[d@DCC] Legislative Amendments to the Radiocommunication Act Respecting Direct-to-Home Satellite Television - Questions and Answers

[Russell McOrmond]

  Industry Canada has this on their website.  Comments greatly
appreciated.  I don't understand why legislation is needed for this,
rather than upgrading these systems to using digital technology where 
there would not be "exposed cards".  Doing a quick search for "AVR cards" 
I found things such as SOSSE (Simple Operating System for Smartcard 
Education - http://www.mbsks.franken.de/sosse/ ) which is GPL'd operating 
system for smart cards.  I only find references to generic smart 
card/micro-controller technology, with the main reference to AVR cards 
being devices for infringement coming from Industry Canada itself.

  I guess a useful piece of information for the committee would be to let them 
know alternative uses for this technology so that it is understood that 
they are not just banning devices for infringement, but devices and 
possibly software that has considerable non-infringing purposes.


http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/en/sf01968e.html

   "Satellite piracy can also imperil public safety. The use of pirating 
    devices has been found to create signal interference with 
    communications systems used by airline, search and rescue and police
    services."

  I still haven't gotten anything satisfactory on this, and have only seen 
references to a defective DVD player.


http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/en/sf05757e.html
    "1. Why is Industry Canada so concerned about this particular
     interference problem?

     Public safety and Search and Rescue agencies are critically dependent
     on their radiocommunication systems to provide services to the
     public. When their radio systems are interfered with, the ability to
     protect and serve the public is impaired, leaving human lives and
     property at risk."


Note: Sending relevant information to INST at parl.gc.ca to be translated and
forwarded to the committee would be helpful.  There will only be so much
time available for me to speak, so other people should be submitting
information as well.


-- 
 Russell McOrmond, Internet Consultant: <http://www.flora.ca/> 
 Open letters with Susan Crean http://www.flora.ca/creators/
 Petition for Users' Rights http://www.digital-copyright.ca/petition/
           All citizens are "rights holders"!

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