Expatriates living in foreign communities will be able to install satellite TV receivers once their applications are approved.

With the launch of a month-long crackdown on illegal satellite TV receivers last week, many foreigners in the city have been concerned about being able to watch overseas programs via satellite.

"Only foreign communities, including apartment buildings and villa compounds which accommodate expatriates, or foreign-invested factory dormitories, can apply for the installation of satellite TV receivers in the name of the housing estate or company.

"They can submit the application to us and then we will send their applications to the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Radio, Film and Television for final approval," said an official from the Shenzhen Municipal Radio, Film and Television Administration Bureau.

"After the application is approved, we will send professional installation staff with satellite TV receiving equipment to the apartments or dormitories. Foreign residents should be careful about the illegal sale of such equipment on the market," he said.

Individual expatriates who don't live in foreign communities can apply to Shenzhen Topway Video Communication Co. Ltd., the city's cable TV program provider, for digital cable TV service that would include foreign channels such as BBC.

According to the satellite TV receivers management regulation promulgated by State Council in 1993, only nationally recognized two-star or above graded foreign-related hotels and apartments can apply for the purchase and installation of satellite TV equipment. They must apply in the name of the hotel or the apartment instead of individually.

The only exception for an individual to apply for satellite TV is for those who can not receive TV signals. They can apply but they will be restricted to receiving domestic TV programs.

Large work units such as research institutions or finance companies can submit an application for satellite TV, but they can only apply for overseas programs related to their work.

(Shenzhen Daily August 18, 2004)