TV Licence needed to watch mobile TV
The question of whether you need a TV licence to view TV on a mobile phone was clarified in Parliament yesterday. In answer to two questions in the Lords, on whether you need a licence to view content, and whether this is covered by the owner’s domestic television licence or whether a separate licence is required, Lord Davies of Oldham, speaking for the Government said that “the BBC, as licensing authority, has responsibility for interpreting the television licensing legislation and determining licensing requirements in individual cases. However, a television licence is required to install or use any apparatus for the purpose of receiving any television programme service, whether by means of wireless telegraphy or otherwise and whether or not it is installed or used for any other purpose … Such a licence permits the licensee or a person normally living with the licensee at the licensed address to use a television receiver powered solely by its own internal batteries anywhere in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man”.
Much is omitted in this response.
For example, what would be the position of an American or French visitor to the UK who carried a mobile phone capable of receiving TV signals? What about a homeless person?
This must spell the death knell for the concept of a TV licence. The transistor radio resulted in the end of the radio licence because it made radio mobile.
Am becoming irritated by TV Licensing Jersey (based in Bristol) who have no record of me having a TV License. I have already explained to them that I pay by standing order and clarified the address. What is particularly irritating is that there is currently no television at the property and has not been for a month (and yet I am still paying my TV license). The TV Licensing authority administration department appear incompetent and their record keeping has a lot to be desired. Whenever I call I just hear music and never get to speak with anyone. My TV license ref per the chaser letter I received is JE32DL000015. I believe the licensing authority still have my standing order linked to a former address. I requested a physical license certificate a couple of years ago. I was told one was in the post but it never arrived. Can this please be rectified before I have to take further action by contacting other bodies such as Watchdog?