Communications Act 2003

Part 1 U.K. Functions of OFCOM

Transferred and assigned functions U.K.

1 Functions and general powers of OFCOM U.K.

(1) The Office of Communications (“OFCOM”) shall have the following functions—

(a) the functions transferred to OFCOM under section 2; and

(b) such other functions as may be conferred on OFCOM by or under any enactment (including this Act).

(2) OFCOM shall also have any functions in relation to telephone numbers that are conferred on them by the law of the Isle of Man or of any of the Channel Islands.

(3) OFCOM may do anything which appears to them to be incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions, including borrow money.

(4) OFCOM are not to borrow money except with the consent of the Secretary of State, or in accordance with a general authorisation given by him.

(5) OFCOM’s powers under subsection (3) include, in particular—

(a) power to undertake research and development work in connection with any matter in relation to which they have functions;

(b) power to promote the carrying out of such research and development by others, or otherwise to arrange for it to be carried out by others;

(c) power to institute and carry on criminal proceedings in England and Wales or Northern Ireland for an offence relating to a matter in relation to which they have functions; and

(d) power, in such cases and in such circumstances as they may think fit, to make payments (where no legal liability arises) to persons adversely affected by the carrying out by OFCOM of any of their functions.

(6) In exercise of their powers under subsection (3), OFCOM must establish and maintain separate offices in each of the following parts of the United Kingdom—

(a) England;

(b) Wales;

(c) Scotland; and

(d) Northern Ireland.

(7) Part 2 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 (c. 40) (contracting out) is to have effect in relation to the functions conferred on OFCOM by or under any enactment as if—

(a) OFCOM were an office holder within the meaning of that Part; and

(b) a power of OFCOM to make subordinate legislation were excluded from section 69 of that Act to the extent only that it is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(8) In this section “telephone numbers” has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of Part 2.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 1(1) (2) (4) (5)(a) (b) (d) (6)-(8) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I2 S. 1(3) 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))

I3 S. 1(3) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I4 S. 1(5)(c) 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))

I5 S. 1(5)(c) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

2 Transfer of functions of pre-commencement regulators U.K.

(1) As from such date as the Secretary of State may appoint for the coming into force of this section, the functions that are set out in Schedule 1 (functions of the Secretary of State and of the pre-commencement regulators) shall become functions of OFCOM in accordance with that Schedule.

(2) References in any enactment to a person who is a person from whom functions are transferred by virtue of this section are to have effect, so far as necessary for the purposes of the transfers, as references to OFCOM.

(3) The functions of OFCOM are to include the carrying out of the transferred functions, at times after the time when they become functions of OFCOM, in relation to anything occurring before that time.

(4) The provisions of this section have effect subject to—

(a) the modifications made by this Act of the enactments relating to the transferred functions; and

(b) any express transitional or consequential provisions made by or under this Act in relation to those enactments.

Commencement Information

I6 S. 2 in force at 29.12.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1)(3), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I7 S. 2 in force at 1.4.2004 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11) (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/545, art. 2(2)(3)(a))

General duties in carrying out functions U.K.

3 General duties of OFCOM U.K.

(1) It shall be the principal duty of OFCOM, in carrying out their functions—

(a) to further the interests of citizens in relation to communications matters; and

(b) to further the interests of consumers in relevant markets, where appropriate by promoting competition.

(2) The things which, by virtue of subsection (1), OFCOM are required to secure in the carrying out of their functions include, in particular, each of the following—

(a) the optimal use for wireless telegraphy of the electro-magnetic spectrum;

(b) the availability throughout the United Kingdom of a wide range of electronic communications services;

(c) the availability throughout the United Kingdom of a wide range of television and radio services which (taken as a whole) are both of high quality and calculated to appeal to a variety of tastes and interests;

(d) the maintenance of a sufficient plurality of providers of different television and radio services;

(e) the application, in the case of all television and radio services, of standards that provide adequate protection to members of the public from the inclusion of offensive and harmful material in such services;

(f) the application, in the case of all television and radio services, of standards that provide adequate protection to members of the public and all other persons from both—

(i) unfair treatment in programmes included in such services; and

(ii) unwarranted infringements of privacy resulting from activities carried on for the purposes of such services.

(3) In performing their duties under subsection (1), OFCOM must have regard, in all cases, to—

(a) the principles under which regulatory activities should be transparent, accountable, proportionate, consistent and targeted only at cases in which action is needed; and

(b) any other principles appearing to OFCOM to represent the best regulatory practice.

(4) OFCOM must also have regard, in performing those duties, to such of the following as appear to them to be relevant in the circumstances—

(a) the desirability of promoting the fulfilment of the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom;

(b) the desirability of promoting competition in relevant markets;

(c) the desirability of promoting and facilitating the development and use of effective forms of self-regulation;

(d) the desirability of encouraging investment and innovation in relevant markets;

(e) the desirability of encouraging the availability and use of high speed data transfer services throughout the United Kingdom;

(f) the different needs and interests, so far as the use of the electro-magnetic spectrum for wireless telegraphy is concerned, of all persons who may wish to make use of it;

(g) the need to secure that the application in the case of television and radio services of standards falling within subsection (2)(e) and (f) is in the manner that best guarantees an appropriate level of freedom of expression;

(h) the vulnerability of children and of others whose circumstances appear to OFCOM to put them in need of special protection;

(i) the needs of persons with disabilities, of the elderly and of those on low incomes;

(j) the desirability of preventing crime and disorder;

(k) the opinions of consumers in relevant markets and of members of the public generally;

(l) the different interests of persons in the different parts of the United Kingdom, of the different ethnic communities within the United Kingdom and of persons living in rural and in urban areas;

(m) the extent to which, in the circumstances of the case, the furthering or securing of the matters mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) is reasonably practicable.

(5) In performing their duty under this section of furthering the interests of consumers, OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to the interests of those consumers in respect of choice, price, quality of service and value for money.

(6) Where it appears to OFCOM, in relation to the carrying out of any of the functions mentioned in section 4(1), that any of their general duties conflict with one or more of their duties under sections 4, 24 and 25, priority must be given to their duties under those sections.

(7) Where it appears to OFCOM that any of their general duties conflict with each other in a particular case, they must secure that the conflict is resolved in the manner they think best in the circumstances.

(8) Where OFCOM resolve a conflict in an important case between their duties under paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1), they must publish a statement setting out—

(a) the nature of the conflict;

(b) the manner in which they have decided to resolve it; and

(c) the reasons for their decision to resolve it in that manner.

(9) Where OFCOM are required to publish a statement under subsection (8), they must—

(a) publish it as soon as possible after making their decision but not while they would (apart from a statutory requirement to publish) be subject to an obligation not to publish a matter that needs to be included in the statement; and

(b) so publish it in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by the matters to which the decision relates.

(10) Every report under paragraph 12 of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11) (OFCOM’s annual report) for a financial year must contain a summary of the manner in which, in that year, OFCOM resolved conflicts arising in important cases between their general duties.

(11) A case is an important case for the purposes of subsection (8) or (10) only if—

(a) it involved one or more of the matters mentioned in subsection (12); or

(b) it otherwise appears to OFCOM to have been of unusual importance.

(12) Those matters are—

(a) a major change in the activities carried on by OFCOM;

(b) matters likely to have a significant impact on persons carrying on businesses in any of the relevant markets; or

(c) matters likely to have a significant impact on the general public in the United Kingdom or in a part of the United Kingdom.

(13) This section is subject to sections 370(11) and 371(11) of this Act and to section 119A(4) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (which applies to functions conferred on OFCOM by Chapter 2 of Part 5 of this Act).

(14) In this section—

• “citizens” means all members of the public in the United Kingdom;

• “communications matters” means the matters in relation to which OFCOM have functions;

• “general duties”, in relation to OFCOM, means—

  (a)

  their duties under subsections (1) to (5); and

  (b)

  the duty which, under section 107(5), is to rank equally for the purposes of subsections (6) and (7) with their duties under this section;

• “relevant markets” means markets for any of the services, facilities, apparatus or directories in relation to which OFCOM have functions.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 3 excluded by 2002 c. 40, s. 119(4) (as inserted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 385, 411(2) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11))

Commencement Information

I8 S. 3 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

4 Duties for the purpose of fulfilling Community obligations U.K.

(1) This section applies to the following functions of OFCOM—

(a) their functions under Chapter 1 of Part 2;

(b) their functions under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum;

(c) their functions under Chapter 3 of Part 2 in relation to disputes referred to them under section 185;

(d) their functions under sections 24 and 25 so far as they relate to information required for purposes connected with matters in relation to which functions specified in this subsection are conferred on OFCOM; and

(e) their functions under section 26 so far as they are carried out for the purpose of making information available to persons mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (c) of that section.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in carrying out any of those functions, to act in accordance with the six Community requirements (which give effect, amongst other things, to the requirements of Article 8 of the Framework Directive and are to be read accordingly).

(3) The first Community requirement is a requirement to promote competition—

(a) in relation to the provision of electronic communications networks and electronic communications services;

(b) in relation to the provision and making available of services and facilities that are provided or made available in association with the provision of electronic communications networks or electronic communications services; and

(c) in relation to the supply of directories capable of being used in connection with the use of electronic communications networks or electronic communications services.

(4) The second Community requirement is a requirement to secure that OFCOM’s activities contribute to the development of the European internal market.

(5) The third Community requirement is a requirement to promote the interests of all persons who are citizens of the European Union (within the meaning of Article 17 of the Treaty establishing the European Community).

(6) The fourth Community requirement is a requirement to take account of the desirability of OFCOM’s carrying out their functions in a manner which, so far as practicable, does not favour—

(a) one form of electronic communications network, electronic communications service or associated facility; or

(b) one means of providing or making available such a network, service or facility,

over another.

(7) The fifth Community requirement is a requirement to encourage, to such extent as OFCOM consider appropriate for the purpose mentioned in subsection (8), the provision of network access and service interoperability.

(8) That purpose is the purpose of securing—

(a) efficiency and sustainable competition in the markets for electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities; and

(b) the maximum benefit for the persons who are customers of communications providers and of persons who make such facilities available.

(9) The sixth Community requirement is a requirement to encourage such compliance with the standards mentioned in subsection (10) as is necessary for—

(a) facilitating service interoperability; and

(b) securing freedom of choice for the customers of communications providers.

(10) Those standards are—

(a) standards or specifications from time to time drawn up and published in accordance with Article 17 of the Framework Directive;

(b) the standards and specifications from time to time adopted by—

(i) the European Committee for Standardisation;

(ii) the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation; or

(iii) the European Telecommunications Standards Institute; and

(c) the international standards and recommendations from time to time adopted by—

(i) the International Telecommunication Union;

(ii) the International Organisation for Standardisation; or

(iii) the International Electrotechnical Committee.

(11) Where it appears to OFCOM that any of the Community requirements conflict with each other, they must secure that the conflict is resolved in the manner they think best in the circumstances.

(12) In this section—

• “the Framework Directive” means Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services;

• “network access” and “service interoperability” each has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of Part 2.

Commencement Information

I9 S. 4 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))

I10 S. 4 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)

5 Directions in respect of networks and spectrum functions U.K.

(1) This section applies to the following functions of OFCOM—

(a) their functions under Part 2; and

(b) their functions under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum that are not contained in that Part.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to carry out those functions in accordance with such general or specific directions as may be given to them by the Secretary of State.

(3) The Secretary of State’s power to give directions under this section shall be confined to a power to give directions for one or more of the following purposes—

(a) in the interests of national security;

(b) in the interests of relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom;

(c) for the purpose of securing compliance with international obligations of the United Kingdom;

(d) in the interests of the safety of the public or of public health.

(4) The Secretary of State is not entitled by virtue of any provision of this section to direct OFCOM to suspend or restrict—

(a) a person’s entitlement to provide an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; or

(b) a person’s entitlement to make available associated facilities.

(5) The Secretary of State must publish a direction under this section in such manner as appears to him to be appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in his opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(6) The Secretary of State is not required by subsection (5) to publish a direction, and he may exclude matter from a direction he does publish, if he considers the publication of the direction or matter to be—

(a) against the interests of national security; or

(b) against the interests of relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom.

(7) Subsection (4) does not affect the Secretary of State’s powers under section 132.

Commencement Information

I11 S. 5 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))

I12 S. 5 in force at 18.9.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

I13 S. 5 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)

6 Duties to review regulatory burdens U.K.

(1) OFCOM must keep the carrying out of their functions under review with a view to securing that regulation by OFCOM does not involve—

(a) the imposition of burdens which are unnecessary; or

(b) the maintenance of burdens which have become unnecessary.

(2) In reviewing their functions under this section it shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) to have regard to the extent to which the matters which they are required under section 3 to further or to secure are already furthered or secured, or are likely to be furthered or secured, by effective self-regulation; and

(b) in the light of that, to consider to what extent it would be appropriate to remove or reduce regulatory burdens imposed by OFCOM.

(3) In determining for the purposes of this section whether procedures for self-regulation are effective OFCOM must consider, in particular—

(a) whether those procedures are administered by a person who is sufficiently independent of the persons who may be subjected to the procedures; and

(b) whether adequate arrangements are in force for funding the activities of that person in relation to those procedures.

(4) OFCOM must, from time to time, publish a statement setting out how they propose, during the period for which the statement is made, to secure that regulation by OFCOM does not involve the imposition or maintenance of unnecessary burdens.

(5) The first statement to be published under this section—

(a) must be published as soon as practicable after the commencement of this section; and

(b) shall be a statement for the period of twelve months beginning with the day of its publication.

(6) A subsequent statement—

(a) must be published during the period to which the previous statement related; and

(b) must be a statement for the period of twelve months beginning with the end of the previous period.

(7) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in carrying out their functions at times during a period for which a statement is in force under this section, to have regard to that statement.

(8) OFCOM may, if they think fit, revise a statement under this section at any time before or during the period for which it is made.

(9) Where OFCOM revise a statement, they must publish the revision as soon as practicable.

(10) The publication under this section of a statement, or of a revision of a statement, must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by the matters to which it relates.

Commencement Information

I14 S. 6 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

7 Duty to carry out impact assessments U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) OFCOM are proposing to do anything for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of their functions; and

(b) it appears to them that the proposal is important;

but this section does not apply if it appears to OFCOM that the urgency of the matter makes it impracticable or inappropriate for them to comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) A proposal is important for the purposes of this section only if its implementation would be likely to do one or more of the following—

(a) to involve a major change in the activities carried on by OFCOM;

(b) to have a significant impact on persons carrying on businesses in the markets for any of the services, facilities, apparatus or directories in relation to which OFCOM have functions; or

(c) to have a significant impact on the general public in the United Kingdom or in a part of the United Kingdom.

(3) Before implementing their proposal, OFCOM must either—

(a) carry out and publish an assessment of the likely impact of implementing the proposal; or

(b) publish a statement setting out their reasons for thinking that it is unnecessary for them to carry out an assessment.

(4) An assessment under subsection (3)(a) must set out how, in OFCOM’s opinion, the performance of their general duties (within the meaning of section 3) is secured or furthered by or in relation to what they propose.

(5) An assessment carried out under this section—

(a) may take such form, and

(b) must relate to such matters,

as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(6) In determining the matters to which an assessment under this section should relate, OFCOM must have regard to such general guidance relating to the carrying out of impact assessments as they consider appropriate.

(7) Where OFCOM publish an assessment under this section—

(a) they must provide an opportunity of making representations to them about their proposal to members of the public and other persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected to a significant extent by its implementation;

(b) the published assessment must be accompanied by a statement setting out how representations may be made; and

(c) OFCOM are not to implement their proposal unless the period for making representations about it has expired and they have considered all the representations that were made in that period.

(8) Where OFCOM are required (apart from this section)—

(a) to consult about a proposal to which this section applies, or

(b) to give a person an opportunity of making representations about it,

the requirements of this section are in addition to, but may be performed contemporaneously with, the other requirements.

(9) Every report under paragraph 12 of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11) (OFCOM’s annual report) must set out—

(a) a list of the assessments under this section carried out during the financial year to which the report relates; and

(b) a summary of the decisions taken during that year in relation to proposals to which assessments carried out in that year or previous financial years relate.

