13.08.2007

Obligation to pay television fee remains the same in digital era - cable households must pay even though they do not have a digital box

The obligation to pay the television fee will remain the same even after the transition to digital television. Viewers need to have submitted the television notification if they can receive television transmissions. Cable television households must pay the television fee during the extended period granted to analogue distribution, until the end of February 2008, even though the household did not have a digital box.

As far as the obligation to pay the television fee is concerned, it is irrelevant via which distribution channel (analogue, digital, satellite distribution) it is possible to receive television transmissions. Likewise, it is irrelevant which sort of device or device combination is used for receiving television transmissions. The obligation to pay the television fee concerns e.g. the combination of a digital box/satellite receiver and television/monitor/computer and mobile television (DVB-H).

Also, viewers must pay the television fee if they can receive television transmissions via IPTV. IPTV means that broadband Internet is used for receiving real-time television transmissions whose quality is comparable to traditional television transmissions.

An exemption from the obligation will be granted, if there is no possibility to receive television transmissions.

If the obligation to submit a television notification is neglected, the sanction may rise up to 500 euros. The television fee is EUR 208.15 per year, i.e. ca EUR 0.57 per day. The television fee can be paid in 6-month instalments (EUR 104.75), in 3-month instalments (EUR 53.00) or in monthly instalment (EUR 17.95). You can submit the notification form at post offices where they are available, by contacting our customer service tel. 09 613 161 or on our website at www.tv-maksu.fi. The public service broadcasting of the Finnish Broadcasting Company Ltd (YLE) is covered by fees from television users.

Further information:
Anssi Laakso, Director, tel. +358 9 6966 301, mobile phone +358 40 500 5549,
Mira Keitaanranta, Deputy Director, tel. +358 9 6966 319, mobile phone +358 40 824 3377.