TV Licence article Discussion

blahblahdoh

The article refers to use of "iPlayer" but doesn't always state clearly enough that it is only TV that is affected, not the huge amount of radio content also available via iPlayer. I think many poor people will mistakenly stop listening, thinking all iPlayer content is affected, when they needn't.

The article also states that no license is required for READING the BBC News website, but says nothing about the video content on that site. Surely it is the video content which needs clarification, not the written word, which has never needed a license?

Thank goodness Whittingdale has been sacked - his changes made a confusing situation worse, will probably damage BBC viewing figures and income, and harms poor peoples interests for no real gain. Let's hope for a more constructive policy in the future.

jenniewb

Quick question, because I read on the threads one answer and Martin's write up of the same issue isn't so clear.


If I visit my library (which has a cafe and gym with free wifi and free TV to watch) and I download a show from the iplayer to watch on a phone;
1. Can I watch this inside the gym/cafe on my phone without needing a license?
and so then
2. Can I watch what I've then downloaded inside the library/cafe/gym (with it's own TV license) or when visiting a relative or friend with a paid up license from the iplayer, when outside the gym, on the move, elsewhere or in my home which does not have a license.

petergurling

What will be the situation with iPlayer if viewed from outside the EU using a VPN? Can the BBC still trace you?

Cornucopia

blahblahdoh wrote: »

The article refers to use of "iPlayer" but doesn't always state clearly enough that it is only TV that is affected, not the huge amount of radio content also available via iPlayer. I think many poor people will mistakenly stop listening, thinking all iPlayer content is affected, when they needn't.

Radio iPlayer, BBC Audio podcasts and BBC Radio by other sources (e.g. Tunein Radio) are not part of TV licensing requirements.

The article also states that no license is required for READING the BBC News website, but says nothing about the video content on that site. Surely it is the video content which needs clarification, not the written word, which has never needed a license?

It's not clear whether these embedded videos are included or not, which is presumably why no commentators have ventured an opinion on them.

Cornucopia

petergurling wrote: »

What will be the situation with iPlayer if viewed from outside the EU using a VPN? Can the BBC still trace you?

The BBC is trying to block VPN access to iPlayer. If you can get access from outside the UK, the Licence does not apply and the BBC cannot do anything.

If you mean accessing using a VPN from the UK via another country, then you still need a Licence. The BBC does not trace evaders using their IP addresses, anyway, so watching in this way will make no difference to enforcement (which will still primarily be by door-to-door inquisition leading to confession - obtained fairly or otherwise).

Cornucopia

jenniewb wrote: »

Quick question, because I read on the threads one answer and Martin's write up of the same issue isn't so clear.


If I visit my library (which has a cafe and gym with free wifi and free TV to watch) and I download a show from the iplayer to watch on a phone;
1. Can I watch this inside the gym/cafe on my phone without needing a license?

If the gym has a TV, then they will have their own Licence that you will be covered by.

2. Can I watch what I've then downloaded inside the library/cafe/gym (with it's own TV license) or when visiting a relative or friend with a paid up license from the iplayer, when outside the gym, on the move, elsewhere or in my home which does not have a license.

My view is yes, in all circumstances.

That's based on downloading (rather than streaming) from iPlayer being analogous to recording off-air onto a PVR at a Licensed location and then bringing it home to watch without a Licence, which has always been possible.

I should say that BBC/TVL don't want a new loophole in their "rules", so you probably won't see any official recognition of this for a while. I shall certainly be using it for the odd programme, though, and have the excellent get_iplayer installed for this purpose.

Charliebuoy

ICE,
Will you please send me £150 for me to spend as I wish. No - I thought not, so why should I give the BBC money for no reason.
I do not watch live tv, nor do I record it, SO I DO NOT HAVE A TV LICENCE.
Get rattled - but don't go into meltdown! :laugh:

Charliebuoy

Clarification needed please;

"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."

My wife is in her house and has a tv licence, I work away on contract, and have bought a house to live in as cheaper than renting. I do not legally require a tv licence, and do not have one.

My question is, if we are away in the touring caravan, and watch tv, plugged into the mains and connected to an arial, do we need a licence? :undecided

My understanding in the past is that we would be covered by my wifes licence.

Thank you for any clarification.

Cornucopia

Charliebuoy wrote: »

Clarification needed please;

"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."

My wife is in her house and has a tv licence, I work away on contract, and have bought a house to live in as cheaper than renting. I do not legally require a tv licence, and do not have one.

My question is, if we are away in the touring caravan, and watch tv, plugged into the mains and connected to an arial, do we need a licence? :undecided

My understanding in the past is that we would be covered by my wifes licence.

Thank you for any clarification.

As far as I know, that is still the case. There is a specific set of rules for caravans and holiday homes, and they have not changed.

Mumalbthree

Hi, we haven't had a TV for over 8+ years and my children watch IPlayer, 4OD, YouTube etc on their devices. If they download BBC programmes when they stay at their dad's (who does have a TV licence), can they watch them at home with me without me needing a TV licence? Thanks.