(10) The publication of anything under this section must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected if their proposal is implemented.

Commencement Information

I15 S. 7 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

8 Duty to publish and meet promptness standards U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to publish a statement setting out the standards they are proposing to meet with respect to promptness in—

(a) the carrying out of their different functions; and

(b) the transaction of business for purposes connected with the carrying out of those functions.

(2) This section does not require standards to be set out with respect to anything which (apart from this section) is required to be done by a time, or within a period, provided for by or under an enactment.

(3) OFCOM may, if they think fit, at any time revise the statement for the time being in force under this section.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) in carrying out their functions, and

(b) in transacting business for purposes connected with the carrying out of their functions,

to have regard to the statement for the time being in force under this section.

(5) Where OFCOM revise a statement under this section, they must publish the revision as soon as practicable.

(6) The publication under this section of a statement, or of a revision of a statement, must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by the matters to which it relates.

(7) OFCOM’s report under paragraph 12 of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11) (annual report) for each financial year must contain a statement by OFCOM summarising the extent to which they have complied during that year with the standards set out under this section.

Commencement Information

I16 S. 8 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

9 Secretary of State’s powers in relation to promptness standards U.K.

(1) Where the Secretary of State considers that the statement published by OFCOM under section 8 is not adequate for securing that they meet satisfactory promptness standards, he may give them a notification to that effect.

(2) If the period of three months after the date of the giving of a notification under subsection (1) expires without OFCOM taking steps which the Secretary of State is satisfied remedy the situation, he may give them a direction under this section.

(3) A direction under this section is one requiring OFCOM to issue a new or revised statement under section 8 in accordance with the direction.

(4) Before giving a direction under this section, the Secretary of State must—

(a) give OFCOM an opportunity of making representations to him about his proposed direction; and

(b) have regard to any representations made to him by them.

(5) Where the Secretary of State gives a direction to OFCOM under this section, he must publish a copy of it in such manner as he considers appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons who, in his opinion, are likely to be affected by OFCOM’s promptness standards.

(6) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to revise their statement under section 8 in accordance with any direction of the Secretary of State under this section.

(7) In this section “promptness standards” means standards of promptness in—

(a) the carrying out by OFCOM of their different functions; and

(b) the transaction by them of business for purposes connected with the carrying out of those functions.

(8) No notification is to be given under subsection (1) at any time in the period of twelve months beginning with the commencement of section 8.

Commencement Information

I17 S. 9 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Accessible domestic communications apparatus U.K.

10 Duty to encourage availability of easily usable apparatus U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to take such steps, and to enter into such arrangements, as appear to them calculated to encourage others to secure—

(a) that domestic electronic communications apparatus is developed which is capable of being used with ease, and without modification, by the widest possible range of individuals (including those with disabilities); and

(b) that domestic electronic communications apparatus which is capable of being so used is as widely available as possible for acquisition by those wishing to use it.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM from time to time to review whether they need to take further steps, or to enter into further arrangements, for the purpose of performing their duty under this section.

(3) OFCOM must not do anything under this section that would be inconsistent with the Community requirements set out in section 4.

(4) In this section “electronic communications apparatus” means apparatus that is designed or adapted for a use which consists of or includes the sending or receiving of communications or other signals that are transmitted by means of an electronic communications network.

(5) For the purposes of this section electronic communications apparatus is domestic electronic communications apparatus except to the extent that it is designed or adapted for use solely for the purposes of, or in connection with, a business.

(6) In this section “signal” includes—

(a) anything comprising speech, music, sounds, visual images or communications or data of any description; and

(b) signals serving for the impartation of anything between persons, between a person and a thing or between things, or for the actuation or control of apparatus.

Commencement Information

I18 S. 10 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Media literacy U.K.

11 Duty to promote media literacy U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to take such steps, and to enter into such arrangements, as appear to them calculated—

(a) to bring about, or to encourage others to bring about, a better public understanding of the nature and characteristics of material published by means of the electronic media;

(b) to bring about, or to encourage others to bring about, a better public awareness and understanding of the processes by which such material is selected, or made available, for publication by such means;

(c) to bring about, or to encourage others to bring about, the development of a better public awareness of the available systems by which access to material published by means of the electronic media is or can be regulated;

(d) to bring about, or to encourage others to bring about, the development of a better public awareness of the available systems by which persons to whom such material is made available may control what is received and of the uses to which such systems may be put; and

(e) to encourage the development and use of technologies and systems for regulating access to such material, and for facilitating control over what material is received, that are both effective and easy to use.

(2) In this section, references to the publication of anything by means of the electronic media are references to its being—

(a) broadcast so as to be available for reception by members of the public or of a section of the public; or

(b) distributed by means of an electronic communications network to members of the public or of a section of the public.

Commencement Information

I19 S. 11 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

OFCOM’s Content Board U.K.

12 Duty to establish and maintain Content Board U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in accordance with the following provisions of this section, to exercise their powers under paragraph 14 of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11) (committees of OFCOM) to establish and maintain a committee to be known as “the Content Board”.

(2) The Content Board shall consist of—

(a) a chairman appointed by OFCOM; and

(b) such number of other members appointed by OFCOM as OFCOM think fit.

(3) The chairman of the Content Board must be a non-executive member of OFCOM but is not to be the chairman of OFCOM.

(4) At least one of the other members of the Content Board must also be a non-executive member of OFCOM other than the chairman of OFCOM.

(5) In appointing persons to be members of the Content Board, OFCOM must secure that, for each of the following parts of the United Kingdom—

(a) England,

(b) Scotland,

(c) Wales, and

(d) Northern Ireland,

there is a different member of the Board capable of representing the interests and opinions of persons living in that part of the United Kingdom.

(6) In appointing a person for the purposes of subsection (5)(a), OFCOM must have regard to the desirability of ensuring that the person appointed is able to represent the interests and opinions of persons living in all the different regions of England.

(7) The validity of any proceedings of the Content Board shall not be affected by any failure by OFCOM to comply with subsection (5) or (6).

(8) It shall be the duty of OFCOM when appointing members of the Content Board to secure, so far as practicable, that a majority of the members of the Board (counting the chairman) consists of persons who are neither members nor employees of OFCOM.

(9) The following shall be disqualified from being the chairman or another member of the Content Board—

(a) governors and employees of the BBC;

(b) members and employees of the Welsh Authority; and

(c) members and employees of C4C.

(10) Before appointing a person to be the chairman or another member of the Content Board, OFCOM must satisfy themselves that he will not have any financial or other interest which would be likely prejudicially to affect the carrying out by him of any of his functions as chairman or member of the Content Board.

(11) A person is not to be taken to have such an interest by reason only that he is or will be a member or employee of OFCOM.

(12) Every person whom OFCOM propose to appoint to be the chairman or another member of the Content Board, shall, whenever requested to do so by OFCOM, furnish OFCOM with any information they consider necessary for the performance of their duty under subsection (10).

(13) In addition to paying remuneration and expenses under paragraph 14(4) of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11), OFCOM may—

(a) pay to, or in respect of, any member of the Content Board who is not a member or employee of OFCOM, such sums by way of pensions, allowances or gratuities as OFCOM may determine; and

(b) provide for the making of such payments to or in respect of any such member of the Content Board.

(14) In subsection (13)—

(a) the reference to pensions, allowances and gratuities includes a reference to similar benefits payable on death or retirement; and

(b) the reference to providing for the payment of a pension, allowance or gratuity to, or in respect of, a person includes a reference to the making of payments towards the provision or payment of a pension, allowance or gratuity, or of any such similar benefits, to or in respect of that person.

Commencement Information

I20 S. 12 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

13 Functions of the Content Board U.K.

(1) The Content Board shall have such functions as OFCOM, in exercise of their powers under the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11), may confer on the Board.

(2) The functions conferred on the Board must include, to such extent and subject to such restrictions and approvals as OFCOM may determine, the carrying out on OFCOM’s behalf of—

(a) functions in relation to matters that concern the contents of anything which is or may be broadcast or otherwise transmitted by means of electronic communications networks; and

(b) functions in relation to the promotion of public understanding or awareness of matters relating to the publication of matter by means of the electronic media.

(3) In determining what functions to confer on the Content Board, OFCOM must have particular regard to the desirability of securing that the Board have at least a significant influence on decisions which—

(a) relate to the matters mentioned in subsection (2); and

(b) involve the consideration of different interests and other factors as respects different parts of the United Kingdom.

(4) It shall be the duty of the Content Board to ensure, in relation to—

(a) the carrying out of OFCOM’s functions under Part 3 of this Act, Parts 1 and 3 of the 1990 Act and Parts 1 and 2 of the 1996 Act,

(b) the matters with respect to which functions are conferred on the Board, and

(c) such other matters mentioned in subsection (2) as OFCOM may determine,

that OFCOM are aware of the different interests and other factors which, in the Board’s opinion, need to be taken into account as respects the different parts of the United Kingdom in relation to the carrying out of OFCOM’s functions.

(5) The power of OFCOM to determine the Content Board’s functions includes power to authorise the Board to establish committees and panels to advise the Board on the carrying out of some or all of the Board’s functions.

(6) The power of OFCOM to authorise the establishment of a committee or panel by the Content Board includes power to authorise the establishment of a committee or panel that includes persons who are not members of the Board.

(7) In this section references to the publication of anything by means of the electronic media are references to its being—

(a) broadcast so as to be available for reception by members of the public or of a section of the public; or

(b) distributed by means of an electronic communications network to members of the public or of a section of the public.

Commencement Information

I21 S. 13 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Functions for the protection of consumers U.K.

14 Consumer research U.K.

(1) OFCOM must make arrangements for ascertaining—

(a) the state of public opinion from time to time about the manner in which electronic communications networks and electronic communications services are provided;

(b) the state of public opinion from time to time about the manner in which associated facilities are made available;

(c) the experiences of consumers in the markets for electronic communications services and associated facilities, in relation to the manner in which electronic communications networks and electronic communications services are provided and associated facilities made available;

(d) the experiences of such consumers in relation to the handling, by communications providers and by persons making such facilities available, of complaints made to them by such consumers;

(e) the experiences of such consumers in relation to the resolution of disputes with communications providers or with persons making associated facilities available; and

(f) the interests and experiences of such consumers in relation to other matters that are incidental to, or are otherwise connected with, their experiences of the provision of electronic communications networks and electronic communications services or of the availability of associated facilities.

(2) The matters to which the arrangements must relate do not include the incidence or investigation of interference (within the meaning of [F1 the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] ) with wireless telegraphy.

(3) The matters to which the arrangements must relate do not (except so far as authorised or required by subsections (4) to (6)) include public opinion with respect to—

(a) the contents of anything broadcast or otherwise published by means of an electronic communications network; or

(b) the experiences or interests of consumers in any market for electronic communications services with respect to anything so broadcast or published.

(4) OFCOM must make arrangements for ascertaining—

(a) the state of public opinion from time to time concerning programmes included in television and radio services;

(b) any effects of such programmes, or of other material published by means of the electronic media, on the attitudes or behaviour of persons who watch, listen to or receive the programmes or material; and

(c) so far as necessary for the purpose mentioned in subsection (5), the types of programmes that members of the public would like to see included in television and radio services.

(5) That purpose is the carrying out by OFCOM of their functions under Chapter 4 of Part 3 of this Act.

(6) OFCOM must make arrangements for the carrying out of research into the following—

(a) the matters mentioned in section 11(1);

(b) matters relating to, or connected with, the setting of standards under section 319 of this Act;

(c) matters relating to, or connected with, the observance of those standards by persons providing television and radio services;

(d) matters relating to, or connected with, the prevention of unjust or unfair treatment in programmes included in such services; and

(e) matters relating to, or connected with, the prevention of unwarranted infringements of privacy resulting from activities carried on for the purposes of such services.

(7) Arrangements made by OFCOM for the purposes of this section may include arrangements for the carrying out of research in one or more of the following ways—

(a) by members or employees of OFCOM;

(b) by the Content Board;

(c) in accordance with arrangements made by that Board;

(d) by persons who are neither members nor employees of OFCOM.

(8) In this section references to the publication of anything by means of the electronic media are references to its being—

(a) broadcast so as to be available for reception by members of the public or of a section of the public; or

(b) distributed by means of an electronic communications network to members of the public or of a section of the public.

(9) This section does not restrict OFCOM’s power to make any arrangements they consider to be incidental or conducive to the carrying out of any of their functions.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 14(2) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 26

Commencement Information

I22 S. 14 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

15 Duty to publish and take account of research U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) to publish the results of any research carried out by them or on their behalf under section 14; and

(b) to consider and, to such extent as they think fit, to take account of the results of such research in the carrying out of their functions.

(2) OFCOM are not required under this section—

(a) to publish any matter that is confidential in accordance with subsection (3) or (4); or

(b) to publish anything that it would not be reasonably practicable to publish without disclosing such a matter.

(3) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates specifically to the affairs of a particular body; and

(b) publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that body.

(4) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates to the private affairs of an individual; and

(b) publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual.

(5) The publication of research under this section must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate.

Commencement Information

I23 S. 15 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

16 Consumer consultation U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to establish and maintain effective arrangements for consultation about the carrying out of their functions with—

(a) consumers in the markets for the services and facilities in relation to which OFCOM have functions;

(b) consumers in the markets for apparatus used in connection with any such services or facilities;

(c) consumers in the markets for directories capable of being used in connection with the use of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service.

(2) The arrangements must include the establishment and maintenance of a panel of persons (in this Act referred to as “the Consumer Panel”) with the function of advising both—

(a) OFCOM; and

(b) such other persons as the Panel think fit.

(3) The arrangements must secure that the matters about which the Consumer Panel are able to give advice include the interests of domestic and small business consumers in relation to the following matters—

(a) the provision of electronic communications networks;

(b) the provision and making available of the services and facilities mentioned in subsection (4);

(c) the supply of apparatus designed or adapted for use in connection with any such services or facilities;

(d) the supply of directories capable of being used in connection with the use of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service;

(e) the financial and other terms on which such services or facilities are provided or made available, or on which such apparatus or such a directory is supplied;

(f) standards of service, quality and safety for such services, facilities, apparatus and directories;

(g) the handling of complaints made by persons who are consumers in the markets for such services, facilities, apparatus or directories to the persons who provide the services or make the facilities available, or who are suppliers of the apparatus or directories;

(h) the resolution of disputes between such consumers and the persons who provide such services or make such facilities available, or who are suppliers of such apparatus or directories;

(i) the provision of remedies and redress in respect of matters that form the subject-matter of such complaints or disputes;

(j) the information about service standards and the rights of consumers that is made available by persons who provide or make available such services or facilities, or who are suppliers of such apparatus or directories;

(k) any other matter appearing to the Panel to be necessary for securing effective protection for persons who are consumers in the markets for any such services, facilities, apparatus or directories.

(4) Those services and facilities are—

(a) electronic communications services;

(b) associated facilities;

(c) directory enquiry facilities;

(d) a service consisting in the supply of information for use in responding to directory enquiries or of an electronic programme guide; and

(e) every service or facility not falling within any of the preceding paragraphs which is provided or made available to members of the public—

(i) by means of an electronic communications network; and

(ii) in pursuance of agreements entered into between the person by whom the service or facility is provided or made available and each of those members of the public.

(5) The matters about which the Consumer Panel are to be able to give advice do not include any matter that concerns the contents of anything which is or may be broadcast or otherwise transmitted by means of electronic communications networks.

(6) The arrangements made by OFCOM under this section must also secure that the Consumer Panel are able, in addition to giving advice on the matters mentioned in subsection (3), to do each of the following—

(a) at the request of OFCOM, to carry out research for OFCOM in relation to any of the matters in relation to which OFCOM have functions under section 14;

(b) to make arrangements for the carrying out of research into such other matters appearing to the Panel to be relevant to the carrying out of the Panel’s functions as they think fit;

(c) to give advice to OFCOM in relation to any matter referred to the Panel by OFCOM for advice;

(d) to publish such information as the Panel think fit about the advice they give, about the carrying out of the Panel’s other functions and about the results of research carried out by them or on their behalf.

