Did you know you need a licence to watch TV on your phone?
Ofcom has announced smartphones have overtaken laptops as the most popular way of accessing the internet.
But TV Licensing research shows more than 31% of people across the UK mistakenly believe a TV Licence is not needed to watch live TV on a smartphone.
The good news for customers is your licence covers you to watch live on your phone (or laptop/tablet) at home.
Your licence also covers you when you are out and about, as long as the phone is not plugged in.
The report, from industry regulator Ofcom last week, indicates 33% of Britons now see their smartphone as their most important internet device and use it for an average of two hours a day to browse websites, use social media, and watch TV.
The report also revealed TV still reaches the overwhelming majority of people, with more than 90 per cent of the population watching TV each week. We are spending 11 minutes less in front of the TV than in 2013 but are still spending an average 3 hours and 40 minutes a day watching television.
In a separate report published by Ofcom earlier this year4, research showed over a quarter (27 per cent) of all adults watched a TV programme on a mobile phone in the past year. Since 2013, weekly use of a mobile phone to watch TV programmes has increased to around one in eight of the population (12% from 8%).
Caoimhe Moore, TV Licensing spokesperson, said: “We know people’s viewing habits have changed and we’re now watching TV on a range of devices. As smartphone use continues to rise, a greater number of people than ever before now have the capability to watch live TV on their mobile phone.
“Fortunately, your home licence covers everyone in the household to watch TV on their phone or tablet but it’s important all mobile users are clear on when a TV licence is required3.“If you’re watching or recording live television, then you need a TV licence, regardless of what device you are watching it on. A TV licence will cover you to watch live on any mobile device including a laptop, tablet or smart phone.”
For more information about when a licence is needed, visittvlicensing.co.uk/info