From my understanding, people that want a TV in the UK, pay a license fee each year. Based on my understanding, it is so that publicly funded networks like the BBC don't have to rely solely on sponsorship to run. What that all means is TV with little to no commercials. Too much time taken up with commercials and such anyway.

At least that is how it was explained to me when I asked about it over there. I am sure someone from the UK will explain it better. Personally I like the idea. Too many people plop on their **** at the end of the day and sit there until bedtime. I haven't had cable (I get 2 local stations, one being CBC) for 2.25 years now and I love it.