TV licence collection privatised and replaced with device licence fee in 5 years

Wanderer78 · 04-08-2019 08:10AM

Pa ElGrande wrote:

I DO NOT have a TV. I got rid of it a decade ago and am fully compliant with the law. I don't have a radio either I am completely internet based for multimedia presentation.

I'd imagine a modern smart phone could be considered a TV/radio nowadays?

Pa ElGrande · 04-08-2019 08:16AM

Wanderer78 wrote: »

I'd imagine a modern smart phone could be considered a TV/radio nowadays?

Only if it can receive TV signals.

Every household, business or institution in Ireland with a television or equipment capable of receiving a television signal (using an aerial, satellite dish, cable or other means) must have a television licence.

source

Media streaming using internet network protocols is not covered by that definition. If RTE want to charge for that content it is technically possible for them to put it behind a paywall today and offer viewers a subscription based service. They have no excuse to extend taxation to non consumers.

Wanderer78 · 04-08-2019 08:20AM

Pa ElGrande wrote:

Only if it can receive TV signals.

Of course, but I'd imagine, since all smart phones have the ability to receive TV and radio, does this mean all citizens with a smart phone must now pay a licence?

alta stare · 04-08-2019 08:31AM

Loafing Oaf wrote: »

Are you guys prepared to go to jail over this though? Because that's what it'll come to if you stand your ground.

It happened to my sister. She refused to buy a tv licence. She went to court, got brought to jail for a few hours where she was in a holding cell. Wasnt processed as a prisoner. Got fed and released with the means to travel home. Still refuses to buy a licence.

khalessi · 04-08-2019 08:34AM

Wanderer78 wrote: »

Of course, but I'd imagine, since all smart phones have the ability to receive TV and radio, does this mean all citizens with a smart phone must now pay a licence?

Was wondering this in regards to kids with phones. Do they get stopped and asked for a licence?

Pa ElGrande · 04-08-2019 09:02AM

khalessi wrote: »

Was wondering this in regards to kids with phones. Do they get stopped and asked for a licence?

AFAIK some phones can receive FM radio transmissions. I don't know of any models that have a TV tuner/receiver and the overhead of space and battery life plus the ubiquity of WIFI connections would mean only media streaming over internet network protocol is feasible for smartphones. You currently do not need to pay a tax to operate a mobile phone other than VAT.

Irishphotodesk · 04-08-2019 09:25AM

I haven’t read the whole thread but why can’t they remove VAT from devices which are capable of receiving a transmission and add a 40/50% tax per device, so if people are purchasing phones/TVs etc every year, government gets their money and it’s only the people that have money to spend that will ultimately pay for it.

Once collected by revenue the money can be redistributed, monies collected should be easy enough to track (sales figures released by shops/manufacturers), this could include second hand sales or secondhand sales would be cheaper due to the removal of vat mentioned above.

Balanadan · 04-08-2019 09:49AM

NIMAN wrote: »

Because they won't accept that you can't access them. It's OK to say, 'i don't watch Rte or listen to Rte radio', but how do you prove that?

Majority of people have a TV and a radio at home. I don't believe all these people who say 'i don't have a tv'. A lot of people on threads like this seem to say that, but I think most of them are lying to try to make a point.

And those who say 'I haven't watched Rte in year's ' aren't being honest either.

In the last 10 years I had a tv for a maximum of 1 year, and for that year I paid the licence. No bull****. I just don't watch tv, don't have time for it, don't have any interest in it.

whisky_galore · 04-08-2019 10:35AM

Revenue have announced they aren't interested in collecting for the licence. Going to be a doddle to evade in that case, a few begging letters that can be ignored a la Irish Water.

UrbanFret · 04-08-2019 10:43AM

RTE should be forced to broadcast free on 28.2 east. At least then everyone could receive it. The rigmarole involved in receiving it via satellite at the moment is a joke.

aido79 · 04-08-2019 11:33AM

The chan chan man wrote: »

But if i don’t watch any ‘normal’ channels or even have access to them, why am i penalised?

My question wasn't directed at people like yourself who don't watch any of the saorview channels including Rte.

Wtf ? · 04-08-2019 02:02PM

Lot of ''Hair Splitting'' going on here

Ave Sodalis · 04-08-2019 02:21PM

NIMAN wrote:

Majority of people have a TV and a radio at home. I don't believe all these people who say 'i don't have a tv'. A lot of people on threads like this seem to say that, but I think most of them are lying to try to make a point.

