British telecom regulator Ofcom has issued a report indicating that 2008 was a record year for enforcement actions and fines levied. Illegal broadcasting, or so-called pirate radio, continued to be a problem in heavily populated urban areas. During 2008 Ofcom carried out 36 studio raids, secured 28 prosecutions and 14 formal cautions, removed 489 illegal transmitters, and issued 74 written warnings to combat these illegal activities. Officials stressed that these illegal transmissions can impact safety of life issues including fire, police, and ambulance services, and air traffic control as well as interfere with legitimate licensed programming. The sale of contraband illegal equipment presented problems as well. Websites often facilitate clandestine purchases of mobile phone jammers, FM bugs, broadcast transmitters, and wireless CCTV. All of these devices can cause serious interference to legal wireless devices. During 2008, Ofcom carried out 126 investigations of illegal equipment resulting in 46 written warnings. Also, 420 online listings were removed, and six members of an online sales site were suspended. There were four convictions, a formal caution, and the seizure of six illegal pieces of apparatus.Additional information can be found on the Ofcom website.
Record Fines for Interference
