Background

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is mandated by Government through the Namibian Broadcasting Act of 1991, to collect TV license fees.  Any TV set within the boundaries of Namibia should be registered with the NBC. 

For the process of information dissemination, the NBC has compiled the following Frequently Asked Questions to smoothen the process of TV license Payments and/or renewals.

Who should obtain a TV license?

Any person who owns and/or uses a TV set or any other device that can receive transmissions broadcast in a broadcasting service and reproduce these transmissions in the form of images or visible signals with or without accompanying sounds is/are required by law to obtain and have a valid paid-up TV license for such TV set(s)/device.

All Television set dealers in the country are also required by law to have valid, paid-up TV licenses for every TV set they put on display.

TV Set dealers in Namibia are required by law not to release any unlicensed TV set for usage, even if the TV set or such device is bought and paid for cash.

I only use my TV set to watch videos and other TV channels besides NBC TV.  Do I still need a TV license?

Yes, you still have to pay.  A TV license validates ownership and usage of such device to receive a broadcast signal transmitted within the Namibian borders.   It does not matter who transmits the signals that is received.  The law is unambiguous on that issue and expects everyone in Namibia who has a device that receives such transmitted broadcast to pay a license fee in order for the person to use that device. 
When is a TV license payable?

TV license is valid for one year only, unless the TV set owner prefers to pay for a period longer than one year.  A TV license should be renewed any time before its expiry on the 30th of September every year.

To allow every TV set owner the benefit of an adequate renewal period, the NBC has in addition added 31 days of October as the grace period for renewing TV license.  The cut-off date is thus 31 October every year. 

How much do I pay for my TV license?

A TV license costs every owner only N$204.00 per set for households for the license year.  Pensioners, War veterans and people with disabilities pay only N$60.00, provided they present the necessary proof of their claimed status. 

There are also different rates for different services that can be availed upon inquiry. 

What information do I need to present to TV license officials when I want to renew my TV license for the License year?

Please renew your TV license before the 30th of September every year.  You may do so by providing the NBC TV license official with a copy or the original current TV license or a current statement from the NBC.  If you are not in possession of a TV license, you will need the following information:

Identification document of the owner of the TV set
Postal and residential address of the TV set owner
Particulars of the employer of the TV set owner
Contact telephone numbers of the owner
E-mail address of the TV set owner
TV brand name (e.g. Samsung, Hi-Sense, Sony, etc...)
Serial number of the TV Set

What if I inherit a TV set from a relative?  What do I do?

When you inherit a TV set you need to notify the NBC offices of the change of ownership without delay.  Since the previous owner may be a deceased person, you may need to provide the NBC with a death certificate or a copy thereof or a letter from the deceased estate executor. 

To proof validity of the TV license, please provide the NBC with the current TV license for details to be changed to that of the new owner. 

I have more than one TV sets at home.  How many TV license do I need?

A separate TV license is required for every TV set in your possession.  Should you have two TV sets, the law requires you to have two valid TV licenses.  Please also note that the current TV license document makes provision for up to three TV sets, belonging to the same person to be registered on the same license. 

What if my TV set gets stolen?

For a stolen TV set, the NBC will require you to submit a personal certified statement and case registration number from the Namibian Police, as well as a written affidavit stating that the TV set has been stolen.  In all cases, please remember that a valid TV license will be required.  Lastly, all outstanding debts will have to be settled before the license account is closed.

What if my TV is broken beyond repair?

You will need to submit a certified statement from a registered TV repairer shop and a sworn statement from the Namibian Police, stating that the TV is broken beyond repair.  All outstanding debts will have to be settled before the license account is closed. 

What happens if I fail to obtain or renew my TV license?

Failure to renew a TV license is a punishable offence.  Non renewal of TV license is contrary to the Namibian Broadcasting Act of 1991.  Apart from hefty fines that will be imposed on the individuals TV license accounts, a person found guilty of contravening the Namibian Act of Parliament can be summoned to appear in a court of law and be fined accordingly. 
Where do I pay my TV license?

You can pay your TV license at any of the following pay points: 

• NBC Offices countrywide
• NamPost Offices countrywide

 

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