General Discussion

[rob-b1967]

Hey everyone, I've been at university for about 6 weeks and I'm staying in halls. I've not got a TV license because I don't have a TV, but most of us have been watching TV online through various websites. We got a letter through saying our flat will be under investigation because their records show we don't have a license. But since we're connected to the university internet, can they tell that we've been watching TV online or do they only check for actual TV receiver equipment in the rooms?

If they check the online records I might aswell just buy a license to avoid the fine, but I can't see them going through the whole website history of the whole campus to find out.

Cheers.

[Mr_Inconspicous]

Are you watching live or on demand?

I've used the iplayer a few times to watch live TV but before it lets you watch it asks if you have a TV licence. But if your only watching on demand then you don't need one.

[Gawge]

I think that it is possible to claim that your laptop is a portable device, therefore is covered by your parents TV license. 

In some ways, you would be better off just having a TV. My University doesn't let people checking for licenses on campus, so there is no way that they can prove you are watching live TV. I suppose if your University are monitoring traffic though, you will either have to get a license or stop watching live (if the portable device claim doesn't work).

[MalevolentEntity]

if u dont have a tv then u dont need a licence, i would say that previous residents had a licence, and records show that the residence's licence hasn't been updated, if they call again take them in and show them u dont have a tv u should be ok.

(don't tell them u watch online, tell them u dont watch tv, have college work up on laptop)

[Dannehkins]

For your parent's TV licence to cover you, you would have to of been watching TV on a device i.e. laptop which is running solely on its internal batteries and if you plug it into the mains, then you defunct your parent's TV licence cover. So you could try that as Gawge said as a possible claim on your behalf.

Aside from that though, you need a TV licence when in halls whether you're watching TV on a television or a laptop as the programme is being aired all over at the same time.

[Hyperguy20]

I got that letter last year in halls. Don't worry, they send it to everyone. Just go on the TV Licence website and confirm you don't need one. You don't need a licence to use Iplayer etc.

[DrTrouserPlank]

You need one if you watch live TV. 

Those letters are sent out to scare you into buying one, but are at omission by the back door that they can't really track who has one and who doesn't (certainly not in accomodation where the occupant changes so regularly).

In the worst case scenario of somebody visiting to check (which the absolutely won't) you can just claim you are going out and in a rush and ask them to come back another time (removing any receiving equipment in the mean time). They have no authority to demand access to your flat (certainly not on a first visit anyway) 

[rob-b1967]

Thanks guys.

I can't claim my laptop is a portable device since I'm using a desktop computer. I know you don't need one for iPlayer, 4oD etc, but sometimes a few of us have watched the football or something using websites that stream live TV.

The letter they sent through though was addressed to the occupant of Room B, which is me. Room A, C, D, E and F haven't recieved one.

Even if they do come to check, all they'll find is a TV connected to my XBOX. It's just if they can somehow check my internet history with the IT department and see that I've watched some online. But surely they'd have to go through tens of thousands of pages of history from across campus?

[Warren_Jeeves]

I'd just buy one if I were you, you can pay weekly which isn't much and then at least you can relax without the worry of being caught out.

[scarycharacter]

Rob, As has been said looks like you def needs one, Looks like you can get a refund if you move back home for summer hols etc

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/students/tv-licence.php

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/LifeAtUniversityOrColl...