Do I need a licence?

ukscanking

I am trying to cut back on things like everyone at the moment. I have a CPAP and stair lift that I need and want to cut back on bills.

I never watch live TV. I record everything and watch it later on my Sky box, which I am in a contract for. I don't use I player, if I watch the BBC news it is always recorded previously or I can watch C4 news. Therefore, do I need a license and if they come to check what do they need to see? I have no tv antenna and just have the Sky box

Many thanks in advance. 

Torry_Quine

If you're recording BBC to watch later then yes you need a licence.

unforeseen

Torry_Quine said:

If you're recording BBC to watch later then yes you need a licence.

If you are recording ANY live TV, not just BBC, then you need a licence

400ixl

As soon as you switch on your Sky box you have the ability to watch live TV as that is the mode if fires up in so as I understand it need a TV Licence.

prowla

If you're recording "live" (ie. any programmes as they are being broadcast, including Freeview, Sky, and so-on) or accessing BBC iPlayer, you need a licence.

Cornucopia

If you want to dispense with your TV Licence legally, then you need to stop watching/recording TV broadcasts (and also never use BBC iPlayer to watch BBC TV programs).

I'd suggest ditching Sky at the next opportunity (more money to be saved) and only watching content that is from commercial catch-up and streaming services.   

That includes commercial broadcasters' catch-up services, which are free with ads, like ITV Hub, All 4, My 5, and also Youtube and UKTV Player.

It also includes commercial streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Now, Disney+, Apple TV, etc. etc.

All you have to do on those platforms is avoid the live channels that they sometimes include.

TV Licensing are simply the BBC in disguise and have little more than the option to make a nuisance of themselves, if you let them. 

macman

If you really want to save some money, get an aerial, use Freeview,  and cancel Sky.

ukscanking

I need the BB. My son uses it for work and we have Sky for that. I am charged £1 for their basic tv package and the BB, Line Rental, (no calls) and TV is £50pm. I get the TV for next to nothing but with his job he needs a high-speed connection and SKY was the cheapest. I do record the news so will need a license then. Thanks for the info everyone

400ixl

You aren't getting Sky TV for next to nothing if you are paying £50 for broadband, line rental and TV unless you are on a 150Mb+ FTTP service.

You can get broadband (FTTC) with line rental for £25 or less per month, so potentially you are paying £25 for the TV service.

Cornucopia

To put some more numbers to the general question...

* Fibre Broadband/Line Rental + free to use commercial catch-up + no TV Licence = c. £276pa

* Sky BB + Sky TV + TV Licence = c. £759pa

ukscanking

I was sold it as the BB, Line Rental was £49 and the TV £1. He kept saying the tv is only £1 s essentially free. I'm not the best on the phone, I have autism and I think he baffled me with numbers. Where can I get good BB and line rental for the phone I never use for £25? I never use the landline but suppose I need it for the BB