In the United Kingdom and the rest of the British Islands, any household watching or recording television transmissions at the same time they are being broadcast is required by law to hold a television licence. This applies regardless of transmission method, including terrestrial, satellite, cable, and internet streaming. It is also required for the viewing of on demand content on BBC iPlayer. The television licence is the instrument used to raise revenue to fund the BBC and S4C.
Businesses, hospitals, schools and a range of other organisations are also required by law to hold television licences to watch and record live television broadcasts. The licence, originally a radio licence, was introduced in November 1923 using powers under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1904, and cost 10 shillings per annum. The licence was extended to televisions at a cost of £2 in June 1946. The radio part was abolished in February 1971.