(7) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in the carrying out of their functions, to consider and, to such extent as they think appropriate, to have regard to—

(a) any advice given to OFCOM by the Consumer Panel; and

(b) any results notified to OFCOM of any research undertaken by that Panel.

(8) It shall also be the duty of OFCOM (subject to subsection (9))—

(a) to provide the Consumer Panel with all such information as, having regard, in particular, to the need to preserve commercial confidentiality, OFCOM consider appropriate to disclose to the Panel for the purpose of enabling the Panel to carry out their functions; and

(b) to provide the Panel with all such further information as the Panel may require.

(9) OFCOM are not required to provide information by virtue of subsection (8)(b) if, having regard to—

(a) the need to preserve commercial confidentiality, and

(b) any other matters that appear to OFCOM to be relevant,

it is reasonable for OFCOM to refuse to disclose it to the Panel.

(10) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in the case of any advice or opinion received from and published by the Panel which OFCOM propose to disregard in whole or in part, or with which OFCOM disagree in whole or in part—

(a) to ensure that the Panel know OFCOM’s reasons for disregarding or disagreeing with the advice or opinion; and

(b) to ensure that those reasons are or have been published in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing them to the attention of persons who are aware of the Panel’s advice or opinion.

(11) The Consumer Panel must—

(a) as soon as practicable after the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the commencement of this section, and

(b) as soon as practicable after the end of each subsequent period of twelve months,

prepare a report on the carrying out of their functions in that period.

(12) The Consumer Panel must publish each report—

(a) as soon as practicable after its preparation is complete; and

(b) in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(13) In this section—

• “domestic and small business consumer” means a person who—

  (a)

  is a consumer in the market for services or facilities mentioned in subsection (4) or for apparatus designed or adapted for use in connection with any such services or facilities; but

  (b)

  is neither—

  (i)

  a communications provider or a person who makes associated facilities available; nor

  (ii)

  a person who is a consumer in the market in respect of an undertaking carried on by him for which more than ten individuals work (whether as employees or volunteers or otherwise);

• “electronic programme guide” means a service which consists of—

  (a)

  the listing or promotion, or both the listing and the promotion, of some or all of the programmes included in any one or more programme services the providers of which are or include persons other than the provider of the guide; and

  (b)

  a facility for obtaining access, in whole or in part, to the programme service or services listed or promoted in the guide.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 16 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

17 Membership etc. of the Consumer Panel U.K.

(1) The members of the Consumer Panel shall be appointed by OFCOM and shall comprise a chairman and such other members as OFCOM may determine.

(2) The approval of the Secretary of State is required for the appointment of a person to be the chairman or to be another member of the Panel.

(3) In appointing persons to be members of the Consumer Panel, OFCOM must secure that, for each of the following parts of the United Kingdom—

(a) England,

(b) Scotland,

(c) Wales, and

(d) Northern Ireland,

there is a different member of the Panel capable of representing the interests and opinions of persons living in that part of the United Kingdom.

(4) In appointing persons to be members of the Consumer Panel, OFCOM must secure, so far as practicable, that the Panel are able to give informed advice about matters referable to each of the following—

(a) the interests of persons living in rural areas;

(b) the interests of persons living in urban areas;

(c) the interests of small businesses;

(d) the interests of disadvantaged persons, persons with low incomes and persons with disabilities; and

(e) the interests of the elderly.

[F2 (4A) The Secretary of State may direct OFCOM to appoint as a member of the Consumer Panel a person specified by the Secretary of State who—

(a) is a non-executive member of the National Consumer Council, and

(b) is nominated for the purposes of this subsection by the National Consumer Council after consultation with OFCOM.

(4B) Only one person may, at any time, be a member of the Consumer Panel appointed in accordance with a direction under subsection (4A); but that does not prevent OFCOM appointing as a member of the Consumer Panel any person who is also a member of the National Consumer Council.

(4C) A person appointed in accordance with a direction under subsection (4A) ceases to be a member of the Panel on ceasing to be a non-executive member of the National Consumer Council.]

(5) The validity of any proceedings of the Consumer Panel shall not be affected by any failure by OFCOM to comply with [F3 subsections (3) to (4A)] .

(6) It shall be the duty of the Consumer Panel, in carrying out their functions, to have regard to the following interests—

(a) the interests of persons from the different parts of the United Kingdom; and

(b) the interests specified in subsection (4).

(7) A person shall be disqualified from being the chairman or a member of the Consumer Panel if he is a member or employee of OFCOM.

(8) The chairman and every member of the Consumer Panel—

(a) shall be appointed for a fixed period specified in the terms of his appointment but shall be eligible for re-appointment at the end of that period; and

(b) may at any time be removed from the Panel by a notice given by OFCOM with the approval of the Secretary of State.

(9) OFCOM may pay to the chairman and to any other member of the Consumer Panel such remuneration and allowances as OFCOM consider appropriate.

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 17(4A)-(4C) inserted (21.12.2007) by Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (c. 17), ss. 40(a), 66(2) (with s. 6(9)); S.I. 2007/3546, art. 3, Sch.

F3 Words in s. 17(5) substituted (21.12.2007) by Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 (c. 17), ss. 40(b), 66(2) (with s. 6(9)); S.I. 2007/3546, art. 3, Sch.

Commencement Information

I25 S. 17 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

18 Committees and other procedure of the Consumer Panel U.K.

(1) The Consumer Panel may make such arrangements as they think fit for committees established by the Panel to give advice to them about matters relating to the carrying out of the Panel’s functions.

(2) The Consumer Panel may make such other arrangements for regulating their own procedure, and for regulating the procedure of the committees established by them, as they think fit.

(3) Those arrangements may include arrangements as to quorums and as to the making of decisions by a majority.

(4) The committees established by the Panel may include committees the membership of which includes persons (including persons constituting a majority of the committee) who are not members of the Panel.

(5) The membership of every committee established by the Consumer Panel must contain at least one person who is a member of the Panel.

(6) Where a person who is not a member of the Consumer Panel is a member of a committee established by the Panel, OFCOM may pay to that person such remuneration and expenses as OFCOM may determine.

Commencement Information

I26 S. 18 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

19 Power to amend remit of Consumer Panel U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order modify subsection (3) of section 16 so as to add to the matters about which the Consumer Panel are required to be able to give advice.

(2) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM and such other persons as he thinks fit.

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

(4) The power to amend or revoke an order under this section does not include power to provide for a matter to cease to be a matter about which the Consumer Panel are required to be able to give advice.

Commencement Information

I27 S. 19 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Advisory committees U.K.

20 Advisory committees for different parts of the United Kingdom U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in accordance with the following provisions of this section, to exercise their powers under paragraph 14 of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11) (committees of OFCOM) to establish and maintain a committee for each of the following parts of the United Kingdom—

(a) England;

(b) Wales;

(c) Scotland; and

(d) Northern Ireland.

(2) Each committee shall consist of—

(a) a chairman appointed by OFCOM; and

(b) such number of other members appointed by OFCOM as OFCOM think fit.

(3) In appointing a person in accordance with this section to be a member of a committee, OFCOM must have regard to the desirability of ensuring that the person appointed is able to represent the interests and opinions, in relation to communications matters, of persons living in the part of the United Kingdom for which the committee has been established.

(4) The function of each committee shall be to provide advice to OFCOM (including other committees established by OFCOM) about the interests and opinions, in relation to communications matters, of persons living in the part of the United Kingdom for which the committee has been established.

(5) A committee established under this section may also, at the request of the Consumer Panel, provide advice about those interests and opinions to the Consumer Panel.

(6) The consent of OFCOM is required for the giving of advice under subsection (5).

(7) In this section “communications matters” has the same meaning as in section 3.

Commencement Information

I28 S. 20 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

21 Advisory committee on elderly and disabled persons U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in accordance with the following provisions of this section, to exercise their powers under paragraph 14 of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11) (committees of OFCOM) to establish and maintain a committee to provide the advice specified in this section.

(2) The committee shall consist of—

(a) a chairman appointed by OFCOM; and

(b) such number of other members appointed by OFCOM as OFCOM think fit.

(3) In appointing persons to be members of the committee, OFCOM must have regard to the desirability of ensuring that the members of the committee include—

(a) persons who are familiar with the needs of the elderly; and

(b) persons who are familiar with the needs of persons with disabilities.

(4) The function of the committee shall be to provide advice to OFCOM (including other committees established by OFCOM) about the interests, in relation to communications matters, of—

(a) the elderly; and

(b) persons with disabilities.

(5) The committee may also, at the request of the Consumer Panel, provide advice about those interests to the Consumer Panel.

(6) The consent of OFCOM is required for the giving of advice under subsection (5).

(7) In this section “communications matters” has the same meaning as in section 3.

Commencement Information

I29 S. 21 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

International matters U.K.

22 Representation on international and other bodies U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to do, as respects the United Kingdom, such of the following things as they are required to do by the Secretary of State—

(a) provide representation on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom on international and other bodies having communications functions;

(b) become or serve as a member of an international or other body having such functions;

(c) subscribe to such a body;

(d) provide representation on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom at international meetings about communications.

(2) OFCOM shall also have the power, if requested to do so by the Secretary of State, to do one or more of those things as respects any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or a British overseas territory.

(3) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to carry out their functions under this section in accordance with such general or specific directions as may be given to them by the Secretary of State.

(4) The Secretary of State—

(a) is not entitled to direct OFCOM to comply with a request made under subsection (2); but

(b) may give directions about how OFCOM are to carry out any representative role that they undertake in accordance with such a request.

(5) In this section—

• “communications functions” means—

  (a)

  functions relating to the use of the electro-magnetic spectrum for wireless telegraphy;

  (b)

  functions relating to the regulation of television or radio broadcasting or the provision of television and radio services; and

  (c)

  any other function which relates to, or is connected with, a matter in respect of which OFCOM have functions;

• “international meetings about communications” means international meetings relating to, or to matters connected with, one or more of the following—

  (a)

  the use of the electro-magnetic spectrum for wireless telegraphy;

  (b)

  the regulation of television or radio broadcasting or of the provision of television and radio services;

  (c)

  any other matter in respect of which OFCOM have functions.

(6) In relation to—

(a) a part of the British Islands outside the United Kingdom, or

(b) a British overseas territory,

the references in subsection (5) to matters in respect of which OFCOM have functions include references to matters corresponding, in the case of that part of those Islands or of that territory, to matters in respect of which OFCOM’s functions are confined to the United Kingdom.

(7) In subsection (5) “television or radio broadcasting” includes the provision by means other than broadcasting of services similar to those provided by television or radio broadcasts.

Commencement Information

I30 S. 22 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

23 Directions for international purposes in respect of broadcasting functions U.K.

(1) This section applies to—

(a) OFCOM’s functions under the enactments relating to broadcasting; and

(b) the matters in relation to which those functions are conferred.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) to carry out those functions in accordance with any general or specific directions given to them by the Secretary of State for the purpose mentioned in subsection (3); and

(b) to carry out such other functions in relation to the matters to which this this section applies as they are required to carry out by any general or specific directions so given.

(3) The Secretary of State is not to give a direction under this section except for the purpose of securing compliance, in relation to a matter to which this section applies, with an international obligation of the United Kingdom.

(4) A direction under this section must be contained in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(5) In this section “the enactments relating to broadcasting” means—

(a) the 1990 Act;

(b) the 1996 Act;

(c) Part 3 of this Act; and

(d) the other provisions of this Act so far as relating to the 1990 Act, the 1996 Act or that Part.

Commencement Information

I31 S. 23 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

General information functions U.K.

24 Provision of information to the Secretary of State U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to comply with a direction by the Secretary of State to provide him with information falling within subsection (2).

(2) The information that may be the subject of a direction under this section is any information reasonably required by the Secretary of State for the purpose of enabling him to secure compliance with an international obligation of the United Kingdom.

(3) Information that is required to be provided by a direction under this section must be provided in such manner and at such times as may be required by the direction.

Commencement Information

I32 S. 24 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))

I33 S. 24 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)

25 Community requirement to provide information U.K.

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the European Commission requires OFCOM to provide it with information for the purpose of enabling it to perform any of its functions in relation to electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities; and

(b) the information is information obtained by OFCOM in the course of carrying out any of their functions under—

(i) Part 2; or

(ii) the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum that are not contained in that Part.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to comply with the requirement.

(3) If information provided to the European Commission under this section has been obtained by OFCOM from a person who is or, at the time the information was obtained from him, was—

(a) a communications provider, or

(b) a person making associated facilities available,

OFCOM must notify him that they have provided the information to the Commission.

(4) It shall be for OFCOM to determine the manner in which a notification is given under subsection (3).

Commencement Information

I34 S. 25 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))

I35 S. 25 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)

26 Publication of information and advice for consumers etc. U.K.

(1) OFCOM may arrange for the publication of such information and advice about matters in relation to which they have functions as it appears to them to be appropriate to make available to the persons mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) Those persons are—

(a) the customers of communications providers;

(b) the customers of persons who make associated facilities available;

(c) persons who use electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities; and

(d) persons to whom radio and television services are provided or who are otherwise able or likely to take advantage of any of those services.

(3) In arranging for the publication of information or advice under this section, OFCOM must have regard to the need to exclude from publication, so far as that is practicable, the matters which are confidential in accordance with subsections (4) and (5).

(4) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates specifically to the affairs of a particular body; and

(b) publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that body.

(5) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates to the private affairs of an individual; and

(b) publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual.

(6) The publication of information or advice under this section must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate.

Commencement Information

I36 S. 26(1)(2)(a)-(c)(3)-(6) 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))

I37 S. 26(1) (2)(a)-(c) (3)-(6) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I38 S. 26(2)(d) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Employment in broadcasting U.K.

27 Training and equality of opportunity U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to take all such steps as they consider appropriate for promoting the development of opportunities for the training and retraining of persons—

(a) for employment by persons providing television and radio services; and

(b) for work in connection with the provision of such services otherwise than as an employee.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to take all such steps as they consider appropriate for promoting equality of opportunity in relation to both—

(a) employment by those providing television and radio services; and

(b) the training and retraining of persons for such employment.

(3) It shall also be the duty of OFCOM, in relation to such employment, training and retraining, to take all such steps as they consider appropriate for promoting the equalisation of opportunities for disabled persons.

(4) The reference in subsection (2) to equality of opportunity is a reference to equality of opportunity—

(a) between men and women; and

(b) between persons of different racial groups.

(5) In this section—

• “disabled” has the same meaning as in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c. 50);

• “racial group” has the same meaning as in the Race Relations Act 1976 (c. 74) or, in Northern Ireland, the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/869 (N.I. 6)).

(6) The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (4) by adding any other form of equality of opportunity that he considers appropriate.

(7) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (6) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Commencement Information

I39 S. 27 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Charging U.K.

28 General power to charge for services U.K.

(1) OFCOM may provide a service to which this section applies to any person on such terms as to the making of payments to OFCOM—

(a) as they may determine in advance; or

(b) as may be agreed between that person and OFCOM.

(2) This section applies to a service which is provided by OFCOM to a person in the course of carrying out their functions and is neither—

(a) a service which OFCOM are under a duty to provide to that person; nor

(b) one in respect of which express provision is made by or under an enactment for authorising or forbidding the payment of fees or charges.

(3) In this section references to providing a service to a person include references to a service consisting in—

(a) the giving of advice to that person;

(b) the entry of his particulars in a register or other record kept by OFCOM otherwise than in pursuance of an express statutory duty to keep the register or record; or

(c) the taking of steps for the purposes of determining whether to grant an application for an entry in a register or record so kept.

Commencement Information

I40 S. 28 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Guarantees U.K.

29 Secretary of State guarantees for OFCOM borrowing U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may guarantee—

(a) the repayment of the principal of any borrowing by OFCOM;

(b) the payment of interest on any such borrowing; and

(c) the discharge of other financial obligations incurred by OFCOM in connection with any such borrowing.

(2) The power of the Secretary of State to give a guarantee under this section is a power (subject to subsection (3)) to give it in such manner and on such conditions as he thinks fit.

