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From: john@anasazi.UUCP (John Moore)
Newsgroups: net.ham-radio
Subject: Re: Loss of fredom in communications!
Message-ID: <277@anasazi.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 30-Aug-85 09:45:43 EDT
Article-I.D.: anasazi.277
Posted: Fri Aug 30 09:45:43 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 5-Sep-85 08:20:33 EDT
References: <1040@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Reply-To: john@anasazi.UUCP (John Moore)
Organization: Anasazi, Phoenix Az.
Lines: 24

>  It has always been the case that everyone had the right to receive any
>signal being transmitted on any frequency using any kind of receiver.

Not true! It is my understanding that it has always been illegal to intercept
common carrier signals, even over the radio. This has been used for years
by Microwave Distribution System operators to prosecute unauthorized
reception of their TV signals (here in Phoenix, HBO). It is certainly in
the American tradition to allow anyone to listen to anything, but it has
not been so in the law for many decades.

>I was struck with horror and disbelief after reading this message.  The
>implications of this ruling set the way for making it a crime to monitor
>radio signals unless the sender gives express permission to do so.  I
>suppose this could lead to making it a crime to even own certain receiving
>equipment!  I've seen this in other countries but NEVER thought it would
>happin here in FREE AMERICA!
>
>-Paul


-- 
John Moore (NJ7E)
{decvax|ihnp4|hao}!noao!terak!anasazi!john
(602) 952-8205 (day or evening)