BBC iPlayer could cost households up to £3 a month, according to a new report from the broadcast regulator Ofcom estimates in a new report. Are we going to have to pay to replay Dr Who?
The government has called before for the BBC and others to stump up some of the cost of upgrading internet providers’ networks to cope with the surge in video streamed online, but now watchdog Ofcom estimates the cost will have to be passed on to Joe Public.
According to Ofcom’s Converged Communications in Tomorrow’s World report, the UK’s internet infrastructure is close to “maximum capacity” already thanks to the success of services like BBC iPlayer and 4oD Catch-Up, meaning broadband providers will have to upgrade their networks – and that costs money.
How much? Ofcom estimates “£1-£3 per household per month on top of existing subscriptions”, raising the possibility of monthly charges to enjoy BBC iPlayer, which is currently free.
Ofcom reckons this price might be acceptable “given the increase in value of data consumed in the the home,” and there’s certainly rationale behind that. But would you balk at what would essentially be a £36 increase on your license fee to get BBC iPlayer? Don’t expect this debate to die down anytime soon.
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