No television or cable, computer for gaming and college work only so is licence necessary?

Up Rovers

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A young relative has started living alone recently. He does not watch television and therefore does not have a television or TV cable service.

He has a computer for gaming and college work only and has a broadband service for internet. His service provider bill can confirm this.

Does he definitely need a TV licence even though he never watches TV?

He has received a letter from An Post regarding a licence and was thinking of filling in the Declaration form confirming his situation. Is he wasting his time? What happens if a Licence Inspector calls?

Any advice appreciated.
 
He needs a tv licence as he could watch Tv streamed to his computer, that said with no tv set at the premises well its your own call.
 
He doesn't need a licence in that case:

I only watch TV content on a monitor, Do I need a TV Licence?
You require a TV Licence in the following circumstances:

Connecting a SKY/Virgin Media/Saorview or any type of Digital TV Receiver to your monitor
Viewing any TV Programmes broadcast for general reception over broadband (e.g. Eir TV/Vodafone TV) on your monitor requires a TV Licence
 
Every year I have a conversation with the TV Licence office in Birr because every year they drop one of those finger-wagging threat-notes through my door (I have yet to have been home to answer the door to them!). SO I ring them and say I don't have a licence because I still don't have a television. After our usual catch-up they record my answer and advise me that there may be a follow-up visit.

I specifically asked about the case above, I also asked about having a radio and I asked about using RTE Player on an iPad, in each case I have been told by them that I do not need a licence.

Tell him to ring them up and explain, they may visit again but they don't generally bother you after that once you have actually responded.
 
Interesting, but I wonder would they give you that in writing? It would be good as well if you got the name of the person who told you that you didn't need the licence for the scenario you mention. Might be handy if you found yourself having to explain yourself again and again.
 
I have never asked for it in writing but I would assume they would give it to me if I requested it. Generally speaking I talk to the same person every year, I know his first name but I intentionally didn't mention it here. You have to explain yourself again and again irrespective because they check annually, there is no answer forever.
 
You require a TV Licence in the following circumstances:
Viewing any TV Programmes broadcast for general reception over broadband (e.g. Eir TV/Vodafone TV) on your monitor requires a TV Licence

I specifically asked about the case above, I also asked about having a radio and I asked about using RTE Player on an iPad, in each case I have been told by them that I do not need a licence.

I see you @so-crates liked @Alkers86 post and I take that to mean you concur with what he said.
But are the two quotes (above) from these posts not contradictory ?

I believe at this stage the PO don't even know when a licence is required. :D
 
A TV licence is most certainly required as underlined by me below. Crystal clear, no ambiguity.

I only watch TV content on a monitor, Do I need a TV Licence?

You require a TV Licence in the following circumstances:

Connecting a SKY/Virgin Media/Saorview or any type of Digital TV Receiver to your monitor
Viewing any TV Programmes broadcast for general reception over broadband (e.g. Eir TV/Vodafone TV) on your monitor requires a TV Licence
 
@Alkers86 is correct, no license required here. It's only if you subscribe to an IPTV service such as Vodafone or Eir TV that you need a licence. If you only use the likes of the RTE Player, then no licence is required. See the Dept. guidelines here:

Do I require a TV Licence for a computer which can access television-like services (e.g. the RTÉ Player or streaming services)?

No. So long as the computer is unable to display television channels distributed by conventional television broadcasting networks (i.e cable, satillite, IPTV, analogue terrestrial, digital terrestrial or MMDS) e.g. using a television tuner card or similar device, then there is no requirement to hold a Television Licence.

They have been talking since ~2013 about bringing in a broadcasting charge to replace the TV licence which would be payable by all, including those who only stream content over the internet. Looks like that particular can has been kicked down the road to 2024 at the earliest.
 
I see you @so-crates liked @Alkers86 post and I take that to mean you concur with what he said.
But are the two quotes (above) from these posts not contradictory ?

I believe at this stage the PO don't even know when a licence is required. :D
As per Leo's post Sparkrite, my like and my post are not contradictory RTÉ Player is different to Eir TV. :)

The post office do know, like I said, I was very upfront and specific about what media I was engaging with and they were very clear and helpful in response. When the broadcasting charge comes in I will have no issue paying it but until then I am under no obligation to do so and will ring Birr every year to let them know, unless they manage to actually catch me at home some time!
 
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