Do you need a TV subscription if you have Netflix?

3 years ago 2 min read

There are a growing number of streaming providers clamoring for our attention, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to Apple TV, Disney Plus, and Now TV.

According to Ofcom, the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed our viewing habits, with more than 12 million people signing up for the streaming service and never before in response to the crash.

Meanwhile, it is now estimated that the average person watches 71 minutes of television on the Internet every day.

One potential area of confusion arising from the recent flood of options is whether you still need to purchase a TV subscription to view these services if you’re already paying individual monthly subscription fees for each.

The answer, as per the TV license, is no, you do not need a license to watch movies and shows from those services, but you do need one if you want to watch any live broadcasts from terrestrial providers like BBC, ITV, Channel 4 or any broadcaster content British. iPlayer, whose software is only funded by taxpayers and is not supported by commercial advertising.

This is what the licensing body has to say about the whole topic.

If you watch live TV on any Internet TV service, including Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, ITV Hub, or All 4, it must be covered by your TV license.

“You don’t need a TV license if you only use online services to watch on-demand or catch-up programs, unless you’re watching BBC programs on BBC iPlayer.

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Remember, if you watch or record live TV on any TV channel or service, or download or watch BBC programs on BBC iPlayer, you must be covered by a TV license.

A UK license currently costs £159 a year, which is a bit more expensive than the cost of registering on the big streaming sites.

A standard Netflix or NOW TV membership will currently cost you £9.99 a month (or £119.88 a year), Prime and Disney Plus subscriptions are £7.99 a month (or £95.88 a year) and Apple TV costs £4.99 a month (inexpensively). Comparatively £59.88 a year, which is free for 12 months if you recently purchased an eligible Apple device).

Sin exit embargo, esa licencia significa que puede ver legalmente toda la emisión de televisión en vivo en el Reino Unido, así como todo el contenido de iPlayer de la BBC, que resultó ser un recurso invaluable durante el bloqueo cuando no tan corporas program How do Ordinary people And may destroy youEuro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics, plus 24/7 news coverage and a treasure trove of old and new Hollywood classics, documentaries, comedies and films.