February 13, 2006
Fine warning over TV on mobiles
People who watch TV on mobile phones or computers could face a £1,000 fine unless they have a £126.50 ($220.-) TV licence, reports the BBC.
"An increasing number of TV shows and repeats are being shown on portable devices as well as standard TV sets. But shows broadcast on any device at the same time as they appear on TV are governed by standard licensing laws, a TV Licensing spokesman said.
"Most who watch TV on a mobile phone or computer also own a television and are already covered by a licence," he said.
TV licensing already gathers data from computer retailersand is "in touch with" mobile phone companies and retailers to ensure viewers have a licence as required.
"We have a database of 28 million addresses that shows us who does and does not have a current TV licence," the TV Licensing spokesman said. "We have caught people watching TV on computers already."
"But those who only use their computer, for example, to watch TV broadcasts will need to ensure they are properly licensed. However, viewers do not require a TV licence if they only use mobile phones or computers to watch repeats of shows previously broadcast on standard television."
Related: - TV license fee collecting authority: TV-capable mobile phones are not exempt
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