![]() |
![]() ![]() |
Français | ![]() |
Contact Us | ![]() |
Help | ![]() |
Search | ![]() |
Canada Site | ||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Home | ![]() |
Site Map | ![]() |
What's New | ![]() |
About Us | ![]() |
Registration |
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() Legislative Amendments to the Radiocommunication Act Respecting Direct-to-Home Satellite Television - Questions and AnswersQuestion:
Answer:
Satellite piracy is not a victimless crime. It denies Canadian artists and broadcasters millions of dollars in revenues and contributions to programming production funds. Satellite piracy endangers jobs. The unauthorized reception of DTH satellite programming denies Canadian broadcasters, distributors, artists, and producers millions of dollars each year. Industry research shows that there could be up to 700,000 users of unauthorized DTH services in Canada and a loss of subscription revenues of about $400 million annually. Satellite piracy amounts to unfair competition, particularly in small communities across Canada where cable companies and video store rental outlets have a much smaller customer base. Satellite piracy can also imperil public safety. The use of pirating devices has been found to create signal interference with communications systems used by airline, search and rescue and police services. Many Canadians who acquire pirated equipment after being misinformed by black market dealers that it is legal, risk losing their investments at any time because satellite companies continually find ways to disrupt or cut off unauthorized users. Duped consumers are at risk of getting stuck with useless equipment. Consumer protection laws do not apply to the purchase of illegal goods. Industry stakeholders have informed us that black market activity represents significant transactions worth many millions of dollars. In virtually all instances, these sales are not declared, and are therefore, not taxed by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, representing a substantial loss in tax revenue to the Government of Canada.
Question:
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
Those who will be eligible for such an import certificate will include licensed Canadian satellite service providers such as Bell Express Vu, Star Choice and their agents. Some importers may be issued import certificates where they can demonstrate that these products will be exported after having value added in Canada. This approach allows Canadian companies to continue to service and expand their markets while preserving the integrity of Canada's DTH satellite industry.
Question:
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
For corporations convicted of manufacturing, modifying, importing, or distributing satellite pirate devices, penalties will be increased from a maximum of $25 000 to a fine not exceeding $200 000. For individuals convicted of the same, penalties will be increased from a maximum of $5 000 and/or a maximum of one year in jail to a fine not exceeding $25 000 and/or a maximum of one year in jail. For corporations convicted of decoding an encrypted signal, penalties will be increased from a maximum fine of $25 000 to one of $200 000. Individuals convicted of the same will be subject to a fine of $25 000 and/or a maximum of one year in jail, up from a maximum $10 000 fine and/or a maximum of six months in jail. Corporations convicted of the retransmission of an encrypted subscription programming signal that has been decoded without authorization will be open to a $500 000 fine, up from the current $200 000 penalty. Individuals convicted of the same will be subject to a fine of $50 000 and/or a maximum two year jail sentence, up from a $20 000 fine and/or a one year jail sentence. Question:At what level are the statutory damages being established?
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
|
![]() |
![]() |
|||
Created: 2002-07-18 Updated: 2004-12-02 ![]() |
![]() Top of Page ![]() |
Important Notices![]() |