Ask our Expert

Do I need a TV licence?

Our digital TV expert says...

Dear Jamie, thanks for getting in touch with Digitalchoices.co.uk - this is a really great question, and I’m sure a lot of people, especially students in halls of residence, are confused as to whether they need a TV licence or not.

To clarify, the TV Licensing body (www.tvlicensing.co.uk) states that:

By law, everyone must have a TV licence if they watch or record television programmes as they’re being shown live on TV.

Unfortunately there is no get-out if you’re a student, and whether you live in halls of residence or a private shared house, you will still need a TV licence if you're watching or recording live TV.

The television licensing law still applies no matter what device you use to watch “live” television programmes. Whether it’s on your TV, on a computer or laptop, on a mobile phone or on any other device that receives TV programmes or streams from the internet, such as a Wii or Xbox, you must have a TV licence. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000, and a court summons.

It costs £145.50 a year for a colour TV licence, and £49.00 for a black and white TV licence.

If you’re still unsure whether you need to purchase a licence, have a read of my expert guide below for more information…

Watching TV on a computer or laptop

You can now watch a variety of TV programmes and channels over the internet, using services such as the BBC iPlayer, Channel 4’s 4oD and the Sky Player.

If you’re watching programmes on a computer or laptop as they’re being shown on TV, i.e. watching EastEnders on the iPlayer at the same time as it is being shown on BBC1, then you will need a TV licence.

If you’re only using on-demand TV catch-up services to watch programmes after they have been shown on TV however, you do not need a TV licence. For example, if you’re watching an old episode of Shameless on 4oD, you don’t need to have a licence.

As a basic rule of thumb, you need a licence to watch any channel that is being broadcast “live” online, but you wouldn’t need one to use the BBC iPlayer to catch-up on an episode you’ve missed.

See our video guide on whether you need a licence to watch TV online:

Watching TV on a mobile phone

Just as with any other device, if you’re watching programmes on your mobile phone at the same time as they’re being shown on TV, you need to be covered by a licence.

If you have a valid licence at your home address, you are licensed to use any device “powered solely by its own internal batteries” outside your home too. This includes mobile phones and tablet PCs, such as the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Watching TV on a digital recorder/PRV/games console

If you use a digital video recorder, such as Sky+ or Virgin Media’s V+ box, to watch or record a programme as it is being shown “live” on TV, then you must have a TV licence.

The same goes for games consoles, including the PS3, the Xbox and the Wii - all of which are capable of accessing “live” content online. If you only use your console for catch-up TV though, you don’t need a licence.

Video: Do I need a TV licence as a student?

Applying for a TV licence

To apply for a TV licence for your room in halls of residence, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk. You can choose to spread your payments for the licence over the year, paying monthly or quarterly if you choose - so you could time it for when your student loan comes in, if you wish.

The quickest and easiest way to pay however, is by debit or credit card online. You can also pay by card over the phone, and by debit card at a PayPoint outlet.

I hope this clears up any confusion Jamie - if you’re at all worried whether you need a TV licence or not, contact the TV Licensing body at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/contact-us. And good luck with your first term!

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