(3) The Secretary of State must not give a guarantee under this section if the aggregate of—

(a) the amounts that he may be required to pay for fulfilling that guarantee, and

(b) the amounts that he may be required to pay for fulfilling other guarantees previously given under this section and still in force,

exceeds £5 million.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order substitute another amount for the amount for the time being specified in subsection (3).

(5) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (4) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of the House of Commons.

(6) Immediately after a guarantee is given under this section, the Secretary of State must lay a statement of the guarantee before each House of Parliament.

(7) Where any sum is paid by the Secretary of State under a guarantee given under this section, he must lay a statement relating to that sum before each House of Parliament as soon as practicable after the end of each of the financial years—

(a) beginning with the one in which the sum is paid; and

(b) ending with the one in which OFCOM’s liabilities under subsection (8) in respect of that sum are finally discharged.

(8) If sums are paid by the Secretary of State in fulfilment of a guarantee given under this section OFCOM must pay him—

(a) such amounts in or towards the repayment to him of those sums as he may direct; and

(b) interest, at such rates as he may determine, on amounts outstanding under this subsection.

(9) Payments to the Secretary of State under subsection (8) must be made at such times and in such manner as he may determine.

Commencement Information

I41 S. 29 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Provisions supplemental to transfer of functions U.K.

30 Transfers of property etc. from pre-commencement regulators U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may, by a direction to any of the pre-commencement regulators, require that regulator to make one or more schemes for the transfer from that regulator to OFCOM of such of the regulator’s property, rights and liabilities as may be specified or described in the direction.

(2) Where a pre-commencement regulator is required to make a scheme, the scheme must be made by such date as may be specified in the direction.

(3) Before making a scheme in pursuance of a direction under subsection (1), a pre-commencement regulator must consult OFCOM.

(4) A pre-commencement regulator who makes a scheme in pursuance of a direction under subsection (1) shall submit that scheme to the Secretary of State for approval.

(5) A scheme that is required to be so submitted shall have effect only if, and to the extent that, it is approved by the Secretary of State.

(6) The Secretary of State, in approving a scheme, may do so subject to such modifications as he thinks fit.

(7) Where the Secretary of State approves a scheme subject to modifications specified by him, it shall have effect with those modifications.

(8) A scheme approved by the Secretary of State under this section shall come into force either—

(a) if no time is appointed under paragraph (b), at the time when the approval is given; or

(b) if the Secretary of State appoints a later time for the coming into force of the scheme (whether when approving the scheme or by subsequently varying a time appointed under this paragraph), at that later time.

(9) Where a scheme is submitted to the Secretary of State under this section, he must—

(a) consult OFCOM about any proposal of his to approve the scheme; and

(b) consult both OFCOM and the pre-commencement regulator in question about any modifications subject to which he proposes to give his approval, or about any proposal of his to refuse approval.

(10) The Secretary of State may, after consulting OFCOM, himself make a scheme for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities—

(a) from a pre-commencement regulator to OFCOM; or

(b) from himself to OFCOM;

and such a scheme shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may appoint (whether in the scheme or subsequently).

(11) The Secretary of State is not to make a scheme for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities from a pre-commencement regulator to OFCOM unless—

(a) that regulator has failed to comply with a direction under subsection (1); or

(b) that regulator has complied with such a direction by submitting a scheme to the Secretary of State that he has decided not to approve (with or without modifications).

(12) Schedule 2 (which makes further provision about schemes under this section) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I42 S. 30 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

31 Transitional functions and abolition of pre-commencement regulators U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of the pre-commencement regulators to take all such steps as are necessary or expedient for ensuring that OFCOM are able effectively to carry out OFCOM’s functions from the time when they are vested in OFCOM.

(2) The pre-commencement regulators, in taking those steps, must comply with every direction given to them by the Secretary of State.

(3) The pre-commencement regulators and OFCOM shall each have a duty to provide the Secretary of State with all such information and assistance as he may require for the purposes of, or in connection with—

(a) his power to give directions under subsection (1) of section 30; and

(b) his powers and duties in relation to the approval and making of schemes under that section.

(4) On such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint—

(a) the office of the Director General of Telecommunications shall be abolished; and

(b) the Broadcasting Standards Commission, the Independent Television Commission and the Radio Authority shall cease to exist.

(5) Section 54 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12) (which provides for the establishment of advisory bodies) shall cease to have effect; and each of the bodies established under that section shall cease to exist on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint.

(6) Different days may be appointed under this section for the Director General of Telecommunications and for each of the different bodies mentioned in subsections (4)(b) and (5).

Commencement Information

I43 S. 31 partly in force; s. 31(1)(2)(3)(4)(6) in force at Royal Assent see s. 411(3)

I44 S. 31(5) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Part 2 U.K. Networks, services and the radio spectrum

Chapter 1 U.K. Electronic communications networks and services

Preliminary U.K.

32 Meaning of electronic communications networks and services U.K.

(1) In this Act “electronic communications network” means—

(a) a transmission system for the conveyance, by the use of electrical, magnetic or electro-magnetic energy, of signals of any description; and

(b) such of the following as are used, by the person providing the system and in association with it, for the conveyance of the signals—

(i) apparatus comprised in the system;

(ii) apparatus used for the switching or routing of the signals; and

(iii) software and stored data.

(2) In this Act “electronic communications service” means a service consisting in, or having as its principal feature, the conveyance by means of an electronic communications network of signals, except in so far as it is a content service.

(3) In this Act “associated facility” means a facility which—

(a) is available for use in association with the use of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service (whether or not one provided by the person making the facility available); and

(b) is so available for the purpose of—

(i) making the provision of that network or service possible;

(ii) making possible the provision of other services provided by means of that network or service; or

(iii) supporting the provision of such other services.

(4) In this Act—

(a) references to the provision of an electronic communications network include references to its establishment, maintenance or operation;

(b) references, where one or more persons are employed or engaged to provide the network or service under the direction or control of another person, to the person by whom an electronic communications network or electronic communications service is provided are confined to references to that other person; and

(c) references, where one or more persons are employed or engaged to make facilities available under the direction or control of another person, to the person by whom any associated facilities are made available are confined to references to that other person.

(5) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (4) apply in relation to references in subsection (1) to the provision of a transmission system as they apply in relation to references in this Act to the provision of an electronic communications network.

(6) The reference in subsection (1) to a transmission system includes a reference to a transmission system consisting of no more than a transmitter used for the conveyance of signals.

(7) In subsection (2) “a content service” means so much of any service as consists in one or both of the following—

(a) the provision of material with a view to its being comprised in signals conveyed by means of an electronic communications network;

(b) the exercise of editorial control over the contents of signals conveyed by means of a such a network.

(8) In this section references to the conveyance of signals include references to the transmission or routing of signals or of parts of signals and to the broadcasting of signals for general reception.

(9) For the purposes of this section the cases in which software and stored data are to be taken as being used for a particular purpose include cases in which they—

(a) have been installed or stored in order to be used for that purpose; and

(b) are available to be so used.

(10) In this section “signal” includes—

(a) anything comprising speech, music, sounds, visual images or communications or data of any description; and

(b) signals serving for the impartation of anything between persons, between a person and a thing or between things, or for the actuation or control of apparatus.

Commencement Information

I45 S. 32 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))

I46 S. 32 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)

Notification by providers U.K.

33 Advance notification to OFCOM U.K.

(1) A person shall not—

(a) provide a designated electronic communications network,

(b) provide a designated electronic communications service, or

(c) make available a designated associated facility,

unless, before beginning to provide it or to make it available, he has given a notification to OFCOM of his intention to provide that network or service, or to make that facility available.

(2) An electronic communications network, electronic communications service or associated facility is designated for the purposes of this section if it is of a description of networks, services or facilities that is for the time being designated by OFCOM as a description of networks, services or facilities for which notification under this section is required.

(3) A person who has given a notification for the purposes of subsection (1) must, before—

(a) providing or making available the notified network, service or facility with any significant differences, or

(b) ceasing to provide it or to make it available,

give a notification to OFCOM of the differences or (as the case may be) of his intention to cease to provide the network or service or to make the facility available.

(4) A notification for the purposes of this section must—

(a) be sent to OFCOM in such manner as OFCOM may require; and

(b) contain all such information as OFCOM may require.

(5) The only information OFCOM may require a notification to contain is—

(a) a declaration of the relevant proposal of the person giving the notification;

(b) the time when it is intended that effect should be given to the relevant proposal;

(c) particulars identifying the person giving the notification;

(d) particulars identifying one or more persons with addresses in the United Kingdom who, for the purposes of matters relating to the notified network, service or facility, are authorised to accept service at an address in the United Kingdom on behalf of the person giving the notification;

(e) particulars identifying one or more persons who may be contacted if there is an emergency that is caused by or affects the provision of the notified network, service or facility;

(f) addresses and other particulars necessary for effecting service on or contacting each of the persons mentioned in paragraphs (c) to (e).

(6) The declaration of the relevant proposal that may be required under subsection (5) is whichever of the following is appropriate in the case of the person giving the notification—

(a) a declaration of his proposal to provide the network or service described in the notification or to make available the facility so described;

(b) a declaration of his proposal to make the modifications that are so described of the network, service or facility specified in the notification; or

(c) a declaration of his proposal to cease to provide the network or service so specified or to cease to make available the facility so specified.

(7) Requirements imposed under subsection (4) are not to require a notification by a person to contain particulars falling within subsection (5)(d) in a case in which—

(a) that person is resident in a member State or has a place of business in a member State;

(b) the notification contains a statement under subsection (8);

(c) the notification sets out an address in a member State at which service will be accepted by the person who, in accordance with that statement, is authorised to accept it; and

(d) OFCOM are satisfied that adequate arrangements exist for effecting service on that person at that address.

(8) That statement is one which—

(a) declares that the person authorised, for the purposes of matters relating to the notified network, service or facilities, to accept service on behalf of the person giving the notification is that person himself; or

(b) identifies another person who is resident in a member State, or has a place of business in such State, as the person so authorised.

(9) The reference in subsection (3) to providing or making available a notified network, service or facility with significant differences is a reference to continuing to provide it, or to make it available, after a change in whatever falling within subsection (5)(a) to (f) was last notified to OFCOM under this section.

(10) References in this section to accepting service at an address are references—

(a) to accepting service of documents or process at that address; or

(b) otherwise to receiving notifications at that address;

and the reference in subsection (7) to effecting service at an address is to be construed accordingly.

(11) Where a description of electronic communications network, electronic communications service or associated facility is designated for the purposes of this section at a time when a network, service or facility of that description is already being provided or made available by a person—

(a) that person’s obligation under this section to give a notification before beginning to provide or make available that network, service or facility shall have effect as an obligation to give a notification within such period after the coming into force of the designation as may be specified in the notice in which the designation is contained; and

(b) that notification is to be one stating that that person is already providing the network or service, or making the facility available (rather than that it is his intention to do so).

(12) Subsection (11) has effect subject to any transitional provision—

(a) which is contained in the notification setting out the designation; and

(b) treats a person as having given the notification required by that subsection.

Commencement Information

I47 S. 33 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))

I48 S. 33 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)

34 Designations and requirements for the purposes of s. 33 U.K.

(1) Before—

(a) making or withdrawing a designation for the purposes of section 33, or

(b) imposing or modifying a requirement under subsection (4) of that section,

OFCOM must consult such of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it as they think fit.

(2) Before making or withdrawing a designation for the purposes of section 33 OFCOM must also consult the Secretary of State.

(3) The way in which a designation for the purposes of section 33 or a requirement under subsection (4) of that section—

(a) is to be made or imposed, or

(b) may be withdrawn or modified,

is by a notice published in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing the designation, requirement, withdrawal or modification to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(4) A designation for the purposes of section 33 may be framed by reference to any such description of networks, services or facilities, or such other factors, as OFCOM think fit.

(5) Requirements imposed under section 33(4) may make different provision for different cases.

Commencement Information

I49 S. 34 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))

I50 S. 34 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)

35 Notification of contraventions of s. 33 U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM determine that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person has contravened section 33, they may give him a notification under this section.

(2) A notification under this section is one which—

(a) sets out the determination made by OFCOM; and

(b) specifies the period during which the person notified has an opportunity of doing the things specified in subsection (3).

(3) Those things are—

(a) making representations about the determination; and

(b) providing OFCOM with the information which the notified person should have provided for the purposes of section 33 but has not.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) to (7), the period for doing those things must be the period of one month beginning with the day after the one on which the notification was given.

(5) OFCOM may, if they think fit, allow a longer period for doing those things either—

(a) by specifying a longer period in the notification; or

(b) by subsequently, on one or more occasions, extending the specified period.

(6) The person notified shall have a shorter period for doing those things if a shorter period is agreed between OFCOM and the person notified.

(7) The person notified shall also have a shorter period if—

(a) OFCOM have reasonable grounds for believing that the contravention is a repeated contravention;

(b) they have determined that, in those circumstances, a shorter period would be appropriate; and

(c) the shorter period has been specified in the notification.

(8) A notification under this section—

(a) may be given in respect of more than one contravention of section 33; and

(b) if it is given in respect of a continuing contravention, may be given in respect of any period during which the contravention has continued.

(9) Where a notification under this section has been given to a person in respect of a contravention of section 33, OFCOM may give a further notification in respect of the same contravention if, and only if—

(a) the subsequent notification is in respect of so much of a period during which the contravention in question was continuing as falls after a period to which the earlier notification relates; or

(b) the earlier notification has been withdrawn without a penalty having been imposed by reference to the notified contravention.

(10) For the purposes of this section a contravention is a repeated contravention, in relation to a notification with respect to that contravention, if—

(a) a previous notification under this section has been given in respect of the same contravention or in respect of another contravention of section 33; and

(b) the subsequent notification is given no more than twelve months after the day of the making by OFCOM of a determination for the purposes of section 36(2) or 37(2) that the contravention to which the previous notification related did occur.

Commencement Information

I51 S. 35 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))

I52 S. 35 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)

36 Enforcement notification for contravention of s. 33 U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person (“the notified provider”) has been given a notification under section 35;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified provider an opportunity of making representations about the notified determination; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may give the notified provider an enforcement notification if they are satisfied—

(a) that he has, in one or more of the respects notified, been in contravention of section 33; and

(b) that he has not, during the period allowed under section 35, provided OFCOM with all the information which he should have provided to them to remedy the contravention.

(3) An enforcement notification is a notification which imposes a requirement on the notified provider to take all such steps for providing OFCOM with that information as may be specified in the notification.

(4) A decision of OFCOM to give an enforcement notification to a person—

(a) must be notified to that person, together with the reasons for the decision, no later than a week after the day on which it is taken; and

(b) must fix a reasonable period for the taking of the steps required by the notification.

(5) It shall be the duty of a person to whom an enforcement notification has been given to comply with it.

(6) That duty shall be enforceable in civil proceedings by OFCOM—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36); or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

Commencement Information

I53 S. 36 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))

I54 S. 36 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)

37 Penalties for contravention of s. 33 U.K.

(1) This section applies (in addition to section 36) where—

(a) a person (“the notified provider”) has been given a notification under section 35;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified provider an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may impose a penalty on the notified provider if he—

(a) has, in one or more of the respects notified, been in contravention of section 33; and

(b) has not, during the period allowed under section 35, provided OFCOM with all the information which he should have provided to remedy the contravention.

(3) Where a notification under section 35 relates to more than one contravention, a separate penalty may be imposed in respect of each contravention.

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

(5) OFCOM may also impose a penalty on the notified provider if he has contravened, or is contravening, a requirement of an enforcement notification given under section 36 in respect of the notified contravention.

(6) The amount of a penalty imposed under this section is to be such amount not exceeding £10,000 as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(7) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified provider; and

(b) any steps taken by him towards complying with his obligations under section 33.

(8) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) within one week of making their decision to impose the penalty, notify that person of that decision and of their reasons for that decision; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(9) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(10) 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 (6).

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

Commencement Information

I55 S. 37 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))

I56 S. 37 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)

Administrative charges imposed on providers U.K.

