Why is it illegal to own a cable descrambler?

1. It is legal to own a cable descrambler. If they were illegal the cable companies would be in trouble. 2. It is legal to use a cable descrambler with the permission of the cable company. FCC regulations prohibit a cable company from frivolously denying a consumer from using a privately owned descrambler. 3. It is illegal to operate a cable descrambler in such a way as to obtain services for which you have not paid.