*****************************************************
In response to enquiries concerning a series of election forums for the 2010 Legislative Council By-election to be broadcast through an unlicensed radio channel in early May, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) today (April 29) reminded the public that it is a criminal offence under the Telecommunications Ordinance (TO) for any person to knowingly participate in the delivery of messages through illegal radio broadcasting.
"We are aware that some candidates of the 2010 Legislative Council By-election have been invited to participate in a series of election forums to be broadcast through an unlicensed radio channel in early May," a spokesperson of OFTA said.
"We would like to remind the public, whether they are election candidates or not, that under section 23 of the TO, any person who knowingly participates in the delivery of messages through unlicensed radio transmitters commits a criminal offence and is liable to a maximum penalty of $50,000 upon conviction," said the spokesperson.
"It is also unlawful under the TO for any person to establish or maintain any means of telecommunications without an appropriate licence. Any person who engages in such illegal activity contravenes section 8(1) of the TO and is liable to a maximum penalty of $100,000 fine and five years' imprisonment upon conviction," the spokesperson added.
"Illegal radio broadcasting may cause harmful interference to other legitimate service providers and users. The OFTA will continue to enforce the law to ensure proper management of radio spectrum, which is a valuable public resource," the spokesperson said.
Ends/Thursday, April 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:01
NNNN