38 Fixing of charges U.K.

(1) A person who, at any time in a charging year, is a person to whom this section applies shall—

(a) in respect of the network, service or facility provided or made available by him,

(b) in respect of the application to him of a universal service condition relating to matters mentioned in section 66(3),

(c) in respect of the application to him of an SMP apparatus condition, or

(d) in respect of the application of the electronic communications code in his case,

pay to OFCOM the administrative charge (if any) that is fixed by them for the case that is applicable to him.

(2) This section applies to a person at a time if, at that time, he is—

(a) providing an electronic communications network of a description which is, at that time, designated for the purposes of this section;

(b) providing an electronic communications service of a description which is, at that time, so designated;

(c) making available an associated facility of a description which is, at that time, so designated;

(d) a person who without being a communications provider is designated in accordance with regulations under section 66;

(e) a supplier of apparatus to whom an SMP apparatus condition applies; or

(f) a person in whose case the electronic communications code applies by virtue of a direction given under section 106 otherwise than for the purposes of the provision by him of an electronic communications network of a designated description.

(3) OFCOM are not to fix the administrative charge for a charging year unless—

(a) at the time the charge is fixed there is in force a statement by OFCOM of the principles that OFCOM are proposing to apply in fixing charges under this section for that year; and

(b) the charge is fixed in accordance with those charging principles.

(4) Those principles must be such as appear to OFCOM to be likely to secure, on the basis of such estimates of the likely costs as it is practicable for them to make—

(a) that, on a year by year basis, the aggregate amount of the charges payable to OFCOM is sufficient to meet, but does not exceed, the annual cost to OFCOM of carrying out the functions mentioned in subsection (5);

(b) that the cost of carrying out those functions is met by the imposition of charges that are objectively justifiable and proportionate to the matters in respect of which they are imposed;

(c) that the relationship between meeting the cost of carrying out those functions and the amounts of the charges is transparent;

(d) that the charges fixed for persons who are liable to charges by reason only of being persons to whom SMP apparatus conditions apply are referable only to things done in, or in connection with, the setting, modification or enforcement of SMP apparatus conditions or the carrying out of the functions mentioned in subsection (6)(l); and

(e) that the charges fixed for persons who are liable to charges by reason only of being persons falling within subsection (2)(f), are referable only to costs incurred in, or in connection with, the carrying out of the functions mentioned in subsection (6)(g) and (l).

(5) Those functions are—

(a) the relevant Chapter 1 functions;

(b) the carrying out for a Chapter 1 purpose of any research by OFCOM or the Consumer Panel into any of the matters mentioned in section 14(1)(c) to (f);

(c) the publication under section 26 of any information or advice that it appears to OFCOM to be appropriate to make available to the persons mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (c) of that section; and

(d) the function of taking any steps that OFCOM consider it necessary to take—

(i) in preparation for the carrying out of any of the functions mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c) of this subsection; or

(ii) for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out of those functions or otherwise in connection with carrying them out.

(6) The relevant Chapter 1 functions are—

(a) OFCOM’s functions under sections 33 to 37 and 44;

(b) the setting, modification and enforcement of conditions under section 45;

(c) the supervision, as respects the requirements of sections 33 to 37 and of any such conditions, of communications providers and of persons who make associated facilities available;

(d) the monitoring of compliance with those requirements and with any such conditions;

(e) the functions conferred on OFCOM by or under section 55;

(f) their functions under section 105;

(g) their functions under sections 106 to 119;

(h) their functions under sections 185 to 191;

(i) securing international co-operation in relation to the regulation of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities;

(j) securing the harmonisation and standardisation of the regulation of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities;

(k) market analysis and any monitoring of the controls operating in the markets for electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities;

(l) OFCOM’s functions under this section and sections 39 to 43.

(7) A purpose is a Chapter 1 purpose for the purposes of subsection (5)(b) if it is the purpose of ascertaining the effectiveness of one or more of the following—

(a) the regulation of the provision of electronic communications networks or electronic communications services;

(b) the regulation of the making available of associated facilities;

(c) the mechanisms in place for the handling, by communications providers and by persons making such facilities available, of complaints made to them by consumers in markets for such services or facilities;

(d) the mechanisms in place for resolving disputes between such consumers and communications providers or persons who make such facilities available.

(8) OFCOM’s power to fix charges for a particular case includes—

(a) power to provide that the charges in that case are to be equal to the amounts produced by a computation made in the manner, and by reference to the factors, specified by them;

(b) power to provide for different charges to be imposed in that case on different descriptions of persons; and

(c) power to provide for particular descriptions of persons falling within subsection (2)(d) to (f) to be excluded from the liability to pay charges in that case.

(9) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each charging year, OFCOM must publish a statement setting out, in respect of that year—

(a) the aggregate amounts of the administrative charges for that year that have been received by OFCOM;

(b) the aggregate amount of the administrative charges for that year that remain outstanding and are likely to be paid or recovered; and

(c) the cost to OFCOM of carrying out the functions mentioned in subsection (5).

(10) Any deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by a statement under subsection (9) shall be carried forward and taken into account in determining what is required to satisfy the requirement imposed by virtue of subsection (4)(a) in relation to the following year.

(11) Section 34 applies in relation to the making and withdrawal of a designation for the purposes of this section as it applies to the making and withdrawal of a designation for the purposes of section 33.

(12) In this section “charging year” means—

(a) the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the next 31st March; or

(b) any subsequent period of twelve months beginning with 1st April.

Commencement Information

I57 S. 38 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))

I58 S. 38 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)

39 Supplemental provision about fixing charges U.K.

(1) OFCOM’s power to fix a charge under section 38—

(a) is to be exercisable only by the publication or giving of such notification as they consider appropriate for bringing the charge to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it; and

(b) includes power, by setting it out in that notification, to fix the time at which the charge is to become due to OFCOM.

(2) A charge fixed under section 38 for a charging year may be fixed in terms providing for a deduction from the charge on a proportionate basis to be made for a part of the year during which—

(a) the network, service or facility in respect of which it is fixed is not provided or made available by the person otherwise liable to the charge;

(b) the universal service condition in respect of which it is fixed does not apply in that person’s case;

(c) the SMP apparatus condition in respect of which it is fixed does not apply in that person’s case; or

(d) the electronic communications code does not apply in that person’s case.

(3) Such a charge may also be fixed (subject to subsection (4)) so that it is referable, in whole or in part—

(a) to the provision or making available of a network, service or facility during a part of the year falling before the fixing of the charge;

(b) to the application of a universal service condition to a person for a part of the year so falling;

(c) to a person’s being a person to whom an SMP apparatus condition applies for a part of the year so falling; or

(d) to the application of the electronic communications code in a person’s case during a part of the year so falling.

(4) A charge may be fixed so as to be referable to a time before it is fixed to the extent only that both—

(a) the imposition of the charge, and

(b) the amount of the charge,

are required by, and consistent with, the statement of charging principles in force at the beginning of the charging year.

(5) Before making or revising a statement of charging principles, OFCOM must consult such of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by those principles as they think fit.

(6) The way in which a statement of charging principles must be made or may be revised is by the publication of the statement or revised statement in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(7) References in this section to a statement of charging principles are references to a statement by OFCOM of the principles that they are proposing to apply in fixing charges under section 38 for a charging year.

(8) In this section “charging year” has the same meaning as in section 38.

Commencement Information

I59 S. 39 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))

I60 S. 39 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)

40 Notification of non-payment of charges U.K.

(1) OFCOM are not entitled to bring proceedings for the recovery from a person of an administrative charge fixed for any year under section 38 unless they have given that person a notification under this section with respect to the amount they are seeking to recover.

(2) Where OFCOM determine that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person is in contravention (whether in respect of the whole or a part of a charge) of a requirement to pay such an administrative charge, they may give him a notification under this section.

(3) A notification under this section is one which—

(a) sets out the determination made by OFCOM; and

(b) specifies the period during which the person notified has an opportunity of doing the things specified in subsection (4).

(4) Those things are—

(a) making representations about the notified determination; and

(b) paying the unpaid charge or (as the case may be) the amount outstanding.

(5) Subject to subsections (6) to (8), the period for doing those things must be the period of one month beginning with the day after the one on which the notification was given.

(6) OFCOM may, if they think fit, allow a longer period for doing those things either—

(a) by specifying a longer period in the notification; or

(b) by subsequently, on one or more occasions, extending the specified period.

(7) The person notified shall have a shorter period for doing those things if a shorter period is agreed between OFCOM and the person notified.

(8) The person notified shall also have a shorter period if—

(a) OFCOM have reasonable grounds for believing that the contravention is a repeated contravention;

(b) they have determined that, in those circumstances, a shorter period would be appropriate; and

(c) the shorter period has been specified in the notification.

(9) A notification under this section—

(a) may be given in respect of contraventions of more than one requirement to pay an administrative charge; and

(b) if it is given in respect of a continuing contravention, may be given in respect of any period during which the contravention has continued.

(10) Where a notification under this section has been given to a person in respect of an amount outstanding, OFCOM may give a further notification in respect of the whole or a part of that amount if, and only if—

(a) the subsequent notification is in respect of so much of a period during which that amount was outstanding as falls after a period to which the earlier notification relates; or

(b) the earlier notification has been withdrawn without a penalty having been imposed in respect of the matters notified.

(11) For the purposes of this section a contravention is a repeated contravention, in relation to a notification with respect to that contravention, if—

(a) a previous notification under this section has been given in respect of the same contravention or in respect of another contravention of a requirement to pay an administrative charge; and

(b) the subsequent notification is given no more than twelve months after the day of the making by OFCOM of a determination for the purposes of section 41(2) that the contravention to which the previous notification related did occur.

Commencement Information

I61 S. 40 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))

I62 S. 40 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)

41 Penalties for non-payment of charges U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person (“the notified charge payer”) has been given a notification under section 40;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified charge payer an opportunity of making representations about the notified determination; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may impose a penalty on the notified charge payer if he—

(a) has, in one or more of the respects notified, been in contravention of a requirement to pay an administrative charge fixed under section 38; and

(b) has not, during the period allowed under section 40, paid the whole of the notified amount outstanding.

(3) Where a notification under section 40 relates to more than one contravention, a separate penalty may be imposed in respect of each contravention.

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

(5) The amount of a penalty imposed under this section is to be such amount, not exceeding twice the amount of the charge fixed for the relevant year, as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(6) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified charge payer; and

(b) any steps taken by him towards paying the amounts that he was notified under section 40 were outstanding.

(7) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) within one week of making their decision to impose the penalty, notify that person of that decision and of their reasons for that decision; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(8) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(9) In this section “the relevant year”, in relation to a contravention of a requirement to pay the whole or a part of the administrative charge fixed for any year, means that year.

(10) The provisions of this section do not affect OFCOM’s power, apart from those provisions, to bring proceedings (whether before or after the imposition of a penalty under this section) for the recovery of the whole or part of an amount due to them under section 38(1).

Commencement Information

I63 S. 41 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))

I64 S. 41 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)

42 Suspending service provision for non-payment U.K.

(1) OFCOM may give a direction under this section to a person who is a communications provider or who makes associated facilities available (“the contravening provider”) if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is or has been in serious and repeated contravention of requirements to pay administrative charges fixed under section 38 (whether in respect of the whole or a part of the charges);

(b) that the contraventions are not contraventions relating only to charges in respect of the application to the contravening provider of SMP apparatus conditions;

(c) that the bringing of proceedings for the recovery of the amounts outstanding has failed to secure complete compliance by the contravening provider with the requirements to pay the charges fixed in his case, or has no reasonable prospect of securing such compliance;

(d) that an attempt, by the imposition of penalties under section 41, to secure such compliance has failed; and

(e) that the giving of the direction is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness (when repeated as they have been) of the contraventions.

(2) A direction under this section is—

(a) a direction that the entitlement of the contravening provider to provide electronic communications networks or electronic communications services, or to make associated facilities available, is suspended (either generally or in relation to particular networks, services or facilities); or

(b) a direction that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the direction.

(3) A direction under this section—

(a) must specify the networks, services and facilities to which it relates; and

(b) except so far as it otherwise provides, takes effect for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(4) A direction under this section—

(a) in providing for the effect of a suspension or restriction to be postponed may provide for it to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with the suspension or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the contravening provider as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that provider’s customers.

(5) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the contravening provider’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(6) OFCOM are not to give a direction under this section unless they have—

(a) notified the contravening provider of the proposed direction and of the conditions (if any) which they are proposing to impose by that direction;

(b) provided him with an opportunity of making representations about the proposals and of proposing steps for remedying the situation; and

(c) considered every representation and proposal made to them during the period allowed by them for the contravening provider to take advantage of that opportunity.

(7) That period must be one ending not less than one month after the day of the giving of the notification.

(8) If OFCOM consider it appropriate to do so (whether or not in consequence of any representations or proposals made to them), they may revoke a direction under this section, or modify its conditions—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such networks, services or facilities, or parts of a network, service or facility, as they may determine.

(9) For the purposes of this section there are repeated contraventions by a person of requirements to pay administrative charges to the extent that—

(a) in the case of a previous notification given to that person under section 40, OFCOM have determined for the purposes of section 41(2) that such a contravention did occur; and

(b) in the period of twelve months following the day of the making of that determination, one or more further notifications have been given to that person in respect of the same or different failures to pay administrative charges.

Commencement Information

I65 S. 42 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))

I66 S. 42 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)

43 Enforcement of directions under s. 42 U.K.

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he provides an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or makes available any associated facility—

(a) while his entitlement to do so is suspended by a direction under section 42; or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(3) The duty of a person to comply with a condition of a direction under section 42 shall be a duty owed to every person who may be affected by a contravention of the condition.

(4) Where a duty is owed by virtue of subsection (3) to a person—

(a) a breach of the duty that causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(b) an act which—

(i) by inducing a breach of the duty or interfering with its performance, causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(ii) is done wholly or partly for achieving that result,

shall be actionable at the suit or instance of that person.

(5) In proceedings brought against a person by virtue of subsection (4)(a) it shall be a defence for that person to show that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the condition in question.

(6) Sections 94 to 99 apply in relation to a contravention of conditions imposed by a direction under section 42 as they apply in relation to a contravention of conditions set under section 45.

Commencement Information

I67 S. 43 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))

I68 S. 43 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)

Register of providers required to notify or to pay charges U.K.

44 Duty of OFCOM to keep publicly accessible register U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to establish and maintain a register for the purposes of section 33.

(2) OFCOM must record in the register—

(a) every designation by them for the purposes of section 33 or 38;

(b) every withdrawal by them of such a designation;

(c) every notification given to them under section 33; and

(d) every notification treated as given to them under that section by a transitional provision made under subsection (12) of that section.

(3) Information recorded in the register must be so recorded in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to publish a notification setting out—

(a) the times at which the register is for the time being available for public inspection; and

(b) the fees that must be paid for, or in connection with, an inspection of the register.

(5) The publication of a notification under subsection (4) must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(6) OFCOM must make the register available for public inspection—

(a) during such hours, and

(b) on payment of such fees,

as are set out in the notification for the time being in force under subsection (4).

Commencement Information

I69 S. 44 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))

I70 S. 44 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)

Conditions of entitlement to provide network or service etc. U.K.

45 Power of OFCOM to set conditions U.K.

(1) OFCOM shall have the power to set conditions under this section binding the persons to whom they are applied in accordance with section 46.

(2) A condition set by OFCOM under this section must be either—

(a) a general condition; or

(b) a condition of one of the following descriptions—

(i) a universal service condition;

(ii) an access-related condition;

(iii) a privileged supplier condition;

(iv) a significant market power condition (an “SMP condition”).

(3) A general condition is a condition which contains only provisions authorised or required by one or more of sections 51, 52, 57, 58 or 64.

(4) A universal service condition is a condition which contains only provisions authorised or required by section 67.

(5) An access-related condition is a condition which contains only provisions authorised by section 73.

(6) A privileged supplier condition is a condition which contains only the provision required by section 77.

(7) An SMP condition is either—

(a) an SMP services condition; or

(b) an SMP apparatus condition.

