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The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) tonight (18 October 2006) mounted its second operation within a week against the suspected use of unlicensed radio transmitter equipment by the Citizens' Radio for broadcasting purpose at its open forum outside Wu Chung House, Wanchai.
The last operation was carried out last Friday (13 October 2006) at an industry building in Chai Wan.
"We would like to reiterate that the use of unlicensed radio transmitters is a criminal offence under the Telecommunications Ordinance (TO). We will prosecute the offenders if there is sufficient evidence," warned the spokesperson of OFTA.
"Those who knowingly participate in the delivery of messages through the unlicensed radio transmitters may also commit a criminal offence," continued the spokesperson.
One set of suspected unlicensed radio transmitter equipment was seized in tonight's operation and one person was brought to the police station for further investigation. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the police.
Unlicensed radio transmitters would cause harmful interference to other legitimate spectrum users. It is a criminal offence under the TO 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.
It is also a criminal offence under the TO 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.
"OFTA would not tolerate such illegal activities. We will continue our enforcement actions against the use of illegal radio transmitters," emphasized OFTA's spokesperson.
Ends/Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:58
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