Communications Act 2003

139 Penalties for contravention of information requirements U.K.

[F1 (1) This section applies where a person is given a notification under section 138 which specifies a proposed penalty.]

(2) OFCOM may [F2 specify a penalty] if—

F3 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) no proceedings for an offence under section 144 have been brought against the notified person in respect of the contravention.

(3) Where a notification under section 138 relates to more than one contravention, a separate penalty may be [F4 specified] in respect of each contravention.

(4) Where such a notification relates to a continuing contravention, no more than one penalty may be [F5 specified] in respect of the period of contravention specified in the notification.

[F6 (4A) But, in relation to a continuing contravention, a penalty may be specified in respect of each day on which the contravention continues after—

(a) the giving of a confirmation decision under section 139A(4)(c) which requires immediate action; or

(b) the expiry of any period specified in the confirmation decision for complying with a requirement so specified.

(4B) The amount of a penalty under subsection (4A) is to be such amount not exceeding £500 per day as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

(b) proportionate to the contravention in respect of which it is imposed.]

(5) The amount of [F7 any other penalty notified] under this section is to be such amount not exceeding [F8 £2,000,000] as OFCOM determine to be both—

(a) appropriate; and

(b) proportionate to the contravention in respect of which it is imposed.

F9 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F9 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F9 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) The Secretary of State may by order amend this section so as to substitute a different maximum penalty for the maximum penalty for the time being specified in subsection (5).

(10) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (9) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 139(1) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(a) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

F2 Words in s. 139(2) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(b) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

F3 S. 139(2)(a)(b) omitted (26.5.2011) by virtue of The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(c) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

F4 Word in s. 139(3) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(d) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

F5 Word in s. 139(4) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(d) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

F6 S. 139(4A)(4B) inserted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(e) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

F7 Words in s. 139(5) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(f) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

F8 Word in s. 139(5) substituted (13.7.2011) by The Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty for Contravention of Information Requirements) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1773), arts. 1, 2(1) (with art. 2(2))

F9 S. 139(6)-(8) omitted (26.5.2011) by virtue of The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(g) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Ss. 138-139A applied (with modifications) (31.7.2016) by The Communications (Access to Infrastructure) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/700), regs. 1, 17(6), (7)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 139 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I2 S. 139 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)