It seemed that the show was over for students watching iPlayer free of charge when it was announced that downloading or viewing on-demand BBC programmes online would require a TV licence.
The news was a blow to many heading to university this month, given that so few will be bringing a TV along with them. According to research by TV Licensing, iPlayer is the most popular catch-up platform among students, with the vast majority watching programmes on their laptops and phones.
The change adds to students’ mounting financial burdens this year, including tuition fee rises and the recent scrapping of maintenance grants. A petition against the rule, launched by a Loughborough University student, has gained more than 18,000 signatures.
This is so infuriating 😒 https://t.co/ZtqrtLtnKm
— Jess (@jrmdola) September 1, 2016
@gdnstudents ...Once again it only affects students and young people - the only real demographic watching iPlayer without a TV and liscence.
— Chris Owen (@ChristophOwen) September 1, 2016
The timing of the change coinciding with #GBBO was well planned... https://t.co/37BnCW5ttb
— Claire Motion (@physicsclaire) September 1, 2016
An official BBC press release specifically addresses students, saying that they will need a licence for BBC iPlayer and are therefore not exempt from the £145.50 annual fee.
But one loophole remains
However, it appears one loophole will remain open: students will still be able to access the iPlayer for free on mobile devices that are registered at their parents’ address. (This will work only as long as it is registered as the student’s primary address.)
The BBC statement reads: “In limited circumstances, students can be covered by the licence at their parents’ address. The device must be powered by its own internal batteries – for example, a tablet or mobile phone – and must not be plugged it into the mains when receiving television. This use is enabled by the regulations governing TV Licensing.”
This excludes PCs, but covers laptops and phones (as it always has done).
@SaveTheStudent Hi, this would be students who only use a device powered solely by its own internal batteries and not connected to the mains
— TV Licensing (@tvlicensing) August 31, 2016
@SaveTheStudent Yes. As long as their parents have a valid TV Licence. You can call 0300 790 6113 to check if this exemption applies to you.
— TV Licensing (@tvlicensing) August 31, 2016
Failure to obey the new law will result in a fine of up to £1,000, but just how the BBC will be able to tell if your device is plugged into the mains or not remains to be seen. For now, it seems that most students will still be able to get their Bake-Off fix for free.
This article was amended on 01/09/2016 at 19:41. An earlier version incorrectly said that maintenance loans had been scrapped, rather than maintenance grants. This has been amended.
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