Illegal satellite dishes are still being auctioned on Chinese
Internet sites, including eBay, the world's biggest on-line auction
site, despite Beijing authorities warning of a crackdown on
Saturday.
China's capital has launched a month-long hunt for illegal
satellite dishes that can receive foreign programs. The Beijing
Anti-Pornography and Anti-Piracy Office will target the production,
distribution and installation of unauthorized satellite dishes and
individuals will be fined up to 5,000 yuan (US$625) for installing
a satellite dish.
Two days after the ban, satellite dish advertisements are still
up and running on Internet auctions sites including
eBay.com.cn.
"These ads were posted before the ban and we haven't had time to
delete the auctions," said an official with eBay.com.cn, quoted in
Monday's Beijing Daily Messenger.
"We can delete these postings, but we cannot prevent new
auctions of satellite dishes on our website," an official with
Taobao.com, eBay's Chinese rival was quoted as saying.
The official said it was difficult for the website to check the
legitimacy of each auction item.
China's regulation on satellite dishes issued in 1993 prohibits
individuals or work units from setting up satellite dishes to
receive foreign programs.
Satellite dishes are legally allowed only in hotels above three
stars, office buildings and apartments that are designed for
foreigners.
However, many foreigners who work in Beijing and live in Chinese
apartment complexes, as well as some Chinese, find the available
programs on Chinese television unsatisfactory.
Satellite dishes sold on on-line auction sites range in price
from 1,200 to 7,000 yuan (US$150 to 875) depending on the number of
channels available.
(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2006)
