Over half of under 30s plan to cease paying tv licence
OVER half of under 30s surveyed in a recent poll have stated they plan to cease paying their tv licence.
The online survey conducted by Citywest telecoms and broadband provider, Pure Telecom, revealed 55 per cent of Irish tv licence holders aged 30 and under, plan to scrap their tv licence due to an increase in consumption of online content and streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Traditional tv viewing habits have changed dramatically over the last 10 years, as increasing numbers choose to go solely online to watch TV and on-demand content.
Currently, any household with a TV set is required to pay the €160 licence fee, however the charge does not apply to those who view all their video content via laptops, tablets or smartphones.
The research, carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom, surveyed 1,001 online adults across Ireland in July.
The research found that one-in-10 Irish adults have already stopped paying the TV licence, rising to 17 per cent in the 30 and under age group.
Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said: “The quality of content produced for online platforms has been steadily rising to the point where it is now at least on par with – and in many cases it outshines – what is offered on traditional television channels.
“People take for granted the convenience of on-demand viewing and the ability to watch content on-the-go. Coupled with very high-quality content now available online, it is natural that consumers are questioning the need to continue to pay for a TV licence.”
Mr Connell said the results solidify their commitment to “providing lower cost, fast and reliable home broadband service.”
Earlier this year, the Department of Communications considered an extension of the TV licence fee, which was subsequently scrapped.
The survey highlighted that there is little appetite for the charge amongst Irish adults, with 62 per cent opposed to its introduction.
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