Mobile Phone Reviews
 
 
Watching TV on computer or mobile phone requires a licence

Wed, 15 Feb 2006

One the hottest technologies on offer is the ability to watch TV on the go. You can now tune into your favourite TV programmes via your computer or mobile phones. But little thought is probably given to if a TV licence is needed.

However according to the body who enforces the licence fee system in the UK, TV Licensing, many people are confused on the legal implications about watching TV on a computer or mobile phone.

A spokesman said, "If a customer currently has no licence, they will need to obtain one to watch live programmes on their PC or mobile. Ninety-eight per cent of people in Britain have TVs, and the vast majority of them have licences, so the numbers we are talking about are very small. But the message is that if people are relying on this new technology, then you should make sure you're covered."

Many mobile phone networks are offering TV services while others are testing systems. BT, Sky and others are setting up internet TV networks where pictures are sent down a telephone line instead of an aerial.

Enforcing the law could be hard because of the complexity in licensing arrangements. Computers are registered by the address at which they are housed. Mobile phones on the other hand are covered by different licences that are dependent on their location. Businesses selling TV equipment or TV-enabled computer hardware have an obligation to pass on the buyer’s details to the authorities. But this doesn’t apply to mobile phones.

John Delaney, principal analyst with Ovum said, "I can't see a sustainable situation here, because there are too many loopholes."

Campaigners are calling for tighter control on the regulation of services that allow parents to track their children via their phones. In recent years, parents concern about their children’s safety has led to tracking services. Most companies work to an industry code of practice, but some activists believe serious safety breaches are inevitable without regulation

Judy Mallaber, Labour MP for Amber Valley said, "For a lot of parents it's quite reassuring, but when you've got people who groom children you really need to have better checks." She is calling for Parliament to consider such regulation and added, "And it's not just child protection - we are sleepwalking into a world where jealous partners or obsessed stalkers could spy on you just by getting your phone number."

It was only recently that security experts on a website published instructions on how to track any mobile phone without having the owner’s permission.
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