What is Free to Air?

Of course we all know that air is free, may it be fresh air or polluted air, its for us to take (cough!). Almost the same thing in Satellite TV, Free to Air TV refers to signals that are unencrypted and without subscription or bill but somethimes with geographical restriction (thats fine with me, can't understand others language anyway). Since its Free to us, then someone must have been covering up the bills (if theres any), I guess advertisers and sponsors is on the back for that. The last time I check with lyngsat.com, there are other countries who have many FTA channels (wow! that's good). And for those other channels with subscription or Pay TV, there are experts who just can hacked them. Don't know how'd they do that, is it the hardware (receivers) or other softwares?, they have their own way, I just have to find it out for myself (if I can!). In the Philippines they say that there's no law regarding hacking encrypted signal for Satellite TV or there's some gray area on existing one.
Although as i recall, maybe last month there's been a raid on Satellite TV set dealers on Manila, headed by NTC (National Telecomunication Commision) and police. I don't have a clear view of this issue, but I think they confiscated the receivers and the dealers can have it back if they are willing to pay P5000 (WOW! higher than the actual unit price). To have a better picture on this, Well we just have to find out Attorney!