(8) An SMP services condition is a condition which contains only provisions which—

(a) are authorised or required by one or more of sections 87 to 92; or

(b) in the case of a condition applying to a person falling within section 46(8)(b), correspond to provision authorised or required by one or more of sections 87 to 89.

(9) An SMP apparatus condition is a condition containing only provisions authorised by section 93.

(10) OFCOM’s power to set a condition under this section making provision authorised or required by this Chapter includes each of the following—

(a) power to impose a requirement on the person or persons to whom the condition is applied to comply with such directions with respect to the matters to which the condition relates as may be given from time to time by OFCOM or by another person specified in the condition;

(b) power to impose an obligation with respect to those matters that is framed by reference to, or is conditional upon, the giving of a consent or of an approval, or on the making of a recommendation, by OFCOM or by another person so specified;

(c) power, for the purposes of provision made by virtue of either of the preceding paragraphs, to confer a discretion exercisable from time to time by OFCOM or by another person specified in the condition or determined in accordance with provision contained in it;

(d) power (subject to section 51(3)) to set different conditions for different cases (including different conditions in relation to different parts of the United Kingdom); and

(e) power to revoke or modify the conditions for the time being in force.

(11) The directions that may be authorised by virtue of subsection (10) do not include directions withdrawing, suspending or restricting a person’s entitlement—

(a) to provide, in whole or in part, any electronic communications network or electronic communications service; or

(b) to make available, in whole or in part, any associated facilities.

Commencement Information

I71 S. 45 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))

I72 S. 45 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)

46 Persons to whom conditions may apply U.K.

(1) A condition set under section 45 is not to be applied to a person except in accordance with the following provisions of this section.

(2) A general condition may be applied generally—

(a) to every person providing an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; or

(b) to every person providing such a network or service of a particular description specified in the condition.

(3) A universal service condition, access-related condition, privileged supplier condition or SMP condition may be applied to a particular person specified in the condition.

(4) A privileged supplier condition may also be applied generally—

(a) to every person to whom such a condition is required to apply under section 77; or

(b) to every such person who is of a particular description specified in the condition.

(5) The particular person to whom a universal service condition is applied—

(a) except in the case of a condition relating to matters mentioned in subsection (3) of section 66, must be a communications provider designated in accordance with regulations under that section; and

(b) in that excepted case, must be a communications provider so designated or a person who is not such a provider but who is so designated for the purposes only of conditions relating to those matters.

(6) The particular person to whom an access-related condition is applied—

(a) in the case of a condition falling within section 74(1), may be any person whatever; and

(b) in any other case, must be a person who provides an electronic communications network or makes associated facilities available.

(7) The particular person to whom an SMP services condition is applied must—

(a) be a communications provider or a person who makes associated facilities available; and

(b) fall within subsection (8).

(8) A person falls within this subsection if—

(a) he is a person whom OFCOM have determined to be a person having significant market power in a specific market for electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities (a “services market”); or

(b) it appears to OFCOM that he is a person on whom it is necessary, for the purpose of securing compliance with an international obligation of the United Kingdom, to impose a condition containing provision that corresponds to provision which, in the case of a person falling within paragraph (a), must be made (or may be made) under any of sections 87 to 89.

(9) The particular person to whom an SMP apparatus condition is applied must be—

(a) a person who supplies electronic communications apparatus; and

(b) a person whom OFCOM have determined to be a person having significant market power in a specific market for electronic communications apparatus (an “apparatus market”).

Commencement Information

I73 S. 46 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))

I74 S. 46 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)

47 Test for setting or modifying conditions U.K.

(1) OFCOM must not, in exercise or performance of any power or duty under this Chapter—

(a) set a condition under section 45, or

(b) modify such a condition,

unless they are satisfied that the condition or (as the case may be) the modification satisfies the test in subsection (2).

(2) That test is that the condition or modification is—

(a) objectively justifiable in relation to the networks, services, facilities, apparatus or directories to which it relates;

(b) not such as to discriminate unduly against particular persons or against a particular description of persons;

(c) proportionate to what the condition or modification is intended to achieve; and

(d) in relation to what it is intended to achieve, transparent.

Commencement Information

I75 S. 47 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))

I76 S. 47 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)

48 Procedure for setting, modifying and revoking conditions U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this Chapter—

(a) the way in which conditions are to be set or modified under section 45 is by the publication of a notification setting out the conditions or modifications; and

(b) the way in which such a condition is to be revoked is by the publication of a notification stating that the condition is revoked.

(2) Before setting conditions under section 45, or modifying or revoking a condition so set, OFCOM must publish a notification—

(a) stating that they are proposing to set, modify or revoke the conditions that are specified in the notification;

(b) setting out the effect of those conditions, modifications or revocations;

(c) giving their reasons for making the proposal; and

(d) specifying the period within which representations may be made to OFCOM about their proposal.

(3) That period must end no less than one month after the day of the publication of the notification.

(4) In the case of a notification under subsection (2) with respect to an SMP condition, the applicable requirements of sections 79 to 86 must also be complied with.

(5) OFCOM may give effect, with or without modifications, to a proposal with respect to which they have published a notification under subsection (2) only if—

(a) they have considered every representation about the proposal that is made to them within the period specified in the notification; and

(b) they have had regard to every international obligation of the United Kingdom (if any) which has been notified to them for the purposes of this paragraph by the Secretary of State.

(6) The publication of a notification under this section must be in such manner as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing the contents of the notification—

(a) in the case of a notification setting general conditions, to the attention of such persons as OFCOM consider appropriate; and

(b) in any other case, to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by the contents of the notification.

(7) Nothing in the following provisions of this Chapter imposing a duty on OFCOM to set or modify a condition shall be taken as dispensing with any of the requirements of this section.

Commencement Information

I77 S. 48 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))

I78 S. 48 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)

49 Directions and approvals for the purposes of a s. 45 condition U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a condition set under section 45 has effect by reference to directions, approvals or consents given by a person (whether OFCOM themselves or another); and

(b) that person is proposing to give a direction, approval or consent that affects the operation of that condition or to modify or withdraw a direction, approval or consent so as to affect the condition’s operation.

(2) A person must not give, modify or withdraw the direction, approval or consent unless he is satisfied that to do so is—

(a) objectively justifiable in relation to the networks, services, facilities, apparatus or directories to which it relates;

(b) not such as to discriminate unduly against particular persons or against a particular description of persons;

(c) proportionate to what it is intended to achieve; and

(d) in relation to what it is intended to achieve, transparent.

(3) In giving, modifying or withdrawing the direction, approval or consent, a person other than OFCOM shall be under the same duty as OFCOM to act in accordance with the six Community requirements set out in section 4.

(4) Before the direction, approval or consent is given, modified or withdrawn, a notification must be published—

(a) stating that there is a proposal to give, modify or withdraw it;

(b) identifying the person whose proposal it is;

(c) setting out the direction, approval or consent to which the proposal relates;

(d) setting out the effect of the direction, approval or consent or of its proposed modification or withdrawal;

(e) giving reasons for the making of the proposal; and

(f) specifying the period within which representations may be made about the proposal to the person whose proposal it is.

(5) That period must be one ending not less than one month after the day of the publication of the notification.

(6) But, where—

(a) the person giving the notification is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances justifying the use of a shorter period, and

(b) the notification is not one that is required to be sent to the European Commission under section 50(4) or (5),

the period specified as the period for making representations may be whatever shorter period that person considers reasonable in those circumstances.

(7) In a case in which—

(a) a person other than OFCOM is proposing to give, modify or withdraw a direction, approval or consent, and

(b) the condition for the purposes of which the direction, approval or consent has effect, or will have effect, provides for notifications of proposals for the purposes of that condition to be given by that person,

the obligation of publishing the notification for the purposes of subsection (4) of that proposal falls on that person.

(8) In any other case, the obligation of publishing a notification for the purposes of subsection (4) falls on OFCOM.

(9) The person who is authorised to give the direction, approval or consent may give effect, with or without modifications, to a proposal with respect to which a notification has been given under subsection (4) only if—

(a) he has considered every representation about the proposal that is made to him within the period specified in the notification; and

(b) he has had regard to every international obligation of the United Kingdom (if any) which has been notified to OFCOM for the purposes of this paragraph by the Secretary of State.

(10) The publication of a notification under this section must be in such manner as appears to the person publishing it to be appropriate for bringing the contents of the notification to the attention of such persons as he considers appropriate.

Commencement Information

I79 S. 49 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))

I80 S. 49 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)

50 Delivery of copies of notifications etc. U.K.

(1) The relevant person must send to the Secretary of State—

(a) a copy of every notification published under section 48(1) or (2);

(b) a copy of every notification published under section 49(4);

(c) a copy of every direction, approval or consent given for the purpose of giving effect to a proposal required to be published under section 49(4); and

(d) a copy of every instrument modifying or withdrawing a direction, approval or consent for the purpose of giving effect to such a proposal.

(2) The relevant person must send to the European Commission—

(a) a copy of every notification published under section 48(1) with respect to an SMP services condition;

(b) a copy of every direction, approval or consent given for the purposes of such a condition; and

(c) a copy of every instrument modifying or withdrawing such a direction, approval or consent.

(3) OFCOM must send to the European Commission and to the regulatory authorities of every other member State a copy of every notification published by them under section 48(2) with respect to a proposal which—

(a) relates to the setting, modification or revocation of an access-related condition falling within section 73(2) or (4) or of an SMP services condition; and

(b) is a proposal which, in OFCOM’s opinion, would affect trade between member States.

(4) OFCOM must send to the European Commission and to the regulatory authorities of every other member State a copy of every notification published by them under section 49(4) with respect to a proposal which—

(a) relates to the giving of a direction, approval or consent for the purposes of—

(i) an access-related condition falling within section 73(2) or (4), or

(ii) an SMP services condition,

or to the modification or withdrawal of such a direction, approval or consent; and

(b) is a proposal which, in OFCOM’s opinion, would affect trade between member States.

(5) Where it is a person other than OFCOM who is the relevant person who is required to publish a notification under section 49(4) relating to the giving, modification or withdrawal of a direction, approval or consent given for purposes mentioned in subsection (4)(a) of this section—

(a) that person must refer to OFCOM the question whether, in their opinion, the proposal would affect trade between member States;

(b) OFCOM must immediately determine that question on that reference; and

(c) the relevant person must send a copy of the notification to the European Commission and to the regulatory authorities of every other member State if OFCOM determine that the proposal is one which, in their opinion, would affect trade between member States.

(6) The relevant person must, in every other case in which it appears to him appropriate to do so, send a copy of—

(a) every notification published under section 48(1) or (2) or 49(4),

(b) every direction, approval or consent given for the purposes of a condition set under section 45, and

(c) every instrument modifying or withdrawing such a direction, approval or consent,

to the European Commission and to such of the regulatory authorities of the other member States as the relevant person thinks fit.

(7) Subsection (6) does not apply where—

(a) the notification or the notified proposal relates to an SMP apparatus condition, or to a direction, approval or consent for the purposes of such a condition; or

(b) the direction, approval or consent given, modified or withdrawn is for the purposes of such a condition.

(8) In this section “the relevant person”, in relation to a notification, direction, approval or consent—

(a) except in a case falling within paragraph (b), means the person by whom it is published or (as the case may be) the person by whom it has been or is to be given, modified or withdrawn; and

(b) in the case of a direction, approval or consent given, modified or withdrawn by a person other than OFCOM for the purpose of giving effect to a proposal published by OFCOM under section 49(4), means OFCOM.

Commencement Information

I81 S. 50 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))

I82 S. 50 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)

General conditions: subject-matter U.K.

51 Matters to which general conditions may relate U.K.

(1) Subject to sections 52 to 64, the only conditions that may be set under section 45 as general conditions are conditions falling within one or more of the following paragraphs—

(a) conditions making such provision as OFCOM consider appropriate for protecting the interests of the end-users of public electronic communications services;

(b) conditions making such provision as OFCOM consider appropriate for securing service interoperability and for securing, or otherwise relating to, network access;

(c) conditions making such provision as OFCOM consider appropriate for securing the proper and effective functioning of public electronic communications networks;

(d) conditions for giving effect to determinations or regulations made under section 71;

(e) conditions requiring or regulating the provision, availability and use, in the event of a disaster, of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services and associated facilities;

(f) conditions making such provision as OFCOM consider appropriate for securing the protection of public health by the prevention or avoidance of the exposure of individuals to electro-magnetic fields created in connection with the operation of electronic communications networks;

(g) conditions requiring compliance with relevant international standards.

(2) The power under subsection (1)(a) to set conditions for protecting the interests of the end-users of public electronic communications services includes power to set conditions for that purpose which—

(a) relate to the supply, provision or making available of goods, services or facilities in association with the provision of public electronic communications services; and

(b) give effect to Community obligations to provide protection for such end-users in relation to the supply, provision or making available of those goods, services or facilities.

(3) The power to set general conditions in relation to a description of electronic communications network or electronic communications service does not include power—

(a) to set conditions that are made applicable according to the identity of the provider of a network or service; or

(b) to set conditions that differ according to the identity of the provider of the networks or services to which they relate.

(4) The power to set general conditions falling within subsection (1)(b) does not include power to set conditions containing provision which under—

(a) section 73, or

(b) any of sections 87 to 92,

must be or may be included, in a case in which it appears to OFCOM to be appropriate to do so, in an access-related condition or SMP condition.

(5) The conditions falling within subsection (1)(c) include conditions making such provision as OFCOM consider appropriate for the purpose, in accordance with Community obligations, of preventing or restricting electro-magnetic interference—

(a) with the provision of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; or

(b) with, or with the receipt of, anything conveyed or provided by means of such a network or service.

(6) In this section “electro-magnetic interference” means interference by means of the emission or reflection of electro-magnetic energy in the course of, or in connection with, the provision any electronic communications network or electronic communications service.

(7) In this section “disaster” includes any major incident having a significant effect on the general public; and for this purpose a major incident includes any incident of contamination involving radioactive substances or other toxic materials.

Commencement Information

I83 S. 51 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))

I84 S. 51 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)

General conditions: customer interests U.K.

52 Conditions relating to customer interests U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to set such general conditions (if any) as they consider appropriate for securing that—

(a) public communications providers, or

(b) such descriptions of them as OFCOM consider appropriate,

establish and maintain procedures, standards and policies with respect to the matters mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) Those matters are—

(a) the handling of complaints made to public communications providers by any of their domestic and small business customers;

(b) the resolution of disputes between such providers and any of their domestic and small business customers;

(c) the provision of remedies and redress in respect of matters that form the subject-matter of such complaints or disputes;

(d) the information about service standards and about the rights of domestic and small business customers that is to be made available to those customers by public communications providers;

(e) any other matter appearing to OFCOM to be necessary for securing effective protection for the domestic and small business customers of such providers.

(3) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in setting conditions in accordance with subsection (1), to secure so far as they consider appropriate—

(a) that the procedures established and maintained for the handling of complaints and the resolution of disputes are easy to use, transparent and effective;

(b) that domestic and small business customers have the right to use those procedures free of charge; and

(c) that where public communications providers are in contravention of conditions set in accordance with the preceding provisions of this section, the providers follow such procedures as may be required by the general conditions.

(4) Subject to section 55, OFCOM’s duties under subsections (1) and (3) so far as relating to procedures for the handling of complaints are to be performed, to such extent as they consider appropriate, by the setting of general conditions requiring public communications providers to establish and maintain procedures that conform with a code of practice which is—

(a) applicable to the providers to whom the conditions apply; and

(b) for the time being approved by OFCOM for the purposes of this subsection.

(5) Subject to section 55, OFCOM’s duties under subsections (1) and (3) so far as relating to procedures for resolving disputes are to be performed, to such extent as they consider appropriate, by the setting of general conditions requiring public communications providers—

(a) to establish and maintain procedures for resolving disputes; and

(b) to secure that those procedures are, and continue to be, approved by OFCOM.

(6) In this section “domestic and small business customer”, in relation to a public communications provider, means a customer of that provider who is neither—

(a) himself a communications provider; nor

(b) a person who is such a customer in respect of an undertaking carried on by him for which more than ten individuals work (whether as employees or volunteers or otherwise).

