Japan looks to allow NHK to start simultaneous online streaming

People installing a TV receiver capable of getting NHK programs are obliged to sign a subscription contract with the broadcaster under the law.

Nothing about an internet connection? Hmmm, I'm just waiting for that hammer to drop.

We would like to meet public demand for watching (NHK) programs on their smartphones

Nobody is demanding this! These scum are trying to force anyone with a mobile phone to pay their subscription fees! It's outrageous and unlawful!

So what does this mean for fees? Does that mean everyone with a computer or a smart phone will be forced to pay?

"We would like to meet public demand for watching (NHK) programs on their smartphones," said communications minister Masatoshi Ishida.

NHK should show us the verifiable numbers, legitimate research that led to this conclusion.

People installing a TV receiver capable of getting NHK programs are obliged to sign a subscription contract with the broadcaster under the law

Does this mean that if i have a TV from the US , that cannot tune in to the local frequency - then I can tell the NHK walkers to leave me alone?

No, your TV, PC and phone have the potential to receive the broadcasts so you are obliged to pay.

You are not yet obliged to open the door to collectors though.

The outdated broadcast law was to collect funds to ensure development of infrastructure. Since the web is already in place what legitimate reason do they have to collect the fee in broadcasting on the internet?

People who are desperate to watch inane drivel on their smartphones can already buy phones with built-in TV tuners.

It won't be long before NHK start arguing that people with internet connections should also pay their fee, even though it is simple for them to limit access to subscribers only.

As most have already commented, this is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt by NHK to then demand that anyone with a smartphone MUST pay a fee to NHK!!!

Absolutely no question that this is what this revision to the law is all about!!!

If you have no antenna they can't collect.

Look out folks! This will give no excuse to not pay there extortion fees. This will mean, if you have Internet, you gave to pay. I had one of their scalpers tell me I had to pay because I watch DVDs. I just laughed at him and closed the door.

I can see them smiling now. Guess I can’t use the excuse that I don’t own a TV anymore.

knock knock. Do you have a TV, Smart TV, smartphone, laptop, or PC?

ScroteToday 10:20 am JST

It won't be long before NHK start arguing that people with internet connections should also pay their fee, even though it is simple for them to limit access to subscribers only.

Which is exactly what they should do, except that they'll deliberately fail to think of it.

It takes the PM to anact a task like that?

So will the NHK man now ask if I have internet? Wow

your TV, PC and phone have the potential to receive the broadcasts so you are obliged to pay.

But if they're not set up to receive broadcasts, you're not. Article 61 says it loud and clear!

JJ jetplane, they have already tried this with me!

Right.

I stopped watching NHK when I realized their weather forecasts are always wrong, and my 4 year old can speak better English than that woman translater.

I can see it now.... You have internet? You pay!

NHK in 2035........."Do you breathe? Do you walk? You need to pay monthly fees to continue to do that."