Student TV Licence

hadders93
hadders93 Forumite Posts: 53 Forumite
in TV MoneySaving
Firstly, apologies if this is the wrong section - it seems the most apt place to put the thread, but I'm often mistaken!

I've just started uni in London, and got a letter through from the TV Licensing company about paying my license fee.

However, I'm not sure if I need to pay. I watch TV programmes on my laptop in my room (which isn't covered and is what they are expecting a licence fee for). However, I never watch live TV on my laptop - I usually use iPlayer/4oD/ other websites which offer free tv shows online (Project Free TV).

As such, am I still eligible to pay? They say they "may confirm this [not needing a licence] with a visit" - in which case, would they react badly to the fact that I do watch some TV shows for free online (but not live)?

Many thanks

Comments

  • System
    System Community Admin Posts: 178,000
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Community Admin
    If you aren't watching live programmes you don't need a tv licence

    http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/playing_tv_progs/tvlicence
  • victor2
    victor2 Forumite, Ambassador Posts: 7,227
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts I'm a Volunteer Ambassador Name Dropper
    Ambassador
    So long as you don't watch live broadcasts, you don't need a license.
    From TV Licensing site:
    You need to be covered by a valid TV Licence if you watch or record TV as it's being broadcast. This includes the use of devices such as a computer, laptop, mobile phone or DVD/video recorder.

    If you are living somewhere that used to be licensed, they'll bug you a lot, but even if you own equipment capable of showing live broadcasts, you have to be using it for that purpose to need a license.

    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing [email protected]. 

    All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

  • scotsbob
    scotsbob Forumite Posts: 4,632 Forumite
    hadders93 wrote: »
    They say they "may confirm this [not needing a licence] with a visit" - in which case, would they react badly to the fact that I do watch some TV shows for free online (but not live)?

    They "may" confirm with a visit. Well "if" they turn up you don't need to let them in. They have no automatic right of entry and you don't even need to talk to them.
  • chanz4
    chanz4 Forumite Posts: 10,688
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Xmas Saver!
    Forumite
    but they can come back with a warrant, so why cause more hassle?
    Don't put your trust into an Experian score - it is not a number any bank will ever use & it is generally a waste of money to purchase it. They are also selling you insurance you dont need.
  • Kurtis_Blue
    Kurtis_Blue Forumite Posts: 2,217 Forumite
    chanz4 wrote: »
    but they can come back with a warrant, so why cause more hassle?

    Only if they have evidence that unlicensed TV viewing is taking place, and it isn't, so they wont.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 338.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 248.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 447.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 230.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 600.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 171K Life & Family
  • 243.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards