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Germany Taxes Internet TV
From David's Medienkritik comes news that Germany has found a way of integrating the internet into its economy: By taxing it.
Yes, just as economists from New York to New Delhi are claiming that a dynamic information technology sector and a web-happy younger generation are guarantees of a healthier economic future, Germany's 16 states have voted to encumber the internet with the clumsiest, crustiest economic tool of them all. From January 1 next year, owners of portable phones and PCs able to access television programmes who don't already have a TV licence will pay 5.51 euros a month.
The television licence fee stands at 17 euros a month - regulators set the phone and web fee at the same level as a radio licence, as it claims that more radio programmes are available over the net than telly shows.
