History
When first introduced on 1 June 1946, the licence covering the monochrome-only single-channel BBC television service cost £2 (£61.5 as of 2013). On 1 January 1968, a 'colour supplement' of £5 (£64.64 as of 2013), was added to the existing £5 monochrome licence fee; the combined colour licence fee was therefore £10, the equivalent of £120 in 2006. The current (2010) cost is £145.50 for colour TV and £49 for monochrome TV, per household.
A similar licence, mandated by the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1904, used to exist for radios powered by mains electricity (sets using a battery or accumulator did not need a licence), but this was abolished in 1971. These licences were originally issued by the General Post Office (GPO), which was then the regulator of public communications within the UK. For a more detailed historical explanation see British Broadcasting Company.
Read more about this topic: Television Licensing In The United Kingdom
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