Governments plan to charge a PC licence fee

[CurlyWhirly]

What do forum members think of the Government's plan to charge an additional fee on PC's because they have the capability of downloading TV programmes via their broadband connections?

I think that this fee should be subscription based, so that you only pay if you go to BBC websites and actually use their service!

To charge a flat fee seems very unfair to me for 2 reasons:

1. People may still be on dial-up

2. Even people with broadband connections may not wish to download TV programmes so why should they pay extra?

I don't think that these streaming services are available in the UK yet, but with the explosion in broadband connections and speed hikes, it will surely just be a matter of time? :unsure:

[andsome]

I for one do not have a TV card in my computer. I have NO wish whatsoever to download TV programmes. I have a TV to view programmes on, and if I want to watch a programme later, I can record it. Typical Labour way of getting more money out of us to waste.

[CurlyWhirly]

I for one do not have a TV card in my computer.  I have NO wish whatsoever to download TV programmes.  I have a TV to view programmes on, and if I want to watch a programme later, I can record it.  Typical Labour way of getting more money out of us to waste.

I have the same attitude and I agree it is just another way of fleecing the taxpayer :angry:

I have a DVD recorder with which to record my TV programmes while I am in work so I have no need to download or stream TV programmes and if I did have the desire to do so in the future, I would prefer a pay-as-you-go subscription service.

[-pops-]

This idea of computer licences is a total fallacy

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- until after the election

On a more serious point, broadband has a long way to go before anything like normal broadcast TV quality is achievable.

[CurlyWhirly]

This idea of computer licences is a total fallacy

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- until after the election

In other words then, it will be brought in if and when Labour get re-elected? :unsure:

[CurlyWhirly]

On a more serious point, broadband has a long way to go before anything like normal broadcast TV quality is achievable.

Even 8mb broadband?

I thought that this would be fast enough?

If not, it looks like the PC licence tax is at least a few years away then :unsure:

[-pops-]

No, I don't think it's a party political thing.

All parties, despite what they want you to believe, are intent on gathering as much revenue as possible. Some do it directly, some are more devious. A computer, though, represents an increasing indispensible part of our lives (much like motor fuel) and, as such, is ripe for taxing.

[CurlyWhirly]

Your last comment makes sense.

As long as the tax isn't going to be brought in straight away after the General Election, it's not too bad then.

[andsome]

Nothing that Labour do should surprise any of us.

[catgate]

Nothing that Labour do should surprise any of us.

Nonsense! There are several things:-

1. Listen to the people.

2. Work on behalf of the people.

3. Throw out worn out dogma.

4. Throw out worn out politicians.

5. Get something right.

6. Correct all they have done wrong.

Etc Etc

:rolleyes:

[Redhat]

I've heard the idea of Computing Licenses many a time, mainly in Security at DSLR.

But I've never heard of this specific license, only one to actually use the internet to regulate it.

The day a computing license is needed, is the day I ditch the computer for something else. I'm not going to be treated like I'm doing something wrong before I even have a chance to do it.

[CurlyWhirly]

But I've never heard of this specific license, only one to actually use the internet to regulate it.

See here:

Story

[pwp]

a pc that has a tuner card is required to have a tv license just the same as a tv or video.

[CurlyWhirly]

a pc that has a tuner card is required to have a tv license just the same as a tv or video.

Thanks. I didn't know that as I don't have a tuner card.

After reading my link properly, I have just realised that there are no immediate plans to bring in the tax yet as according to the article:

The Government reckons changes to the license fee will not be needed until 2017, when the BBC's next royal charter expires.

Perhaps I need a new pair of glasses :rolleyes:

[-pops-]

a pc that has a tuner card is required to have a tv license just the same as a tv or video.

What you say is true but I think the proposals will extend to all computers capable of receiving broadcast television by whatever method, including broadband Internet.

[dehydratedchicken]

you need a license for a tv card? (best take mine out then)

i dont use my tv tuner as i dont get tv reception in my room

I prefer to watch Tv on a Tv anyway

[-pops-]

You only need one TV licence per household. It matters not how many televisions sets you have.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Just found this old thread, and found it rather interesting. Does that mean that we can already download BBC programmes from the BBC website? (BBC on cable is rather expensive here, so I rather get it for free).

[-pops-]

You can certainly download BBC radio - I do it a lot. Many programmes are available on demand for seven days after original broadcast.

I have contacted the BBC about copyright and was told that they are quite happy for you to record any BBC programme provided it is for your own private use. Note the "BBC" qualification there. The waiver does not apply to programmes from commercial producers that are broadcast. Who's going to know, though?