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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!vortex!lauren
From: lauren@vortex.UUCP (Lauren Weinstein)
Newsgroups: net.tv,net.legal
Subject: satellite TV
Message-ID: <369@vortex.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 4-Aug-84 08:31:08 EDT
Article-I.D.: vortex.369
Posted: Sat Aug  4 08:31:08 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 5-Aug-84 08:13:15 EDT
Organization: Vortex Technology, Los Angeles
Lines: 19

We've been over this MANY times before.  I can't speak for Canadian
law, but various legal changes have altered the original meaning
of the 1934 Communications in the U.S. to make it illegal to
receive "subscription" TV services without paying, period.  That old
"I can receive whatever I want to" stuff is out the window and
reflects the view of people who are either ignorant of current law
or are choosing to ignore it.  This applies mainly to STV and
microwave MDS services.  For satellite broadcast, there are OTHER
laws involved, since the satellite broadcasts are considered
to be common carrier operations in most cases, NOT broadcast
services.  As such, various "wiretapping" statutes may be used
to protect those services in some cases.  In any case, it is most
definitely illegal to, for example, watch HBO unless you are paying
them for the service.  And since they won't accept payments from
individuals, there is no legal way for you to watch the service
directly.  Of course, they'll be taking care of that little problem
shortly with their DES-based scrambling system.

--Lauren--