Petition · Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Allow non-BBC service providers to grant UK TV licences

Closed 48 signatures

What the petition asks

The Communications Act 2003 states “A television receiver must not be installed or used unless the installation and use of the receiver is authorised by a licence under this Part.” So far, the BBC is solely responsible for collecting licence fees.
I've learned that a large portion of the licencing fee goes to the BBC. I thought this unfair; I watch very little BBC content. I believe the process is out-dated: the BBC has the legal monopoly to collect huge amounts of money through TV Licencing - however today, they provide just a small percentage of the live TV services that are available. We urge the Government to amend the Communications Act 2003 so that any TV provider can issue a TV licence.

Timeline

24 Sep 2025 Petition opened for signatures
24 Mar 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 48
Status Closed
Department Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Opened 24 Sep 2025
Closed 24 Mar 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 19 Aug 2026.