You'd be wrong on my behalf too. My mother snipped the cable on our tv about 10/15 years ago, and I've never been bothered with a tv since. I don't think I would ever own a tv now.You really don't miss it.

McMurphy · 04-08-2019 02:28PM

Irishphotodesk wrote: »

I haven’t read the whole thread but why can’t they remove VAT from devices which are capable of receiving a transmission and add a 40/50% tax per device, so if people are purchasing phones/TVs etc every year, government gets their money and it’s only the people that have money to spend that will ultimately pay for it.

Once collected by revenue the money can be redistributed, monies collected should be easy enough to track (sales figures released by shops/manufacturers), this could include second hand sales or secondhand sales would be cheaper due to the removal of vat mentioned above.

Not everyone buys an electronic device in the state, many buy them from outside the state.

Fizzlesque · 04-08-2019 02:50PM

NIMAN wrote: »

I don't believe all these people who say 'i don't have a tv'. A lot of people on threads like this seem to say that, but I think most of them are lying to try to make a point

Pa ElGrande wrote: »

I DO NOT have a TV. I got rid of it a decade ago and am fully compliant with the law.

Ave Sodalis wrote: »

You'd be wrong on my behalf too. My mother snipped the cable on our tv about 10/15 years ago, and I've never been bothered with a tv since. I don't think I would ever own a tv now.You really don't miss it.

You would be wrong on my behalf too, NIMAN. Got rid of my TV years ago and, similar to Ave Sodalis, I really don't miss it at all.

I don't understand why it's so difficult to believe that lots of people don't bother with television any more. I've been thinking about this new broadcast charge a lot the past few days and wondering if it does come in, and I am forced to pay for the service despite not using it, would it not make more sense to just get a TV again, but I don't want to do that. It has zero appeal to me at this stage. I don't need, want or care to have a television (or television service) in my house again. Not only do I not miss it at all, I genuinely prefer not to have it.

biko · 04-08-2019 02:53PM

If a device fee really happens and I am forced to help pay Tubridy's salary of €495,000 I'll be very unhappy.

Dufflecoat Fanny · 04-08-2019 03:33PM

I went to school with kids from the RTE and the Ardmore clique. Was best friends with one lad for 3 years until he was moulded into an abnoxius foppish ponce. I'll gladly go to jail than see a cent go to those inbred wasters that are influencing our nation. There's no value in RTE anymore.

Irishphotodesk · 04-08-2019 03:39PM

Johnny Dogs wrote: »

Not everyone buys an electronic device in the state, many buy them from outside the state.

But thats fine for my suggestion, I’m sure the purchases within the state would be equivalent or greater than the current tv licence fee uptake.

We are talking laptops, TVs, mobile phones, etc, there are millions purchased within the state annually.

If items are purchased from outside the state then that’s the issue for import duty/other country tax system to deal with, similar to the current system, when a product is purchased outside the state and brought in.... its subject to import tax.

fritzelly · 04-08-2019 04:02PM

Irishphotodesk wrote: »

when a product is purchased outside the state and brought in.... its subject to import tax.

Have you not heard of the EU?

Calhoun · 04-08-2019 04:13PM

It's quite funny, I think that RTE have some Public broadcasting such a disservice that people are so against them.

If it was just a public broadcasting charge used for it's correct purpose I doubt there be much concern.

If the government wanted to make this easy they would start already to full Montrose.

holodomor · 04-08-2019 04:42PM

Hi people. Last 6 years there is no TV in my house and no RTE programs on any computer or phone. Looks like there is a plan to get the money from people that is it. Question is -What do we do now to stop it? Another IRISH WATER?

Timberrrrrrrr · 04-08-2019 04:47PM

Irishphotodesk wrote: »

I haven’t read the whole thread but why can’t they remove VAT from devices which are capable of receiving a transmission and add a 40/50% tax per device, so if people are purchasing phones/TVs etc every year, government gets their money and it’s only the people that have money to spend that will ultimately pay for it.

Once collected by revenue the money can be redistributed, monies collected should be easy enough to track (sales figures released by shops/manufacturers), this could include second hand sales or secondhand sales would be cheaper due to the removal of vat mentioned above.

So if someone drop their phone/tablet or its stolen and they need to replace it they should be taxed 40/50% extra for it even though it wouldnt be used to watch RTE programs?

8-10 · 04-08-2019 04:59PM

Calhoun wrote: »

If it was just a public broadcasting charge used for it's correct purpose I doubt there be much concern.

