Luke Mc
11th Oct 2001, 19:26
Hello
Regarding scanners, I am asking how the WT Act 1949 has been interprted, as the clause which prohibits lisening to most radio transmissions says
(i) "uses any wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not, of which neither the person using the apparatus nor a person on whose behalf he is acting is an intended recipient". This is interpreted as meaning that it is a criminal offence to listen to nonbroadcast transmissions etc., this is the view of Radiocommunications agency, and has this been upheld by the courts? I would ague that obtaining information is not the same as lisening in certain circumstances, but have the courts ruled that all unauthorised lisening is prohibited under this section?
Also, on the RA website there is a sheet that lists exemptions from this, including broadcast radio, CB, and also weather and "navigtion" broadcasts. I am not sure exacly what that menas, but it could be interpeted to mean aviation and marine bands,
and weather broadcast ATIS and VOLMET. I beleive that the position that public reception of air band is considered illegal under WT act, but is widley tolerated, I am asking what exactly the position is with regard to "navigation" broadcasts etc.
Luke
Regarding scanners, I am asking how the WT Act 1949 has been interprted, as the clause which prohibits lisening to most radio transmissions says
(i) "uses any wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not, of which neither the person using the apparatus nor a person on whose behalf he is acting is an intended recipient". This is interpreted as meaning that it is a criminal offence to listen to nonbroadcast transmissions etc., this is the view of Radiocommunications agency, and has this been upheld by the courts? I would ague that obtaining information is not the same as lisening in certain circumstances, but have the courts ruled that all unauthorised lisening is prohibited under this section?
Also, on the RA website there is a sheet that lists exemptions from this, including broadcast radio, CB, and also weather and "navigtion" broadcasts. I am not sure exacly what that menas, but it could be interpeted to mean aviation and marine bands,
and weather broadcast ATIS and VOLMET. I beleive that the position that public reception of air band is considered illegal under WT act, but is widley tolerated, I am asking what exactly the position is with regard to "navigation" broadcasts etc.
Luke