide any supporting reference for that (do we have a lawyer here?! ) but the good folks over at BBC Resistance can: hxxp://xxx.tvlicensing.biz/

I can assure you that it's true though as I did read the info from the horse's mouth - as it were.

 

[spiney]

OK, Skip, you're right and I'm wrong!

So, a tv license is now needed - in uk - to watch any broadcast tv at all, whether or not "UK originated"!

Sorry folks, but the law's been changed since I last looked. Apologies due if I misled anyone!

Both www.tvlicensing.co.uk (tv licensing authority) and www.tvlicensing.biz (anti license-fee campaign) cite the 2003 Communications Act (a more specific reference would be helpful!).

(added; the specific reference is here, but just try understanding it!
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/30021--l.htm#363 ).

While accepting that many people do "cheat", nevertheless the tv licensing organisation can be aggressive and very nasty. Imprisoning poor single mothers for having no tv license is rather despicable, in my opinion. There's a very good case for downgrading this from a criminal to a civil offence.

(PS, if we want decent tv, then public service broadcasting needs financially supporting, somehow! But, that doesn't mean everything the BBC does is necessarily "the best way").

 

[_stu_]

Does this mean I need a license, even if I never use my mobile to watch tv (although my network offers the service and my mobile is certainly capable?)

 

[Graham7]

Does this mean I need a license, even if I never use my mobile to watch tv (although my network offers the service and my mobile is certainly capable?)

I have hear that if you have got a TV and if you did not have it on at all you still need one as it still can received. So I think it might be the same this is does what I heard and might be wrong.

 

[Skip Channel]

I have hear that if you have got a TV and if you did not have it on at all you still need one as it still can received. So I think it might be the same this is does what I heard and might be wrong.

You heard wrong. If you have a TV and no longer use it you are not legally required to pay the fee. Some TVL door-to-door salesmen may tell people otherwise.

Many people use a TV set to watch pre-recorded video, play videogames, view CCTV and even to use a satellite receiver for radio-only reception (you've got to be able to see the set-up menus to set it up!) - all legally.

 

[gameboy]

Many people use a TV set to watch pre-recorded video, play videogames, view CCTV and even to use a satellite receiver for radio-only reception (you've got to be able to see the set-up menus to set it up!) - all legally.

Think you'll find if the TV has a tuner it will require a license - even if you choose not to use it to watch TV.

 

[spiney]

It's equipment use - not just posession - that determines whether you need a tv license (that's why they have to "detect" you watching a broadcast channel!).

For mobiles, broadcast tv channel reception would be covered by your existing home address tv license, just so long as you have one ......

 

[Skip Channel]

Think you'll find if the TV has a tuner it will require a license - even if you choose not to use it to watch TV.

Ask TVL themselves and you'll get confirmation of what I said. Make sure you ask them in writing/email (the door-to-door salesmen and a call centre aren't reliable sources). IIRC they recommend de-tuning the TV and disconnecting the aerial connection.

 

[gameboy]

For mobiles, broadcast tv channel reception would be covered by your existing home address tv license, just so long as you have one ......

How does that work?

If I go into hospital and take your mini TV who has to have a license?

If I take MY TV round to watch at a mates (who doesn't have a license) can I say I'm using my license to watch my TV?

Students away from home? Watching on a laptop, phone etc at an Airport or hotel again who's problem is it?

All very confusing...

 

[spiney]

A mobile phone is registered to you, and therefore covered by the tv license at your "home address" (assuming you have one).

But, receiving broadcast tv at an unlicensed premises is illegal.

 

[Sir Bronking]

about 12years ago, at another house we lived a rather smug fellow came knocking on the door saying we hadn't got a tv licence and that as he needed to check we didn't have a telly (i was out work at the time), anyway the telly was on, the guy began to give the wife a lecture about law breaking as he began filling in some form,(he must love his job) so the wife let him carry on and then at the end played all dum, went to the drawer produced the licence and said "Oh is this what you mean (it turned out there records were wrong) and the man oppologised thro gritted teeth and went away with tail between his leg's({})