BBC's TV licence fee could be scrapped when everyone has access to faster broadband connectivity.

Media minister John Whittingdale has told MPs a subscription fee could replace the TV licence fee once there is sufficient connectivity in place.

The government has reneged on its pledge to connect every home in Britain to full fibre by 2025 and is now targeting 85 per cent coverage by the same date.

However, Whittingdale believes that a subscription could be considered when the royal charter expires two years later.

News Shopper: Media minister John Whittingdale said the damage streaming services like Netflix were doing to the BBC's audiences did 'beg the question' whether the licence fee model can continueMedia minister John Whittingdale said the damage streaming services like Netflix were doing to the BBC's audiences did 'beg the question' whether the licence fee model can continue

“Young people are turning more and more to video-on-demand services," he said.

"That does beg the question about whether or not the licence fee model, which has been based on the fact that everybody used the BBC, can continue.

“The rollout of broadband is very fast, we will reach universal coverage, and there will come a time when it would be possible for us to move towards a full subscription service for everybody, but that time has not yet arrived.”

He suggested a Netflix-style model would only work when every household had superfast broadband.  

Some disagree with the tone of its news coverage and the promotion of social issues that they regard to be “wokery”.

But opponents of a subscription claim older and more vulnerable people would miss out, while niche services such as local news would suffer.

Currently, a standard TV licence costs £157.50 per year (up £3 on the previous fee) and that will rise to £159 next month.

Mr Whittingdale admitted the BBC was "open to criticism" and that there are "areas where clearly reform is needed". 

He was speaking at a session of the petitions committee on Monday which held a session after a call to "revoke" the TV licence "using legislation" was signed by more than 110,000 people.

Tory MP Jonathan Gullis said the petition had been triggered by the BBC's decision to end free TV licences for over-75s.

When do you need a TV licence?

Generally, you are considered to need a TV licence if you watch live channels or programmes live on any online TV service, including Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, ITV Hub or All 4.

You don’t need a TV Licence if you only ever use online services to watch on-demand or catch-up programmes, except if you’re watching BBC content on iPlayer.

However, under the current rules you could be prosecuted if they find that you have been “watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally,” which remains a historically awkward and controversial topic.

The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine (or £2,000 in Guernsey) plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.