Nah the usual folks would have a whinge regardless. It's the same argument as universal healthcare in the States and other places where the argument against it is "I'm never sick so why should my taxes go to pay for people who are sick"

Have a funded public broadcasting system is a good idea. I'm glad it exists and I'm happy to pay towards it whether I watch it or not.

Loafing Oaf · 04-08-2019 05:15PM

holodomor wrote: »

Hi people. Last 6 years there is no TV in my house and no RTE programs on any computer or phone. Looks like there is a plan to get the money from people that is it. Question is -What do we do now to stop it? Another IRISH WATER?

It's obvious what to: a mass campaign of refusal to pay. Even a few thousand people clogging up the courts and jails would be enough to force the government to change tack. As I said above though, I'm skeptical that anything like this number feels strongly enough about the charge to risk jail.

lsjmhar · 04-08-2019 05:23PM

holodomor wrote: »

Hi people. Last 6 years there is no TV in my house and no RTE programs on any computer or phone. Looks like there is a plan to get the money from people that is it. Question is -What do we do now to stop it? Another IRISH WATER?

Irish Water still exists and everyone will be paying. That is the price of being in the European Union.

Irishphotodesk · 04-08-2019 05:34PM

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

So if someone drop their phone/tablet or its stolen and they need to replace it they should be taxed 40/50% extra for it even though it wouldnt be used to watch RTE programs?

Maybe you missed the earlier part of the sentence (or maybe you choose to use the part you wanted to suit your argument)

If we remove VAT on these items (so we are removing 23%, and adding 40/50% new tax)
(I also suggested that this vat removal would be taken away in the event of secondhand sales, which would mean secondhand phones should be significantly cheaper)

In the event that someone’s device is broken or stolen ...do they not have to purchase a replacement anyway ? Using my suggestion, a replacement device would be cheaper than purchasing a new one, and those who continually purchase the latest and greatest are the ones who effectively fund the licence fee....ie. If you purchase more devices, you contribute more to the fund.

Shefwedfan · 04-08-2019 05:42PM

Quick idea

Why not sell the RTÉ campus and stick them all down in limerick or cork?

The land alone would cover a few quid, place is a kip anyway

Build a new all purpose RTÉ studio for them....it’s not like they fly in international stars, for majority of stuff it is whoever is in canteen and if they fly someone in cork airport would do job.....

Irishphotodesk · 04-08-2019 05:43PM

fritzelly wrote: »

Have you not heard of the EU?

Why not quote the whole sentence ?

(Here is is)
If items are purchased from outside the state then that’s the issue for import duty/other country tax system to deal with, similar to the current system, when a product is purchased outside the state and brought in.... its subject to import tax.

The relevant part being the first sentence which highlights the other country tax system (ie. Within the EU)

Shefwedfan · 04-08-2019 05:47PM

Irishphotodesk wrote: »

Maybe you missed the earlier part of the sentence (or maybe you choose to use the part you wanted to suit your argument)

If we remove VAT on these items (so we are removing 23%, and adding 40/50% new tax)
(I also suggested that this vat removal would be taken away in the event of secondhand sales, which would mean secondhand phones should be significantly cheaper)

In the event that someone’s device is broken or stolen ...do they not have to purchase a replacement anyway ? Using my suggestion, a replacement device would be cheaper than purchasing a new one, and those who continually purchase the latest and greatest are the ones who effectively fund the licence fee....ie. If you purchase more devices, you contribute more to the fund.

Good idea if you really want to kill every electrical store in Ireland.....all you will do is create a huge black market for electrical good and not onky kill the license fee but the vat on all electrical items

Also you do realise people have to buy new to get a second hand market? You would have a second hand market with no vat but nobody buying new to supply it....

Shefwedfan · 04-08-2019 05:49PM

Irishphotodesk wrote: »

Why not quote the whole sentence ?

(Here is is)
If items are purchased from outside the state then that’s the issue for import duty/other country tax system to deal with, similar to the current system, when a product is purchased outside the state and brought in.... its subject to import tax.

The relevant part being the first sentence which highlights the other country tax system (ie. Within the EU)

What if I drive to France on holiday and come back? Do I have to declare my iPhone 7 when leaving in case I return with an iPhone 8?

You do realise 30 million people come into and out of Dublin airport each year, Heathrow which is how many times bigger onky takes in 60 million

Are you saying to check them all for electrical
Imports?

TV licence collection privatised and replaced with device licence fee in 5 years

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