The National Communications Commission (NCC) reminded Taiwanese fishermen on Monday not to use China’s Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) and its terminal equipment when working at sea. It added that such acts are considered illegal and would result in penalties.
China’s Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is the equivalent of the U.S. government-owned Global Positioning System (GPS) and is used by China’s military, industries and citizens. Taiwan has not approved the use of such equipment and security concerns for their illegal use have been raised in the past.
The reminder by the NCC was made on a Facebook post where it added that the use of BDS and its terminal equipment violates the Telecommunications Management Act. Not only can the devices connect to unapproved satellite communication networks but also involve the illegal use of radio frequencies. Importation, use, and sale of such equipment will result in penalties ranging from NT$10,000 (US$319) to as high as NT$5 million (US$159,614) depending on the type of violation.
The NCC says that fishermen who need to use communications equipment while at sea should use the Inmarsat or Thuraya satellite communications equipment. Not only do these systems comply with regulations but can also be used to request protection and rescue when needed.