Commencement Information

I85 S. 52 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))

I86 S. 52 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)

53 Approval of codes of practice for the purposes of s. 52 U.K.

(1) Where a code of practice is submitted to OFCOM for approval, they shall approve that code if and only if, in their opinion, it makes all such provision as they consider necessary in relation to the matters dealt with in the code for the protection of the domestic and small business customers of the public communications providers to whom the code applies.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to keep under review the codes of practice for the time being approved by them.

(3) OFCOM may at any time, by a notification given or published in such manner as they consider appropriate—

(a) approve modifications that have been made to an approved code;

(b) withdraw their approval from a code; or

(c) give notice that the withdrawal of their approval will take effect from such time as may be specified in the notification unless such modifications of the code as are specified in the notification are made before that time.

(4) In considering—

(a) whether to approve a code of practice, or

(b) whether or in what manner to exercise their powers under subsections (2) and (3) of this section,

OFCOM must have regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (5).

(5) Those matters are—

(a) the need to secure that customers are able readily to comprehend the procedures that are provided for by an approved code of practice;

(b) the need to secure that there is consistency between the different codes for the time being approved by OFCOM; and

(c) the need to secure that the number of different codes so approved is kept to a minimum.

(6) In this section—

• “approval” means approval for the purposes of section 52(4) and “approve” and “approved” are to be construed accordingly; and

• “domestic and small business customer” has the same meaning as in section 52.

Commencement Information

I87 S. 53 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))

I88 S. 53 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)

54 Approval of dispute procedures for the purposes of s. 52 U.K.

(1) Before giving their approval to any dispute procedures, OFCOM must consult the Secretary of State.

(2) OFCOM are not to approve dispute procedures unless they are satisfied that the arrangements under which the procedures have effect—

(a) are administered by person who is for practical purposes independent (so far as decisions in relation to disputes are concerned) of both OFCOM and the communications providers to whom the arrangements apply;

(b) give effect to procedures that are easy to use, transparent and effective;

(c) give, in the case of every communications provider to whom the arrangements apply, a right to each of his domestic and small business customers to use the procedures free of charge;

(d) ensure that all information necessary for giving effect to the procedures is obtained;

(e) ensure that disputes are effectively investigated;

(f) include provision conferring power to make awards of appropriate compensation; and

(g) are such as to enable awards of compensation to be properly enforced.

(3) OFCOM may approve dispute procedures subject to such conditions (including conditions as to the provision of information to OFCOM) as they may think fit.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to keep under review the dispute procedures for the time being approved by them.

(5) OFCOM may at any time, by a notification given or published in such manner as they consider appropriate—

(a) modify the conditions of their approval of any dispute procedures or withdraw such an approval; or

(b) give notice that the modification of those conditions, or the withdrawal of such an approval, will take effect from such time as may be specified in the notification unless the procedures (or the arrangements under which they have effect) are modified before that time in the manner required by the notification.

(6) In considering—

(a) whether to approve dispute procedures, or

(b) whether or in what manner to exercise their powers under subsections (3) to (5),

OFCOM must have regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (7).

(7) Those matters are—

(a) the need to secure that customers are able readily to comprehend dispute procedures;

(b) the need to secure that there is consistency between the different procedures for the time being approved by OFCOM; and

(c) the need to secure that the number of different sets of procedures so approved is kept to a minimum.

(8) In this section—

• “approval” means approval for the purposes of subsection (5) of section 52 and “approve” and “approved” are to be construed accordingly;

• “dispute procedures” means any such procedures as may fall to be approved for the purposes of that subsection; and

• “domestic and small business customer” has the same meaning as in section 52.

Commencement Information

I89 S. 54 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))

I90 S. 54 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)

55 Orders by OFCOM in the absence of conditions under s. 52 U.K.

(1) OFCOM may make an order under this section if, at any time, they consider in relation to any one or more public communications providers—

(a) that it is not practicable, or at least not appropriate, for OFCOM’s duties under subsections (1) and (3) of section 52 to be performed in a particular respect by the setting of general conditions; and

(b) that it is necessary to make the order for the purpose—

(i) of securing the necessary protection for the customers of that provider or of those providers; or

(ii) of securing compliance with a Community obligation.

(2) An order under this section may make such of the following provisions as OFCOM think fit—

(a) provision imposing requirements with respect to the complaints and disputes mentioned in section 52(2);

(b) provision for the enforcement of those requirements;

(c) provision making other arrangements for the purposes of those requirements.

(3) The power to make provision by an order under this section includes, in particular—

(a) power to establish a body corporate with the capacity to make its own rules and to establish its own procedures;

(b) power to determine the jurisdiction of a body established by such an order or, for the purposes of the order, of any other person;

(c) power to confer jurisdiction with respect to any matter on OFCOM themselves;

(d) power to provide for a person on whom jurisdiction is conferred by the arrangements to make awards of compensation, to direct the reimbursement of costs or expenses, or to do both;

(e) power to provide for such a person to enforce, or to participate in the enforcement of, any awards or directions made under such an order; and

(f) power to make such other provision as OFCOM think fit for the enforcement of such awards and directions.

(4) An order under this section may require such public communications providers as may be determined by or under the order to make payments to OFCOM in respect of expenditure incurred by OFCOM in connection with—

(a) the establishment and maintenance, in accordance with such an order, of a body corporate or of a procedure; or

(b) the making of any other arrangements for the purposes of the requirements of such an order.

(5) The consent of the Secretary of State is required for the making by OFCOM of an order under this section.

(6) Section 403 applies to the power of OFCOM to make an order under this section.

(7) A statutory instrument containing an order made by OFCOM under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Commencement Information

I91 S. 55 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))

I92 S. 55 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)

General conditions: telephone numbers U.K.

56 The National Telephone Numbering Plan U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to publish a document (to be known as “the National Telephone Numbering Plan”) setting out—

(a) the numbers that they have determined to be available for allocation by them as telephone numbers;

(b) such restrictions as they consider appropriate on the adoption of numbers available for allocation in accordance with the plan; and

(c) such restrictions as they consider appropriate on the other uses to which numbers available for allocation in accordance with the plan may be put.

(2) It shall be OFCOM’s duty—

(a) from time to time to review the National Telephone Numbering Plan; and

(b) to make any revision of that plan that they think fit in consequence of such a review;

but this duty must be performed in compliance with the requirements, so far as applicable, of section 60.

(3) OFCOM must also keep such day to day records as they consider appropriate of the telephone numbers allocated by them in accordance with the National Telephone Numbering Plan.

(4) The publication of the National Telephone Numbering Plan, or of a revision of it, must be in such manner as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing the contents of the Plan, or of the revised Plan, to the attention of such persons as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(5) In this Chapter references to a telephone number are (subject to subsection (7)) references to any number that is used (whether or not in connection with telephony) for any one or more of the following purposes—

(a) identifying the destination for, or recipient of, an electronic communication;

(b) identifying the origin, or sender, of an electronic communication;

(c) identifying the route for an electronic communication;

(d) identifying the source from which an electronic communication or electronic communications service may be obtained or accessed;

(e) selecting the service that is to be obtained or accessed, or required elements or characteristics of that service; or

(f) identifying the communications provider by means of whose network or service an electronic communication is to be transmitted, or treated as transmitted.

(6) In this Chapter references to the adoption of a telephone number by a communications provider are references to his doing any of the following in relation to a number allocated (whether or not to that provider) by OFCOM—

(a) allocating or transferring that number to a particular customer or piece of apparatus;

(b) using that number for identifying a service or route used by that provider or by any of his customers;

(c) using that number for identifying a communication as one to be transmitted by that provider;

(d) designating that number for use in selecting a service or the required elements or characteristics of a service;

(e) authorising the use of that number by others for any of the purposes mentioned in subsection (5).

(7) The Secretary of State may by order exclude such numbers as may be described in the order from the numbers that are to be treated as telephone numbers for the purposes of this Chapter.

(8) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (7) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(9) References in this section to the allocation of a number are references to its allocation for the purposes of general conditions under section 58 or in accordance with conditions under section 59.

(10) In this section—

• “electronic communication” means a communication for transmission by means of an electronic communications network; and

• “number” includes data of any description.

Commencement Information

I93 S. 56 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I94 S. 56 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

57 Conditions to secure access to telephone numbers U.K.

(1) General conditions may impose such requirements as OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that every end-user of a public electronic communications service is able, by means of that service—

(a) to make calls or otherwise transmit electronic communications to every normal telephone number; and

(b) to receive every call or other electronic communication that is made or transmitted to him using such a service from apparatus identified by a normal telephone number.

(2) A normal telephone number is one which—

(a) has been made available, in accordance with the National Telephone Numbering Plan, as a number to be used for the purpose of identifying the destination for, or the recipient of, electronic communications; and

(b) is for the time being—

(i) a number adopted by a communications provider to be used for such a purpose; or

(ii) a number in use for such a purpose by a person other than a communications provider to whom it has been allocated in accordance with conditions under section 59.

(3) In this section “electronic communication” has the same meaning as in section 56.

Commencement Information

I95 S. 57 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I96 S. 57 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

58 Conditions about allocation and adoption of numbers U.K.

(1) General conditions may include conditions which—

(a) prohibit the adoption of telephone numbers by a communications provider except in cases where the numbers have been allocated by OFCOM to a person;

(b) regulate the use by a communications provider, for the purpose of providing an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, of telephone numbers not allocated to that provider;

(c) impose restrictions on the adoption of telephone numbers by a communications provider, and on other practices by communications providers in relation to telephone numbers allocated to them;

(d) impose requirements on a communications provider in connection with the adoption by him of telephone numbers;

(e) require an allocation of particular telephone numbers to be transferred from one communications provider to another in the circumstances provided for in the conditions;

(f) impose such requirements and restrictions on a communications provider from whom an allocation is required to be transferred as may be provided for, in relation to the transfer, in the conditions;

(g) require payments of such amounts as may be determined by OFCOM to be made to them by a person in respect of the allocation to him of telephone numbers;

(h) require payments of such amounts as may be determined by OFCOM to be made to them by a person in respect of transfers of allocations from one person to another; and

(i) require communications providers to secure compliance with such rules relating to the use of telephone numbers by their customers as OFCOM may set out in general conditions or determine in accordance with provision made by the general conditions.

(2) General conditions may also—

(a) provide for the procedure to be followed on the making of applications to OFCOM for the allocation of telephone numbers;

(b) provide for the information that must accompany such applications and for the handling of such applications;

(c) provide a procedure for telephone numbers to be reserved pending the making and disposal of an application for their allocation;

(d) provide for the procedure to be followed on the making of applications for telephone numbers to be reserved, and for the handling of such applications;

(e) regulate the procedures to be followed, the system to be applied and the charges to be imposed for the purposes of, or in connection with, the adoption by a communications provider of telephone numbers allocated to that provider;

(f) regulate the procedures to be followed, the system to be applied and the charges to be imposed for the purposes of, or in connection with, the transfer of an allocation from one person to another.

(3) The conditions that may be set under subsection (1)(d) include conditions imposing requirements with respect to the provision of information for purposes connected with—

(a) the compilation of directories; and

(b) the provision of directory enquiry facilities.

(4) The procedure to be followed on the making of an application for the allocation of numbers that are available for allocation in accordance with the National Telephone Numbering Plan must require OFCOM’s determination of the application to be made—

(a) in the case of an application made in response to an invitation in accordance with subsection (5), before the end of six weeks after the day on which the application is received; and

(b) in any other case, before the end of three weeks after that day.

(5) Where OFCOM are proposing to allocate any telephone numbers, they may—

(a) invite persons to indicate the payments each would be willing to make to OFCOM if allocated the numbers; and

(b) make the allocation according to the amounts indicated.

(6) General conditions providing for payments to be made to OFCOM in respect of anything mentioned in subsection (1)(g) or (h)—

(a) must set out the principles according to which the amounts of the payments are to be determined;

(b) may provide for the payments to consist of a lump sum in respect of a particular allocation or transfer or of sums payable periodically while an allocation remains in force, or of both;

(c) may provide for the amounts to be determined by reference to—

(i) any indication according to which the allocation has been made as mentioned in subsection (5); or

(ii) any other factors (including the costs incurred by OFCOM in connection with the carrying out of their functions by virtue of section 56 and this section) as OFCOM think fit.

(7) General conditions may—

(a) make modifications from time to time of, or of the method of determining, the amounts of periodic payments falling to be made by virtue of conditions containing provision authorised by this section; and

(b) make different provision in relation to different descriptions of communications provider and different descriptions of telephone number.

(8) Nothing in subsection (7) authorises the modification, after it has been fixed, of the amount of a periodic payment fixed in accordance with arrangements made in relation to numbers allocated as mentioned in subsection (5)(b).

(9) Payments that are required to be made to OFCOM in respect of anything mentioned in subsection (1)(g) or (h)—

(a) must be paid to them as soon as they become due in accordance with the conditions imposing the obligation to pay; and

(b) if not so paid, are to be recoverable by them accordingly.

Commencement Information

I97 S. 58 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I98 S. 58 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

59 Telephone numbering conditions binding non-providers U.K.

(1) OFCOM may set conditions under this section that apply to persons other than communications providers and relate to—

(a) the allocation of telephone numbers to such persons;

(b) the transfer of allocations to and from such persons; and

(c) the use of telephone numbers by such persons.

(2) The conditions that may be set under this section include conditions imposing obligations corresponding to any of the obligations that may be imposed on communications providers by general conditions making provision for, or in connection with—

(a) the allocation of telephone numbers;

(b) the transfer of allocations; or

(c) the use of telephone numbers.

(3) Subsection (10) of section 45 applies to OFCOM’s power to set a condition under this section as it applies to their power to set a condition under that section.

(4) Sections 47 to 49 apply in relation to—

(a) the setting of conditions under this section and the modification and revocation of such conditions; and

(b) the giving, modification or withdrawal of any direction, approval or consent for the purposes of a condition under this section,

as they apply in the case of general conditions and in the case of directions, approvals and consents given for the purposes of general conditions.

(5) It shall be the duty of a person who—

(a) is not a communications provider, but

(b) applies for the allocation of a telephone number, or is allocated such a number,

to comply with any conditions set under this section.

(6) That duty shall be enforceable in civil proceedings by OFCOM—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36); or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

(7) Subsection (6) does not apply in the case of a person against whom the obligations contained in the condition in question are enforceable (by virtue of his having become a communications provider) as obligations imposed by general conditions.

Commencement Information

I99 S. 59 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I100 S. 59 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

60 Modification of documents referred to in numbering conditions U.K.

(1) This section applies where numbering conditions for the time being have effect by reference to provisions, as they have effect from time to time, of—

(a) the National Telephone Numbering Plan; or

(b) another document published by OFCOM.

(2) OFCOM must not revise or otherwise modify the relevant provisions unless they are satisfied that the revision or modification is—

(a) objectively justifiable in relation to the matters to which it relates;

(b) not such as to discriminate unduly against particular persons or against a particular description of persons;

(c) proportionate to what the modification is intended to achieve; and

(d) in relation to what it is intended to achieve, transparent.

(3) Before revising or otherwise modifying the relevant provisions, OFCOM must publish a notification—

(a) stating that they are proposing to do so;

(b) specifying the Plan or other document that they are proposing to revise or modify;

(c) setting out the effect of their proposed revisions or modifications;

(d) giving their reasons for making the proposal; and

(e) specifying the period within which representations may be made to OFCOM about their proposal.

(4) That period must be one ending not less than one month after the day of the publication of the notification.

(5) OFCOM may give effect, with or without modifications, to a proposal with respect to which they have published a notification under subsection (3) only if—

(a) they have considered every representation about the proposal that is made to them within the period specified in the notification; and

(b) they have had regard to every international obligation of the United Kingdom (if any) which has been notified to them for the purposes of this paragraph by the Secretary of State.

(6) The publication of a notification under this section must be in such manner as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing the contents of the notification to the attention of such persons as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(7) In this section—

• “numbering conditions” means—

  (a)

  general conditions the making of which is authorised by section 57 or 58;

  (b)

  conditions set under section 59;

• “the relevant provisions”, in relation to the Plan or document, means the provisions of the Plan or document by reference to which (as they have effect from time to time) the numbering conditions in question have effect.

