Now the TV fee charge for all internet users - Ystad Allehanda

Text: Håkan Edler
Published 26 June, 2013 12:09 Updated June 26, 2013 12:10 2013-06-26 12:09:00
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On Monday (24/6) gave the administrative court in Luleå green flag for Radio Service to continue to drive up the television and radio fee from people even if they would not own a television set. It is enough that you own a computer with internet access for you to be liable to pay contributions.

Is it fair that a person who bought a computer but never had a thought of not watching on national television or listening to Radio Sweden, to receive credit history with all that entails and being chased by the Enforcement Authority and by coercive be forced to pay a fee for something that he never took part in?

There is no law that forces you to watch on national television or listen to the radio. Nevertheless, you as the owner of a computer financially burdened if you abstain.

The only way to escape the charge is to stop using the internet. It is highly unreasonable to coat all Internet users in Sweden with a fee, just for a TV and radio channel mere existence.

fees paid for direct consideration and taxes for everything else. More accurate would be if this charge was placed on the tax bill and that the system be reviewed and amended. This decision raises anew the question of the current public service system and its drafting. This would erode trust in the Radio Service and its mission and willingness to pay would be likely to decline.

In time this can jeopardize public service levy and its legitimacy.