How Much is A TV License In South Africa?
This article will explain what a TV license is, how much it costs and where to get one. South Africa’s government has implemented a scheme whereby anyone with a television set must pay an annual fee to enjoy broadcasts. If you own a television, the cost of this annual license is usually included within the price of your television. If you do not own a TV, you can still watch local programming if you purchase a separate subscription service that provides access to digital rivals of broadcasters’ channels. This is called ‘cable TV’ or ‘virtual MVPD service’ with over 500 services available in South Africa as of August 2019. The cost of this virtual TV subscription is included within the price of your monthly internet bill and can either be cable or satellite.
What is a TV License?
The TV license is a government-mandated fee that South African households must pay for each television set. The fee is about R600, and it is paid annually. It is required for anyone who owns a television set, regardless of whether they watch television or not. However, the fee does not apply to people who own a TV but only use it for radio or telephone purposes. The license is not for any type of antenna, cable set, or set-top box. It does not cover satellite TV, which is usually enforced through a contractual agreement.
How Much Does A TV License Cost in South Africa?
The cost of a South African TV license is about R600 per year. This amount is fixed regardless of what size your household has. If you own a small house, the TV license will cost you the same as if you owned a huge mansion. The license fee is included in your monthly bill and is usually deducted from your bank account once a year in February. So, don’t wait until the last minute to pay it. Make sure you get this bill on time. If you are a resident of a rural area, the cost of the license may be slightly higher. If you live in a large city, the cost of the TV license may be significantly lower due to the reduced cost of electricity. This is because the broadcast towers are usually farther away from the city centre.
Where to Get A TV License in South Africa?
TV license offices are found all over the country. You can find them listed in your local phone book. These offices are usually open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. You can also call the toll-free number on 0800 TV LICENCE to find out the closest office to your home. Each province and territory has its own TV license office, so you may have to travel to different cities if you live in a border area. However, each of the nine provinces has a main office from which the licenses are distributed. These nine offices are found in every major city.
Can You Legally Watch Television Without Paying For A License?
Yes, you can legally watch TV shows and movies without paying for a license. It is illegal for broadcasters to demand payment for their content after it airs. You can simply connect an antenna to your TV, and you can receive free broadcasts from this antenna. You can get access to some radio stations and National Geographic shows as well. Just make sure to keep the antenna away from your neighbours, as it is illegal to receive a signal from a neighbour’s antenna without permission. You should be careful if you decide to borrow someone’s antenna. Although you do not need a license to receive a signal using an antenna, you may receive programming that is not intended for your area, which may violate copyright laws. This is why you should check with your local TV station before borrowing an antenna.
Conclusion
If you have a TV, the government of South Africa requires you to have a TV license. The annual fee is about R600 and is included in your monthly bill. You can get a license at any TV license office. The only way you can legally watch TV shows and movies without paying for a license is by connecting an antenna to your TV. Alternatively, you can borrow someone’s antenna or buy a cheap set from a store or on Amazon. If you don’t want to buy or borrow an antenna or pay for a subscription service, you can still watch local programming on television if you purchase a separate subscription service that provides access to digital rivals of broadcasters’ channels. This is called ‘cable TV’ or ‘virtual MVPD service’ with over 500 services available in South Africa as of August 2019.
