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Public warned against using illegal cordless phones
The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) today (Saturday) issued a warning to the public that the use of illegal cordless phones is not only liable to prosecution but will also bring them more trouble than the convenience and relatively cheap price they intended to bargain for.
The warning was issued amid the growing popularity of cordless phones in recent years and indications that many users are not aware that under the Telecommunication (Cordless Telephone Apparatus) (Exemption from Licensing) Order, only certain types of cordless telephones are approved to be used in the territory.
Cordless phones which do not conform to the specifications in the Exemption Order are prohibited to be sold or used in Hong Kong except for export purpose.
"It is because such telephones have caused interference to other authorised radio services, like the emergency channels of the police and the fire services, and cellular phones," said a Senior Controller of Telecommunications, Mr Andrew Tang.
About 400 complaints of interference caused by illegal cordless telephones have been received over the past five years.
To prevent the situation from going out of control, OFTA conducts raids on stores suspected of selling such telephones regularly.
He said: "A total of 52 raids were conducted last year, resulting in the seizure of over 600 sets of illegal cordless telephones. The retail value is estimated to be about $500,000."
From the consumers' point of view, illegal cordless telephones are more attractive than the authorised ones because they are relatively low-priced.
However, he warned consumers not to risk prosecution for using such
telephones.
"Any possession or use of illegal radio equipment is liable to fines up to $50,000 and two years' imprisonment," he added.
Mr Tang also noted how the illegal cordless phones were not really bargains because they were prone to all sorts of problems.
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