Students’ television licence reminder

Students in Lanarkshire who plan on watching their favourite shows are being reminded that they must have a TV licence before the start of term time.

The warning comes as new research reveals mobile devices have taken over from tellies in student digs.

Just 37 per cent of students say they watch live TV on a TV set once they’ve arrived at university in a survey of new students carried out by TV Licensing.

A change to the law last September means students are now more likely to need a TV Licence to watch on mobile devices. A licence is needed for watching and recording live television, and since September, watching or downloading BBC programmes on iplayer. This applies to laptops, mobiles or any other equipment.

Jason Hill, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: “Students are increasingly streaming, downloading, recording, using catch-up services and watching live TV on mobile devices.

“To help undergraduates decide if they need a licence, we encourage them to view advice at tvlicensing. co.uk/studentinfo before the big move.”

Generally speaking, students won’t be covered by a communal TV Licence or their parents’ licence.

NUS Scotland president, Luke Humberstone, said: “With TV becoming available on a wider range of devices, I’d recommend checking this guidance so you know what the law covers.”