§ 10-16-1. Community antenna systems—Connecting, modifying or tampering with franchised system.

A.

It is unlawful for any person to make or use any unauthorized connection whether physically, electrically, acoustically, inductively or otherwise with any part of a franchised cable television system for the purpose of enabling himself or herself or others to receive or use any television signal, radio signal, picture, program or sound, without payment to the owner of such system.

B.

It is unlawful for any person without consent of the franchise owner to willfully transfer with, remove, or injure in any manner cables, wires, or equipment used for the distribution of television signals, radio signals, pictures, programs or sound.

C.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to licensed and certified electrical contractors while performing usual and ordinary service in accordance with recognized standards.

(Code 1967, § 12½-1; Code 1985, § 10-1; Ord. No. 1712, §§ 1—3, 5-1-1973)

State law reference

Communications theft, T.C.A. § 39-14-149.