Re: broadcast encryption

[Chris Knight <cknight@crl.com>]

On Wed, 3 Aug 1994, Paul J. Ste. Marie wrote:

> So how is it that the satellite companies are allowed to encrypt their
> signals, while individuals are not?  Another example where
> corporations have greater rights than individuals?
> 
> 	--Paul
> 


I'm sure I'll get corrected if I'm wrong, since my only claim to HAM 
knowledge is a couple of freinds and attendance at countless midwest 
HAM-fests...

  I believe a HAM license allows you to transmit on certain semi-publicly 
allocated frequency ranges.  Companies encrypting their satalite 
uplink/downlink have paid for an exclusive license for that particular 
frequency, and can therefore scramble transmissions to protect their 
commercial interest.

  So, do I get flamed now?

-ck