Illegal viewers advised to contact UPC

BUYERS OF illegal digital television decoding devices, which allow free access to subscription television services, could face legal action following the settlement of court proceedings.The settlement by UPC Ireland, and Nagravision SA with Thomas Roddy involved Mr Roddy handing over details of his distribution network in Ireland and his supply network outside Ireland.

A spokeswoman for UPC said it has already been given a list of more than 100 people who installed or received illegal digital boxes from Mr Roddy.

The settlement follows a two-year investigation, Operation Gaelic. UPC said this revealed an extensive distribution network involving the sale of illegal digital boxes and distribution of software that gives access to digital TV subscription channels for free.

UPC Ireland chief executive Robert Dunn said the public should be aware that the company took the use of illegal digital decoders very seriously. "This may appear to be a victimless offence but, in reality, this causes substantial damage to legitimate Irish enterprises - which has an impact on people's livelihoods."

The company was now considering what action to take against Mr Roddy's customers.

"Some consumers using these boxes on our network may be unaware that this is a civil wrong and criminal offence under Irish law.

"This investigation has also disclosed detailed intelligence of Roddy's Irish distribution chain and individuals that purchased from this source. UPC is . . . considering next steps as part of its ongoing anti-piracy investigations."

People who believe they may be using an illegal service can contact UPC to be told how to correct the error to avoid legal consequences at 1800-941999 or fraudteam@ upc.ie.

Mr Roddy said he was happy the case had been settled.

He said he had operated a VAT- and tax-compliant business.

"The business I operated sold satellite receivers. I never advertised these receivers as being capable of unscrambling NTL's premium channels. If people asked me for software I gave it to them. I did not write this software."

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times