Unlicensed broadcasting, also called pirate broadcasting, is transmitting a radio or television signal without the required broadcast license. Some low-power unlicensed transmission is legal, such as under United States Part 15 rules allowing broadcasting at very short range, but the term pirate broadcasting is generally reserved for illegal transmission, particularly pirate radio and pirate television. Governments justify prohibiting unlicensed broadcasting by the need to keep certain frequencies open for emergency communication, control obscene or copyright-infringing content, and preserve licensing revenue.
Facts
Jurisdiction VariationIn the United States, Title 47 CFR Part 15 allows unlicensed broadcasting within a range of just a few meters, so some unlicensed broadcasting is legal there. 1 Classification
Offense Grade Connections
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Sources
1. Unlicensed broadcasting (Wikipedia)
Lead section, second paragraphQuote, Lead section, second paragraph
or "part 15", is a regulation that allows unlicensed broadcasting within a range of just a few meters.
Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School: 47 U.S. Code § 301 - License for radio communication or transmission of energy
Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law SchoolIn Group: Licensing, Duty and Regulatory Offenses, Statute textQuote, In Group: Licensing, Duty and Regulatory Offenses, Statute text
No person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio (a) from one place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States or in the District of Columbia to another place in the same State, Territory, possession, or District; or (b) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States , or from the District of Columbia to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States ; or (c) from any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States , or in the District of Columbia, to any place in any foreign country or to any vessel; or (d) within any State when the effects of such use extend beyond the borders of said State, or when interference is caused by such use or operation with the transmission of such energy, communications, or signals from within said State to any place beyond its borders, or from any place beyond its borders to any place within said State, or with the transmission or reception of such energy, communications, or signals from and/or to places beyond the borders of said State; or (e) upon any vessel or aircraft of the United States (except as provided in section 303(t) of this title ); or (f) upon any other mobile stations within the jurisdiction of the United States, except under and in accordance with this chapter and with a license in that behalf granted under the provisions of this chapter.
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