Apparently, OFCOM are looking at licencing computers in similar way to TVs, or adding additional tax on there purchase, above and beyond the current VAT.
Also being considered, is an extra tax on internet connectivity and consumables, again above and beyond the current 17.5% VAT we already pay.
This may go beyond computers - iPods have also been muted about, so probably cover a range of hitech devices, esp those capable of music/video playback.
This is to, alledgedly, pay for more public service broadcasting. Err, so why do I pay nearly £150 per year for a licence for the TV? Thought that was for public service broadcasting?
I sure as hell don't want to pay for more crap like X-Factor and Knobenders.
Scrap the BBC as publically funded, its turned to chav TV anyway
. Not that the government can, as its plays a pivotal role in the governments Ban Drinking campaign 
thats an ITV show - paid for by ads - ironically it's that kind of garbage we would have wall to wall if the Beeb didn't have a public service remit due to the licence fee 
no other channel has the money to create a "Blue Planet" or a "Life on Earth" - you'd never have an essentially independent News platform, programmes like Top Gear wouldn't exist as no car maker would subject themselves to ridicule whilst paying for the ads........sorry - the Beeb is worth EVERY penny - I don't think we realise how lucky we are in this country to have it.
No, the BBC pays for utter drivel like that knobenders tosh that is on every time I turn the telly on 
As for the BBC News being independent... ...i think not.
As for wall to wall trash-factor, how hard are they pushing trash like Strictly Come Dancing?
there is a lot of stuff on the Beeb that I don't watch - thats not the Beebs job - no one makes programmes that EVERYONE likes - i've never seen an episode of eastenders but i know 10million people love it - so there is a place for it - same as theres a place for the science stuff that 3 people and a dog watch 
and it has tended to go for the ratings in the last few years as opposed to quality programmes - having said that it is independent and willing to share its mistakes - more or less reports evenly and dispassionately - ever been to italy? thats what state sanctioned news is like - you can't criticise the government or any of the cabinets interests, you cant criticise the church either!!?? (always odd)
i'll have the beeb - thanks - don't mind paying for indepence 
Trouble is, I reckon the News and Current Affairs depts of BBC are nothing more than an extension to the Government's (whichever one in power) proporgander machine.
i've never seen a government so pilloried by the media (with the exception of Major's last few days) so an unbiased stance appears to be pro-government when everyone else is on a witch hunt! 
theres too much good radio, great website and accasional broadcasting brilliance to chuck it away for another ITV :-/
I couldn't with you more Bannjaxx on all your comments and in summary the BBC represent tremondous value as an independant broadcaster who is renowed and respected worldwide for the quality of its programmes, including documentaries and news coverage.

It is something to be proud of.

Before everyone gets too shocked over the inclusion of computers in the Licence Fee please note the following quote from the TV Licencing Authority web site:
"Do I need a TV Licence?
"You need a TV Licence to use any television receiving equipment such as a TV set, digital box, DVD or video recorder, PC, laptop or mobile phone to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV.
If you use a digital box with a hi-fi system or another device that can only be used to produce sounds and can't display TV programmes, and you don't install or use any other TV receiving equipment, you don't need a TV Licence".
From what I have seen on the use of computers they are often used as a receiver for TV programmes, so as they are already included in the Licencing requirement, and you should possess a licence when using it to watch live programmes as I should think a great majority do, what is the problem? :-/ :-/ :-/