************************************************************
The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) successfully mounted another raiding operation this evening (October 13, 2006), the second of its kind within the recent two months, against the suspected use of unlicensed radio transmitter equipment by Citizens' Radio at an industrial building at Chai Wan.
"Unlicensed use of radio transmitters would cause harmful interference to other legitimate spectrum users. As the enforcement agency, OFTA would not tolerate such illegal activities. We resolve to take enforcement actions against them," the spokesperson of OFTA said.
A total of five pieces of equipment were seized in tonight's raiding operation, among which one set was unlicensed radio transmitter equipment which is suspected of being used by the Citizens' Radio for broadcasting purpose. In addition, one person was brought to the police station for further investigation. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Police.
The spokesperson reiterated that it is a criminal offence under the Telecommunications Ordinance for any person to operate or maintain a radio transmitter without an appropriate licence. The offender is liable to a maximum penalty of $100,000 fine and five years' imprisonment upon conviction.
The spokesperson warned that participants in a broadcast using unlicensed radio transmitters may also be liable under the Telecommunications Ordinance. It is a criminal offence under the Telecommunications Ordinance for any person, knowing that a radio transmitter is maintained in contravention of the Ordinance, to deliver any message for transmission by that radio transmitter. The offender is liable to a maximum penalty of $50,000.
The last large-scale operation against the suspected use of illegal radio transmitter equipment by Citizens' Radio was mounted by OFTA on August 29, 2006. The case is still under investigation.
Ends/Friday, October 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 22:19
NNNN
