Different question regarding TV licencing ...

Cinders2001

Below is copied from the MSE page on TV licensing. But there is still one thing I want to be clear on before I do it - don't want rapped knuckles ...

I want to use my SKY GO app at my relatives house ... they have no TV and therefore no licence.
By the looks of the paragraph below, I can indeed use the app as long as I am NOT plugged into the mains and NOT using an aerial.

But I want to know, will I have to use MY OWN internet connection on my device/phone too to be truly independent?

My family have Broadband for internet at the house for computers - can I LEGALLY use their internet and be ok with the powers that be?!!

Thank you in advance!

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13 - As long as the address where you live is licensed, you’re also covered to watch TV outside your home using any device powered solely by its own internal batteries and not connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains. This includes your mobile phone, laptop and tablet.
This rule would also apply to students living away from home – they'll be covered by their parents' licence as long as that's their usual place of residence outside term time (and their device isn't plugged into an aerial or the mains at the time).

tvlb1

The TV licence of your home address will cover the reception of TV programmes with "uninstalled" equipment anywhere else. By uninstalled, that means equipment powered by its own internal battery and without an external aerial.
In the situation you describe, you would be covered to use your SkyGo in the other property (as long as you don't plug in).

Cinders2001

tvlb1 wrote: »

In the situation you describe, you would be covered to use your SkyGo in the other property (as long as you don't plug in).

Thank you for your reply. Just to clarify for me - a black and white not grey - I would still be using THEIR internet ... does that cover as being 'uninstalled'?

Cornucopia

These rules are about receiving TV broadcasts, live at the time of broadcast.

TVL consider that uninstalled means not connected using a cable to either the mains power or incoming signal/data.

So wifi usage is fine.

Obviously, this applies where YOU have a Licence at YOUR address. If you're doing this regularly, you might want to take a copy with you.

If you have no Licence of your own, and neither do they, then you are limited to Catch-up/Video-on-demand only, but in that case, there is no restriction on mains power or a wired data connection.

(Sorry, I don't know what Sky Go consists of).

Cinders2001

Cornucopia wrote: »

So wifi usage is fine.

(Sorry, I don't know what Sky Go consists of).

Sky Go allows me to watch LIVE and catch up Sky programmes when I am no where near my house!
A rather handy app!
I have a copy of my licence on my iPad.

So by what you both have said, I CAN legally use their WiFi in THEIR house to watch LIVE TV even though they are unlicensed, so long as I am not powered by the mains, nor (somehow) using an external aerial on my iPad as I view.

Got it!
Thank you! xx

Cornucopia

Cinders2001 wrote: »

...somehow...

Bear in mind that the legislation originally related to "Pocket TVs" which never really took off.

Cinders2001

Cornucopia wrote: »

Bear in mind that the legislation originally related to "Pocket TVs" which never really took off.

I remember them! I think we all wanted one back then!

Mr_Singleton

Cornucopia wrote: »

TVL consider that uninstalled means not connected using a cable to either the mains power or incoming signal/data.

I have real problems understanding all this "Uninstalled" business. The law requires a license to watch LIVE TV programmes. The possession of a TV doesn't require a Licence, nor does watching catch-up TV or services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. You can use your TV to watch video and DVD's and play games on a PlayStation or Xbox.

SO,

Why is there all this talk about uninstalling a TV? I've heard people say you have to de-tune it, unplug it take the aerial out etc.

Cornucopia

There are two different questions, there.

This thread and the OP's question relates to watching TV broadcasts on a device "powered by its internal batteries" under an existing Licence for a different address. In that context, TVL have provided a definition which states that the device must be "powered by its own internal batteries".

I appreciate that this explanation is not legally very satisfactory, but there is no reference to battery-powered equipment in the Legislation, so it presumably comes down to the BBC's prerogative to set the Ts & Cs of Licences.

The second question: when someone is legally Licence-free, that means that they cannot legally "install & use"(*) a TV Receiver. TVL has simplified this down to "[cannot] watch or record TV broadcasts", but this is something of an over-simplification, and the Courts will readily interpret installation as potential proof of use. (See also the Rudd precedent).

In short, for legally Licence-free households, I would recommend that TVs are not "installed". i.e. they are detuned and have no aerial connection.

(*) This wording originates in S.363(1) of the Communications Act 2003.

Cornucopia

For reference, these are the official TVL Ts & Cs for TV Licences...

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/terms-and-conditions-top11

Cinders2001

I received an official reply from the Licencing people the other day.
I will copy and paste it here for all to see.
Thank everyone for your help xx