The Office of the Telecommunications Authority has strengthened enforcement action against the use of unauthorised pay-television decoders in commercial premises, and their sale, during the World Cup period.

Regular patrols of pubs and restaurants have been enhanced from a monthly average of 20 to 48. Surprise checks and inspections have also been mounted against commercial premises suspected of using unauthorised decoders.

Two recent raids in Sham Shui Po netted 14 unauthorised decoders, smart cards, smart card programmers, and satellite receivers. Three people were detained for questioning.

The office warned that consumers purchasing or using unauthorised decoders will not only suffer financial loss, but will also face serious legal consequences.