Part IV Miscellaneous
General assistance for industry
13AF1Improvement of electronic communications networks and services etc
1
This section applies if it appears to the Secretary of State that adequate provision has not been made for an area in respect of electronic communications facilities.
2
The Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make a grant or loan towards the cost of improving an electronic communications facility if—
a
the Secretary of State considers that doing so is likely to contribute to the development of industry in the area, or
b
the Secretary of State considers that doing so is likely to benefit the area in any other way (for example, by improving social or economic inclusion), and the grant or loan is made to an undertaking that is, or is to be, carried on in the area.
3
In this section—
a
“area” means the United Kingdom or a part or area of the United Kingdom;
b
“electronic communications facility” means an electronic communications network, electronic communications service or associated facility, as defined by section 32 of the Communications Act 2003.
4
The power conferred by this section is in addition to any other powers of the Secretary of State to make grants or loans.