Satellite Keys Not Protected Property, Some Claim

Satellite keys are security codes programmed into satellite TV receivers. These codes are designed to work with the access cards the satellite TV companies send to customers when they subscribe. The codes identify valid access cards. The cards enable the receiver to decode the encrypted TV signals authorized by the subscription. Most people subscribe to fewer channels than the 400 – 1,000 that are available, depending upon the satellite service provider. Satellite keys are periodically changed as a security device to prevent hackers from using them to work with altered access cards and free access to all of the TV channels.

The satellite TV providers claim that these satellite keys are their property and encoding this information on altered cards is illegal. Because satellite technology is so new, there is very little law regarding ownership rights of the intangible satellite signals, satellite keys or other aspects of the Satellite television service industry. Furthermore, broadcast signals travel through space and may be received in nations other than the country of origin. Not only are local and national laws and regulations being defined, efforts will also need to modernize international law.

Hackers, or testers, claim the satellite TV providers do not have exclusive rights to the airwaves, signals traveling through space or the satellite keys used to block access to these signals. These hackers claim that the satellite keys cannot be copyrighted because they are changed periodically. The argument is that for a key to be copyrighted it must be fixed. These hackers claim that since the beginning of TV, the legal premise has been that airwaves are in the public domain. The argument continues that since TV broadcast signals are transmitted via the airwaves, the TV companies cannot charge for content since they use a public domain vehicle to deliver the content.

Whether or not satellite keys are protected property will be up to the courts to decide. It may take years. In the meantime the satellite TV service  providers are taking steps to stop what they regard is theft. They are periodically changing the satellite keys, developing and sending electronic counter measures to discontinue service to people without paid subscriptions and prosecuting hackers in court. All of this adds up to greater costs for the paying subscriber.

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