Ofcom, the United Kingdom’s telecom regulator, has issued a notice on the dangers of pirate radio and the ongoing enforcement challenges this illegal activity presents. The Ofcom statement pointed out that illegal broadcasts endanger both first responders and ordinary citizens when air traffic control and ambulance, fire, and police radio communications are unavailable because of overriding interference. Additionally, they interfere with the program offerings of legitimate, licensed broadcasters. Tasked with combating this problem, Ofcom monitors the airwaves 24/7 and estimates that there are 150 pirate stations operating in the country primarily in urban areas and the crowded South East. During 2007/2008, 43 raids were staged on illegal stations and 838 illegal transmitters were seized. Maximum penalties at Crown Court are an unlimited fine and up to two years in prison.Learn more details at the Ofcom website.
Piratical Peril
