Poczta Polska, the national postal service of Poland, has ramped up enforcement of regulations concerning the registration of radio and television receivers. According to a report by Fakt, in 2024, the postal service sent out a staggering 118,000 payment requests to individuals who were behind on their subscription fees. This aggressive approach yielded results, as 32,000 subscribers managed to settle their debts, either fully or partially.
The situation remains critical for those who have not yet complied. Poczta Polska has issued 21,000 enforcement titles to remaining debtors, meaning that if payments are not made, the tax office is authorized to collect overdue amounts directly from their bank accounts. This development raises questions about the future of the RTV subscription, particularly in light of previous announcements from the Ministry of Culture regarding plans to abolish the fee.
Despite these intentions, no concrete legislative steps have been taken, and the proposed bill to eliminate the RTV subscription is not expected to come into effect until at least 2026. Therefore, Polish citizens are still required to pay the subscription fee for owning a television or radio.
Under Polish law, every individual who owns a television or radio must register their device with Poczta Polska. Exceptions apply only to equipment used for the production or broadcasting of programs and devices intended for sale. Data from the National Broadcasting Council indicates that while most households in Poland possess television receivers, only a small fraction are registered, and even fewer pay the required subscription.
As part of its intensified efforts, Poczta Polska has authorized its Financial Service Center employees to conduct inspections regarding the registration of receivers. Inspectors are required to present appropriate authorization, an ID badge, and, upon request, personal identification. Individuals being inspected must allow verification of their equipment or present proof of registration.
Failure to register a receiver can result in hefty penalties. If an unregistered receiver is found, the user may face a fine amounting to thirty times the monthly subscription rate, which in 2025 is set at 819 PLN for a television and 261 PLN for a radio.
For 2025, the monthly RTV subscription fee is established at 27.30 PLN for a television receiver or a combined television and radio set, while the fee for using a radio alone is 8.70 PLN. This fee structure has raised concerns among the public, particularly as many are unaware of their obligations regarding the RTV subscription.
Individuals are encouraged to prepare for potential inspections, as Poczta Polska is actively monitoring compliance across the country. The inspectors check the currency of payments for radio and television receivers, and failure to comply can lead to significant financial repercussions.
As the situation evolves, many are left wondering how the future of the RTV subscription will unfold. With ongoing discussions about its potential abolition, citizens are caught in a cycle of compliance and enforcement, facing penalties for unregistered devices while awaiting legislative changes.
In the meantime, Poczta Polska continues to stress the importance of registration and payment of the RTV subscription, reminding users that the law mandates these obligations. As the postal service maintains its rigorous checks, individuals are urged to ensure their devices are registered to avoid fines and complications.
In summary, the intensified enforcement by Poczta Polska has brought the issue of RTV subscription fees to the forefront of public discourse. As the postal service ramps up its efforts to collect overdue payments and ensure compliance, many citizens are left grappling with the realities of the existing laws and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the RTV subscription.
While the Ministry of Culture's intentions to abolish the fee are acknowledged, the lack of concrete action leaves many questioning whether relief is on the horizon. Until then, the obligation to register and pay for radio and television receivers remains a pressing concern for Polish households.
As the debate continues, the implications of these regulations and enforcement measures will likely shape the landscape of media consumption in Poland for years to come.
