NTC issues guidelines on cable TV pilferage

MANILA, Philippines - The state-run National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Law next month to boost government’s campaign against cable pilfegare.

NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba issued Memorandum Circular 04-10-2013 or guidelines of Republic Act 10515 otherwise known as the “Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.”

The law prohibits unauthorized interception, reception or use of any signal or service over a cable television system or cable internet system and network.

The law would penalize both subscribers and non-subscribers if prima facie evidence of illegal tapping, interconnection, or reception is discovered.

Cordoba said violators face imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than five years or a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000 or both.

If the violator is a corporation or an association, he said the president, manager, managing partner, or any officer would be considered as direct participant.

The NTC is tasked to undertake an information dissemination campaign to inform the public of the new law and to finalize the guidelines together with major players in the industry including cable TV operators and cable internet service providers.

President Aquino signed the law last April 17 to protect the cable television and cable internet industries from cable pilferage.

The law prohibits illegal tapping of any signal offered over cable TV or cable internet system and the malicious destruction or removal of existing cable TV or cable internet facilities.

It also prohibits recording, reproducing, distributing, importing or selling of any intercepted or received cable TV system or network signals for commercial purposes without the authority of the concerned cable TV operator or cable Internet service provider.