Is it legal to ban the use of satellite dishes to receive television programs?

Legal.

According to the "Regulations on the Management of Satellite Television Broadcasting Ground Receiving Facilities" (Order No. 129 of the State Council of the People's Republic of China), Article 9 stipulates: Individuals are not allowed to install and use satellite ground receiving facilities.

1. If there are special circumstances, and individuals really need to install and use satellite ground receiving facilities and meet the licensing conditions stipulated by the Radio, Film and Television Administration Department of the State Council, they must apply to their unit and obtain approval from the local county or city. After approval by the radio and television administrative department of the people's government, it shall be submitted to the radio and television administrative department of the people's government of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government for review and approval.

2. Paragraph 2 of Article 11 stipulates: Anyone who violates these regulations and installs and uses satellite ground receiving facilities without authorization shall have the satellite ground receiving facilities installed and used by the radio and television administrative department confiscated and the individual A fine of not more than 5,000 yuan may be imposed, and the unit may be fined not more than 50,000 yuan.

3. It can be seen that it is illegal for individuals to install satellite antennas without authorization. Once discovered, not only the antenna will be confiscated, but also a fine of up to 5,000 yuan can be imposed. Of course, there are exceptions under special circumstances and only when approved by the radio and television administrative department in accordance with legal procedures.