Hotel IPTV in Italy: RAI, SIAE regulations and invoicing in 2026
The special RAI licence fee for hotels
All Italian accommodation providers that make television sets available to guests must pay the special RAI licence fee, which is separate from the domestic one. The amount is annual and proportional to the number of sets and the category of the property (star rating). Payment is made via the F24 form using dedicated tax codes. Even IPTV Smart Boxes with a video output to a TV are considered devices capable of reception.
SIAE and IMAIE royalties
Broadcasting TV content, music and radio in common areas and guest rooms creates obligations towards SIAE (copyright on the works) and IMAIE/SCF (related rights of performing artists). Flat annual rates apply to rooms; separate rates apply to common areas with ambient music or events. Sound documentation practices help avoid disputes in the event of an inspection.
Privacy and GDPR on in-room TV
If the TV displays the guest's name, the booking reference, or allows login to personal streaming services, this constitutes processing of personal data. A privacy notice, a legal basis and an automatic logout/wipe procedure at check-out are required. Quadro Entertainment resets sessions, browsing history and credentials upon receiving the check-out event from the PMS.
E-invoicing for in-room services
Room service, pay-per-view, film rentals and minibar products ordered from the TV must be charged to the room folio and then flow into an e-invoice compliant with the SdI (Sistema di Interscambio) specifications. PMS–TV integration keeps transaction descriptions, VAT rates and product codes consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Does a hotel still have to pay the RAI licence fee with IPTV?+
Yes. The special RAI fee is payable for the availability of reception-capable devices, regardless of the technology used (DVB-T, satellite or IPTV). What matters is the number of TVs in rooms and common areas.
Do I need to pay SIAE if I only broadcast national channels?+
Yes. SIAE protects the authors of retransmitted works: paying the RAI licence fee does not replace the SIAE copyright fee for broadcasting in rooms and common areas.
Does Quadro Entertainment handle rights management?+
Quadro manages the technical broadcast and logs viewing activity, which is useful in the event of an audit. SIAE/IMAIE contracts remain the responsibility of the property, but the system provides supporting reports.
What happens to guest data at check-out?+
Upon receiving the check-out event from the PMS, the middleware wipes the session: OTT login removal, browsing history, preferences, and a return to the property's branded home screen.