Sri Lanka has over 500 unauthorised satellite and cable television operators and over 300,000 Sri Lankans have been using illegal DTH devices, disclosed a survey by the Ministry of Mass Media and Information. The ministry has issued a public notice warning unauthorised satellite or/and cable based television stations, vendors, distributors, and users of illegal DTH devices; and conducted over 50 to 100 raids to curb this grey market in the past few months.
Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka is also intending to revise the licence fee in accordance with the total turnover of the cable or satellite company. The government will begin registering and regulating all broadcast satellite services which also includes registering all equipment required for satellite transmission and reception; it will also monitor providers, vendors, users and usage of the facilities.
Under the government policy, any institution which operates a television station using satellite or cable technology for business or personnel viewing should have a valid licence issued by the Ministry of Mass Media and Information and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, said Dr Charitha Herath, Secretary of the Ministry.
Maintaining a satellite or/and cable based television station or to importing , producing, selling, renting, repairing or distributing any satellite or cable TV related equipment is an offence punishable under the country’s law. The licensee has no authority to hand over or transfer the satellite or cable base television broadcasting licence issued under specific regulations and conditions to any other party, individual or an institution.
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