or decision
on 17 January 1989
CONFIDENTIAL
XCC (89) 6 Copy No..
MEMORANDUM FOR TEATIVE COUNCIL MAY
[FXEN TIRES DONCIL MA+ PA
RECEPTION OF SATELLITE TELEVISION SIGNALS
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THE PROBLEM
In recent years, with reducing cost s and size Of reception equipment, the use of satellites for television programme reception has been increasing. In Hong Kong, as elsewhere, individuals and organisations such as hotels have sought to establish and operate their own satellite signal receiving equipment by means of "television receive only" (TVRO) dishes.
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The Attorney General's Chambers advise that, under the current provisions of the Telecommunication Ordinance, TVRO dishes are required to be licensed. In addition, Cable and Wireless (Hong Kong) Limited (CWHK) has been granted the exclusive right to operate external television and voice programme transmission services including the reception of satellite television signals, except in cases where a direction in writing is given by the Governor in Council. It needs to be decided whether an appropriate direction should be given by the Governor in Council and whether the licensing requirement for TVRO dishes should be dispensed with.
ADVICE
RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT
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It is recommended that approval in principle be given
to the following policy proposals
Note
(a) the use of TVRO satellite receiving equipment for the reception of satellite television signals intended for general reception should be exempted from licensing;
(b)
a sy st em which carries satellite television signals from a single TVRO satellite aerial, by wire or other material substance which does not Cross a public street or unleased Crown
"intended for general reception", refers to satellite television signals received directly by anyone within the coverage range of the satellite in the same way as the signals intended for general reception broadcast by the terrestrial TV broadcasters.
CONFIDENTIAL