Germans Gear Up for PC, Phone Tax

October 23, 2006 World Screen

MUNICH, October 23: German regulators have agreed to
introduce a license fee on computers and mobile phones capable of receiving
television and radio signals.

According to Reuters, users that watch television and other
content on their computers and mobile phones will have to pay a tax of 5.52
euros, beginning January 1. At present, Germans pay about 17 euros per month in
license fees. Reports indicate that ARD pushed for the PC and phone tax, as
companies are increasingly putting their content online.