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Reference:       LPC/11c

25 March 2000

Dear Sir

Thank you for your letter dated 7th March 2000

The law states that the installation or use of television equipment must be covered by a television licence. The main legislation that deals with television licensing is the Wireless and Telegraphy Act 1949 (as ammended), the Broadcasting Act 1990 and the Wireless and Telegraphy (Television Licence Fees) Regulations 1997.

Under this legislation a television licence must be taken out if you install or use or intend to use a television receiver, which includes a television set, VCR equipment or a personal computer for the purposes of receiving or recording television programme services. This means that a licence is needed to receive BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, satellite or cable television.

However, if television equipment is used only to view pre-recorded videos and never to receive or record television programme services then I can confirm that a television licence would not be required.

I hope this information is useful. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.

Yours sincerely

Licensing Policy Group