Registration / cancellation

I only use my television set for DVDs, videos, games consoles, etc. Do I still have to pay the fees?

The obligation to pay fees for radio/television reception exists regardless of whether and how the receiver uses the equipment. If a radio or television is present in a household via which reception is technically possible, the obligation to pay fees still applies.


I have had my cable connection sealed off / I have had the aerial removed / I have a satellite dish: do I have to pay reception fees?

As far as the obligation to pay the fees is concerned, it is irrelevant whether programmes are received via an aerial, satellite, internet or cable. It is the possibility of receiving programmes which is relevant. If equipment with a receiving component is modified in such a way that reception is technically impossible, there is no obligation to register or pay fees. If reception is possible by a simple action (such as plugging in the aerial, etc.), there is an obligation to register and pay the fees.


I am already paying cable network fees to the landlord. Do I have to pay reception fees?

Yes.The Cable network fees have nothing to do with the reception fees. These are fees which are payable to the cable network operator for the possibility of receiving programmes via the cable network (instead of via satellite, for example). Many landlords pass the costs for connection to the cable network on to their tenants.


If I am registered with Billag AG, do I have to notify my change of address?

Yes. Changes of address must be communicated to Billag AG.


I have realised that I have been paying double fees for years because I was registered twice. What should I do?

Billag AG must be informed immediately, in writing. At most, the excess fees paid within the last 5 years can be refunded.


I already pay radio reception fees. Now I want to buy a TV set. Do I have to communicate this to Billag AG?

Yes. Both items of equipment must be registered.


What do I have to do to register?

You can register by telephone, in writing or via the internet. It is preferable to register in writing.


A representative of Billag AG has visited me. I signed the registration form but afterwards realised that the start time of registration or other information is incorrect. What should I do?

By signing, you confirmed that you had reception equipment available at the time and are therefore obliged to register and pay fees. If you know some information was incorrect, Billag AG must be informed immediately in writing. Billag AG will look into the matter and may reconsider your registration where applicable.


I don't have a radio or television any more. What do I have to do?

You must inform Billag AG in writing (by mail, email or via the internet) of the cessation of operation of your reception equipment; otherwise the obligation to pay the fees remains in force.


I have moved and am no longer receiving bills for reception fees. What should I do?


You have to inform immediately Billag AG. The change of address has to be communicated to them.

Do I have to pay reception fees for my car radio?

Yes. A functioning car radio is subject to the obligation to register and pay the fees for radio reception.


My employees bring private radio receivers to work from home. Do I have to pay the commercial reception fees for radio?

If your employees are already registered at home for private radio reception and the radio is used in the workplace purely for personal use, there is no additional obligation to register and pay fees.


When are businesses subject to the commercial fee?

Businesses are subject to the commercial fee and must register when radio and/or television programme services are received in order to entertain or inform customers and third parties.

According to the regulation which enters into force on 1 September 2008, registration with Billag AG for commercial reception of radio programme services via the internet is required if the company has reception via ISDN or a broadband connection (e.g. ADSL, cable network) and corresponding software is installed (e.g. Media Player, RealPlayer).

According to the regulation which enters into force on 1 September 2008, registration with Billag AG for commercial reception of television programme services via the internet is required if the company has a broadband connection (e.g. ADSL, cable network) and corresponding software is installed (e.g. Media Player, RealPlayer) and if the company has concluded a charged-for subscription for reception of television programme services or has registered with a provider who provides access to television programme services free of charge.


When must companies pay fees for professional reception?

Professional reception is the reception of radio and/or television programme services in companies for purposes of entertainment or information of company personnel.

According to the regulation which enters into force on 1 September 2008, registration with Billag AG for professional reception of radio programme services via the internet is required if the company has reception via ISDN or a broadband connection (e.g. ADSL, cable network) and corresponding software is installed (e.g. Media Player, RealPlayer).

According to the regulation which enters into force on 1 September 2008, registration with Billag AG for professional reception of television programme services via the internet is required if the company has a broadband connection (e.g. ADSL, cable network) and corresponding software is installed (e.g. Media Player, RealPlayer) and if the company has concluded a charged-for subscription for reception of television programme services or has registered with a provider who provides access to television programme services free of charge.

In order to be exempt from the professional reception fee, an internal written directive which forbids employees from receiving radio and/or television programme services via the internet at the workplace is sufficient.


The business has six company cars which are fitted with radios. Do I have to pay the fees six times?

No. A single registration for professional or eventually commercial reception (depending on the type of use) is sufficient.


If I inform Billag AG in writing that I don't have a radio or television any more, up to what point am I obliged to pay the fees?

The obligation ends on the last day of the month in which the collection agency is informed in writing of cessation of operation.


Further information

Specialist staff
Last modification 01.11.2010

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