British viewers watching the BBC iPlayer could be forced to pay the television licence fee as part of plans being considered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Guardian has reported that British viewers will have to pay for the licence fee whether across a mobile, video games console, television or computer.
Catch up services do not currently require a licence fee, but this may be changed as part of a wider shake up by the Government as to how the licence fee is paid.
The concern is that as people increasingly tune into on demand programming, they may argue that they don’t need a TV and therefore will not be required to pay for a TV licence.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman told the newspaper: “Government is aware of developing technologies and the changing viewing habits of those who watch television programmes. How the BBC is funded as these issues evolve is a matter the department will need to address in the near future.”
It comes as video-on-demand (VOD) is becoming increasingly popular with viewers. YouView, the VOD joint venture between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, ISPs TalkTalk, BT and Arqiva, is due to launch early next year.
