Many TV channels are now available to watch over the Internet. If you’re watching programmes on a computer or laptop as they are broadcast, then you need a TV Licence. However, you don’t need to be covered by a licence if you’re only using ‘on-demand’ services to watch programmes after they have gone out on TV. So, you need a licence to watch any channel live online, but you wouldn’t need one to use BBC iPlayer to catch up on an episode of a programme you missed, for example.
Sky+, Playstation 3 and digital TV recorders
If you use Sky+, Playstation 3 or another digital TV recorder to watch or record programmes as they are broadcast, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. The same rules apply if you use a video or DVD recorder to watch or record programmes as they are broadcast.
If you use your digital set-top box to produce sounds only (you don't use it to display programmes), then you don't need a TV Licence.
Mobile phones
Just as with any other device, if you’re watching programmes as they’re broadcast on a phone or other mobile device, you need to be covered by a licence. However, if you are covered by a valid licence at the address where you live, you will be licensed to use any device powered solely by its own internal batteries outside the home too.