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Tv on mobile phones to create ‘licence nightmare’ - [Scottish Sunday]

The arrival of mobile phone television services in Britain is tipped to create a multi-million pound nightmare for regulatory authorities as controversy over the new gadgets’ legal status prompts calls for a wholesale review of the country’s TV licensing laws.

A Growing Industry with Legal Challenges

The proliferation of services allowing customers to watch TV shows on their mobile handsets has exposed flaws in the current legislation. This could potentially result in the Treasury missing out on its share of sales revenue. As the industry faces the possibility of industry chaos, top analysts are calling for a fundamental reassessment of the UK’s broadcasting regulations.

The Rise of TV-to-Mobile Services

In recent months, TV-to-mobile services have been introduced and are expected to explode in popularity over the coming years. Orange launched a service in May, which includes popular channels like ITN News and CNN. Other major players in the mobile industry, such as O2 and Virgin Mobile, are also planning to roll out their own TV-to-mobile services. However, controversy has arisen over the question of whether these television-enabled handsets should be subject to the same license fees as ordinary television sets.

Disputes Over Licensing Fees

Orange believes that users of TV-enabled mobile phones should pay the standard license fees, a position that regulatory bodies support. On the other hand, O2 argues that their service primarily consists of video clips rather than live broadcasting, and therefore should not require a TV license. The company has sought clarification from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. This disagreement raises questions about what exactly constitutes broadcast television programming.

Challenges in Enforcement

Under current rules, if someone has a TV license for their main address, they will also be covered for any television equipment powered by its own internal battery. However, experts argue that enforcing this rule for TV-enabled mobile phones would be virtually impossible. The issue of enforcement, along with other challenges such as how ethical codes like the watershed agreement would be upheld, highlights the need for a review and update of legislation.

Preparing for the Future

As the demand for TV-enabled handsets grows, especially with major events like the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, legislators must take immediate action to prepare for the future. By 2010, it is predicted that retailers will have sold almost 51 million TV-enabled phones worldwide, creating an £83.5 million global industry. To avoid chaos and ungovernable situations, regulators must establish a 21st-century legal framework equipped to handle the challenges of the TV-to-mobile revolution.

The Impact of TV-on-Mobile and Hotels

Introducing In-Room TV-on-Mobile Services

With the rise of TV-on-mobile services, hotels are also exploring ways to offer this technology to their guests. In-room TV-on-mobile services can enhance the overall hotel experience, providing guests with the convenience of watching their favorite TV shows and movies on their mobile devices.

Legal Implications for Hotels

Hotels must also navigate the legal challenges surrounding TV-on-mobile services. Just like in the wider industry, the question of whether TV-enabled handsets in hotel rooms should be subject to TV licensing fees arises. This uncertainty creates a need for clear guidelines and regulations specific to the hotel sector.

Enabling In-Room TV-on-Mobile Services

Hotels interested in offering in-room TV-on-mobile services must work closely with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with licensing laws. It is essential for hotels to obtain the necessary licenses to legally provide TV services to their guests through mobile devices. Additionally, hotels should explore partnerships with mobile network providers or other third-party service providers to enable seamless and high-quality in-room TV-on-mobile experiences.

Guest Expectations and Benefits

Introducing TV-on-mobile services in hotel rooms can enhance guest satisfaction and provide a competitive advantage. Travelers increasingly value the ability to stay connected and entertained while on the go. By offering TV-on-mobile services, hotels can cater to these expectations and create a more personalized and enjoyable stay for guests.

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