This week we’re at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest show of its kind in the world. If you’re in town, come see us at the Bahia Mar Expo Center in booth 606. If you’re not, here’s a question you might hear asked, and it’s my pleasure to answer it.
A lot of folks are under the impression that you can’t use satellite TV unless it’s in a private home. Some people believe that satellite TV can’t be used in businesses, on the road, or on the water. I’ll admit, I was one of those people at one point. Since I’ve been working at Solid Signal, I’ve learned the truth. I’m happy to share it with you.
The legality of satellite TV on the water
There are several reasons you might think that satellite TV in boats is illegal. I’m going to go through each one of them and explain. Keep in mind, I’m not a lawyer, but I do have a long history in the satellite TV industry and I’ve listened to a lot of experts.
1. “Satellite TV is only legal in homes.”
This just isn’t true. Businesses and other operations can absolutely use satellite TV. The key here is making sure it’s all done above board. If you operate a business, or if you’re going to show TV programming in a public space, you need to tell the satellite provider. That way they can make sure that copyright payments go to the right place. Generally speaking, there isn’t much difference between the cost of residential and commercial satellite TV, either.
If you’re on a pleasure craft and you own it, that can still qualify as a residential account. But, if your business owns the boat, that has to be a commercial account even if it’s only used for private events.
2. “Satellite TV isn’t legal outside of your home area.”
So to a degree this is true. You’re not allowed to watch local channels outside your local area. This is the real meat and potatoes of this argument. Federal laws stop programming from being redistributed outside the local area without permission. This is done so big stations like those on the coast aren’t rebroadcast to smaller markets.
If you have marine satellite television, you’ll get your locals in your local area. Once you sail outside the local area, they’ll go away. Simple as that. It’s automatic. You don’t have to do anything about it.
3. “Satellite TV isn’t legal in international waters.”
Now, this doesn’t really even make sense. International waters, generally recognized as 15 miles off shore, are areas where no country can claim that their laws apply. So, if you’re out there, you’re bound by international maritime law and that’s it. International maritime law doesn’t stop you from receiving US satellite broadcasts.
What is usually illegal, though, is receiving satellite broadcasts from another country. Every country is different, but in general if you’re in the Bahamas (which yes, are another country), it’s not legal to receive US satellite broadcasts even if you can. But that’s a matter for the Bahamian government. US laws don’t apply there.
4. “If you have a residential satellite TV account, you can’t use it for your boat.”
The actual problem is using satellite TV in two areas at the same time. That’s what you’re not allowed to do. If you have two homes, or a home and a boat, or a home and an RV, it’s legal to use one at a time. You also have to be the actual person who owns or rents at the address you’re at. In other words, you can’t just bring a receiver to your friend’s house.
Get the real story – talk to us
If you’re in Fort Lauderdale, stop by the Bahia Mar and find us at booth 606. If you’re reading this after the boat show is over, or if you aren’t going to show, just call us! We’re here for you during East Coast business hours at 888-233-7563. If it’s after hours, just fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
