THE BROADCASTING Commission is working with the police to clamp down on illegal cable operators across the island, said Major Ian Miles, the Commission's Executive Director.
To date, 20 illegal operators have been given warnings to cease operations, he said.
Those found guilty could be fined up to $500,000 or imprisoned for three years, or both, said Major Miles.
He explained that the Commission monitored broadcast and subscriber television licensees to ensure that they operate within the framework of the law. He added that the technical monitoring team conducts investigations once complaints are made to the Commission. The findings are reported to the police who have the authority to shut down the illegal operations, he said.
He noted that public education was being done by the agency as a way of reducing the number of illegal cable ventures. He added that the service offered by cable operators had improved, "because there are technical and operational standards that are required of the licensed operators and they are, to a reasonable extent, conforming to these standards".
