Illegal satellite dishes are still being auctioned on Chinese Internet sites, including eBay, the world's biggest on-line auction site, despite Beijing authorities warning of a crackdown on Saturday.

China's capital has launched a month-long hunt for illegal satellite dishes that can receive foreign programs. The Beijing Anti-Pornography and Anti-Piracy Office will target the production, distribution and installation of unauthorized satellite dishes and individuals will be fined up to 5,000 yuan (US$625) for installing a satellite dish.

Two days after the ban, satellite dish advertisements are still up and running on Internet auctions sites including eBay.com.cn.

"These ads were posted before the ban and we haven't had time to delete the auctions," said an official with eBay.com.cn, quoted in Monday's Beijing Daily Messenger.

"We can delete these postings, but we cannot prevent new auctions of satellite dishes on our website," an official with Taobao.com, eBay's Chinese rival was quoted as saying.

The official said it was difficult for the website to check the legitimacy of each auction item.

China's regulation on satellite dishes issued in 1993 prohibits individuals or work units from setting up satellite dishes to receive foreign programs.

Satellite dishes are legally allowed only in hotels above three stars, office buildings and apartments that are designed for foreigners.

However, many foreigners who work in Beijing and live in Chinese apartment complexes, as well as some Chinese, find the available programs on Chinese television unsatisfactory.

Satellite dishes sold on on-line auction sites range in price from 1,200 to 7,000 yuan (US$150 to 875) depending on the number of channels available.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2006)