Egypt decided on Thursday to impose restrictions on satellite channels’ rental or import of satellite news gathering (SNG) and other communication equipment.

Satellite channels operating inside the country can no longer rent or import such equipment except through the Media Production City, the National Media Authority and ANA company, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) announced on Thursday.

It warned those in the media business that violators will be facing legal action.

SNG is the use of mobile communications equipment for the purpose of worldwide newscasting.

Mobile units are usually vans equipped with advanced, two-way audio and video transmitters and receivers, using dish antennas that can be aimed at geostationary satellites.