Commencement Information

I101 S. 60 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I102 S. 60 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

61 Withdrawal of telephone number allocations U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM have allocated telephone numbers for the purposes of any numbering conditions, they may withdraw that allocation if, and only if, the case is one in which the withdrawal of an allocation is authorised by this section.

(2) The withdrawal of an allocation is authorised (subject to section 62) if—

(a) consent to the withdrawal is given by the person to whom the numbers are for the time being allocated;

(b) the withdrawal is made for the purposes of a transfer of the allocation required by numbering conditions;

(c) the withdrawal is made for the purposes of a numbering reorganisation applicable to a particular series of telephone numbers;

(d) the withdrawal is made in circumstances specified in the numbering conditions and for the purpose of securing that what appears to OFCOM to be the best and most efficient use is made of the numbers and other data that are appropriate for use as telephone numbers;

(e) the allocated numbers are numbers that have not been adopted during such period after their allocation as may be specified in the numbering conditions; or

(f) the allocated numbers are comprised in a series of numbers which have not to a significant extent been adopted or used during such period as may be so specified.

(3) The withdrawal of an allocation is also authorised where—

(a) there have been serious and repeated contraventions, by the person to whom the allocation is for the time being allocated, of the numbering conditions; and

(b) it appears to OFCOM that the taking of other steps in respect of the contraventions is likely to prove ineffective for securing future compliance.

(4) The withdrawal of an allocation is also authorised where—

(a) the person to whom the allocation is for the time being allocated is not a communications provider; and

(b) it appears to OFCOM that contraventions by that person of numbering conditions makes the withdrawal of the allocation appropriate.

(5) OFCOM’s power to set conditions specifying circumstances for the purposes of subsection (2)(d), and their power to withdraw an allocation in the specified circumstances, are each exercisable only in a manner that does not discriminate unduly—

(a) against particular communications providers;

(b) against particular users of the allocated numbers; or

(c) against a particular description of such providers or users;

and the purposes for which those powers may be exercised do not include the carrying out of a numbering reorganisation of the sort mentioned in subsection (2)(c).

(6) Where OFCOM are proposing to withdraw an allocation in exercise of the power conferred by virtue of subsection (2)(e) or (f), they must—

(a) give a notification of their proposal;

(b) consider any representations made to them about the proposal within the period of one month following the day on which the notification is given; and

(c) ensure that the withdrawal (if OFCOM decide to proceed with it after considering those representations) does not take effect until the end of the three months beginning with the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (b).

(7) A notification for the purposes of subsection (6) must be given in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of—

(a) the person to whom the numbers to which the proposed withdrawal relates are for the time being allocated;

(b) every person appearing to OFCOM to be a person to whom communications are or may be transmitted using one of those numbers for identifying the destination or route;

(c) every person who uses one or more of those numbers for obtaining access to services or for communication; and

(d) every other person who, in OFCOM’s opinion, is likely to be affected by the proposal.

(8) For the purposes of this section there are repeated contraventions by a person of numbering conditions to the extent that—

(a) in the case of a previous notification given to that person under section 94, OFCOM have determined for the purposes of section 95(2) or 96(2) that a contravention of a numbering condition did occur; and

(b) in the period of twelve months following the day of the making of that determination, one or more further notifications have been given to that person in respect of contraventions of numbering conditions;

and for the purposes of this subsection it shall be immaterial whether the notifications related to the same contravention or to different contraventions of the same or different conditions.

(9) In this section “numbering conditions” means—

(a) general conditions the making of which is authorised by section 58; or

(b) conditions set under section 59.

Commencement Information

I103 S. 61 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I104 S. 61 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

62 Numbering reorganisations U.K.

(1) This section applies to the withdrawal of an allocation for the purposes of a numbering reorganisation that is applicable to a particular series of telephone numbers.

(2) The allocation is to be withdrawn only if the reorganisation, so far as it relates to numbers of any description, is not such as to discriminate unduly—

(a) against particular communications providers;

(b) against particular users of the allocated numbers; or

(c) against a particular description of such providers or users.

(3) The allocation must not be withdrawn if the reorganisation fails to provide for withdrawn allocations to be replaced by allocations of telephone numbers so nearly resembling the numbers to which the withdrawal relates as the purpose of the reorganisation allows.

(4) Where a replacement allocation is made for the purposes of the re-organisation—

(a) no payment is to be made to OFCOM in respect of the making of the replacement allocation; but

(b) subsection (5) is to apply.

(5) Where this subsection applies—

(a) a provision for the making of periodic payments in respect of the withdrawn allocation is to be treated, to the extent that OFCOM determine that it should, as a provision requiring the making of periodic payments in respect of the replacement allocation; and

(b) OFCOM may, if they think fit, make such repayments or adjustments of a provision for payment as appear to them to be appropriate in consequence of differences between—

(i) the numbers to which the withdrawn allocation relates; and

(ii) the numbers to which the replacement allocation relates.

Commencement Information

I105 S. 62 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I106 S. 62 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

63 General duty as to telephone numbering functions U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in the carrying out of their functions under sections 56 to 62—

(a) to secure that what appears to them to be the best use is made of the numbers that are appropriate for use as telephone numbers; and

(b) to encourage efficiency and innovation for that purpose.

(2) It shall also be the duty of OFCOM, in carrying out those functions, to secure that there is no undue discrimination by communications providers against other communications providers in relation to the adoption of telephone numbers for purposes connected with the use by one communications provider, or his customers, of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service provided by another.

(3) In this section “number” has the same meaning as in section 56.

Commencement Information

I107 S. 63 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I108 S. 63 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

General conditions: must-carry obligations U.K.

64 Must-carry obligations U.K.

(1) General conditions may include conditions making any provision that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that particular services are broadcast or otherwise transmitted by means of the electronic communications networks described in the conditions.

(2) A general condition containing provision authorised by this section is not (subject to subsection (4)) to require a service to be broadcast or otherwise transmitted by means of an electronic communications network unless—

(a) the service is included in the list of must-carry services; and

(b) the effect of the requirement is confined to networks by means of which public electronic communications services are provided that are used by a significant number of end-users as their principal means of receiving television programmes.

(3) That list is as follows—

(a) any service of television programmes provided by the BBC so far as it is provided in digital form and is a service in relation to which OFCOM have functions;

(b) the Channel 3 services so far as provided in digital form;

(c) Channel 4 so far as provided in digital form;

(d) Channel 5 so far as provided in digital form;

(e) S4C Digital;

(f) the digital public teletext service.

(4) General conditions making provision authorised by this section in relation to a listed service must, to such extent as OFCOM consider appropriate (and subject to subsection (5))—

(a) apply the requirement to broadcast or otherwise transmit that service to every service which is an ancillary service by reference to the listed service; and

(b) provide for the listed service to be treated for the purposes of the conditions as constituting such other services comprised in or provided with that service as may be determined by OFCOM.

(5) General conditions making provision authorised by this section must also comply with all such restrictions (if any) as may be imposed by order made by the Secretary of State as to the maximum and minimum amounts, or proportions, of available capacity that are to be required by such conditions to be used in the case of a network for the broadcasting or other transmission of particular services, or descriptions of service.

(6) In making an order under subsection (5) the Secretary of State must have regard to—

(a) the objective of securing that services included in the list of must-carry services, and the other services to which conditions set in accordance with this section are likely to be applied by virtue of subsection (4), are available for reception by as many members of the public in the United Kingdom as practicable; and

(b) the need to secure that the amount of capacity available in the case of every network for making other services available is reasonable and, accordingly, that the burden of complying with conditions set in accordance with this section is proportionate to the public benefit to be secured by that objective.

(7) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State from time to time to review—

(a) the list of must-carry services; and

(b) any requirements for the time being in force under this section with respect to the terms on which services must be broadcast or otherwise transmitted.

(8) Where the Secretary of State carries out such a review, he must consult the following about the matters under review—

(a) OFCOM; and

(b) such persons who, in his opinion, are likely to be affected by a modification of the list of must-carry services, or who represent any of those persons, as he thinks fit.

(9) If, on such a review, he considers it appropriate to do so, the Secretary of State may by order modify the list of must-carry services.

(10) In determining whether it is appropriate for the purposes of subsection (9) to add a service to the list of must-carry services or to remove it, the Secretary of State must have regard, in particular, to—

(a) the public benefit to be secured by the addition of the service to the list, or by its retention in the list;

(b) the extent to which the service (if it were not included in the list) would nevertheless be made available to an acceptable technical standard by means of the networks to which conditions set in accordance with this section apply;

(c) the capacity left available, after the requirements of those conditions have been complied with, for the broadcasting or other transmission of material by means of each of those networks; and

(d) the need to secure that the burden of complying with conditions so set is proportionate to the objective of securing that the services in the list of must-carry services, and the other services to which conditions set in accordance with this section are likely to applied by virtue of subsection (4), are available for reception by as many members of the public in the United Kingdom as practicable.

(11) The Secretary of State may also, if (whether on such a review or in any other circumstances) he considers it appropriate to do so, by order make provision imposing requirements as to what, as between—

(a) the person providing a must-carry service, and

(b) the person providing a network by means of which it is to be provided,

are to be the terms on which the service is to be broadcast or otherwise transmitted, in pursuance of general conditions set in accordance with this section, by means of that network.

(12) An order under subsection (11) may provide for the terms to be determined by OFCOM in accordance with the provisions of the order.

(13) Before making an order under subsection (5), and before making an order under subsection (11) in a case in which there has been no review under subsection (7), the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) OFCOM, and

(b) such persons who, in his opinion, are likely to be affected by the order, or who represent any of those persons, as he thinks fit.

(14) Section 362 applies for construing this section as it applies for the purposes of Part 3.

Commencement Information

I109 S. 64 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))

I110 S. 64 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)

Universal service conditions U.K.

65 Obligations to be secured by universal service conditions U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must by order (“the universal service order”) set out the extent to which the things falling within subsection (2) must, for the purpose of securing compliance with Community obligations for the time being in force, be provided, made available or supplied throughout the United Kingdom.

(2) Those things are—

(a) electronic communications networks and electronic communications services;

(b) facilities capable of being made available as part of or in connection with an electronic communications service;

(c) particular methods of billing for electronic communications services or of accepting payment for them;

(d) directories capable of being used in connection with the use of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; and

(e) directory enquiry facilities capable of being used for purposes connected with the use of such a network or service.

(3) The universal service order may contain guidance about matters relating to the pricing of things that the order says must be provided, made available or supplied.

(4) Before making or varying the universal service order, the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM and such other persons as he considers appropriate.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 65 excluded (11.12.2003) by The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2426), regs. 1, 35(2) (with regs. 4, 15(3), 28, 29)

Commencement Information

I111 S. 65 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))

I112 S. 65 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)

66 Designation of universal service providers U.K.

(1) OFCOM may by regulations make provision for the designation of the persons to whom universal service conditions are to be applicable.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), those regulations are not to authorise the designation of a person other than a communications provider.

(3) The regulations may provide for a person other than a communications provider to be designated for the purposes only of conditions relating to—

(a) the supply of directories capable of being used in connection with the use of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; and

(b) the making available of directory enquiry facilities capable of being used for purposes connected with the use of such a network or service.

(4) OFCOM may from time to time—

(a) review the designations for the time being in force in accordance with regulations under this section; and

(b) on such a review, consider what (if any) universal service conditions should continue to apply to each of the designated persons.

(5) The procedure to be followed in the case of every such review must be the procedure provided for in regulations made by OFCOM.

(6) Regulations made by OFCOM under this section must provide for a person’s designation as a person to whom universal service conditions are to be applicable to cease to have effect where, in any such case as may be described in the regulations, the universal service conditions applied to him are all revoked.

(7) Regulations made by OFCOM under this section providing a procedure for the designation of persons, or for the conduct of a review under subsection (4), must not provide for any procedure other than one appearing to OFCOM—

(a) to be efficient, objective and transparent; and

(b) not to involve, or to tend to give rise to, any undue discrimination against any person or description of persons.

(8) Where—

(a) OFCOM designate a person in accordance with regulations under this section, or

(b) a designation of a person in accordance with any such regulations ceases to have effect,

they must give a notification of that designation, or of that fact, to the European Commission.

(9) A notification under this section must identify the person who has been designated, or the person whose designation has ceased to have effect.

(10) Section 403 applies to the power of OFCOM to make regulations under this section.

Commencement Information

I113 S. 66 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))

I114 S. 66 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)

67 Subject-matter of universal service conditions U.K.

(1) OFCOM may set any such universal service conditions as they consider appropriate for securing compliance with the obligations set out in the universal service order.

(2) Universal service conditions applied to a person must include a condition requiring him to publish information about his performance in complying with the universal service conditions that apply to him.

(3) A condition set in accordance with subsection (2) must contain provision which—

(a) requires information published in accordance with it to be updated from time to time and published again;

(b) requires information so published to satisfy the requirements that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that it is adequate; and

(c) requires information so published to be framed by reference to the quality of service parameters, definitions and measurement methods for the time being set out in Annex III to the Universal Service Directive.

(4) A condition set in accordance with that subsection may impose requirements as to—

(a) the times at which information published in accordance with it is to be published; and

(b) the manner in which that information is to be published.

(5) Universal service conditions may impose an obligation on a person to whom they apply to do one or both of the following, if required to do so by OFCOM—

(a) to make facilities available for enabling information published in pursuance of a condition applied to that person under subsection (2) to be independently audited;

(b) to meet the costs of any independent auditing of that information that is required by OFCOM.

(6) The reference in subsection (5) to the independent auditing of information is a reference to its being audited by a qualified auditor—

(a) for accuracy; and

(b) for its usefulness in the making of comparisons with information published by other designated universal service providers.

(7) Universal service conditions may impose performance targets on designated universal service providers with respect to any of the matters in relation to which obligations may be imposed by such conditions.

(8) In setting a universal service condition, OFCOM must have regard to any guidance about matters relating to pricing that is contained in the universal service order.

[F4 (9) In this section “qualified auditor” means a person who—

(a) is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor under Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006, and

(b) if the appointment to carry out such auditing as is mentioned in subsection (5) were an appointment as a statutory auditor, would not be prohibited from acting by section 1214 of that Act (independence requirement).]

Textual Amendments

F4 S. 67(9) substituted (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 30(2) (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

Commencement Information

I115 S. 67 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))

I116 S. 67 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)

68 Tariffs etc. for universal services U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) to keep under review universal service tariffs; and

(b) to monitor changes to those tariffs.

(2) Universal service conditions may require one or more of the following—

(a) the use of a common tariff, or of common tariffs, in relation to anything mentioned in section 65(2);

(b) the use, in such cases as may be specified or described in the conditions, of such special tariffs in relation to anything so mentioned as may be so specified or described;

(c) the fixing of tariffs used in accordance with the conditions by the use of such methods, and by reference to such methods of computing costs, as may be so specified or described.

(3) Universal service conditions must secure that the terms on which a person is provided with anything required by the universal service order do not require him—

(a) to pay for an unnecessary additional service; or

(b) to pay, in respect of anything required by the order, any amount that is attributable to the provision to him of such a service.

(4) The references in subsection (3), in relation to a person, to an unnecessary additional service are references to anything the provision of which—

(a) he has to accept by reason of his being provided, at his request, with something required by the order (“the requested service”); and

(b) is not necessary for the purpose of providing him with the requested service.

(5) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in setting a universal service condition about universal service tariffs, to have regard to anything ascertained by them in the performance of their duty under subsection (1).

(6) References in this section to a universal service tariff are references to any of the tariffs used by designated universal service providers in relation to the things for the time being required by the universal service order.

(7) References in this section to providing a person with anything include references to making it available or supplying it to him.

(8) In this section “tariff” includes a pricing structure.

Commencement Information

I117 S. 68 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))

I118 S. 68 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)

69 Directories and directory enquiry facilities U.K.

(1) This section applies where universal service conditions require a designated universal service provider—

(a) to supply a directory capable of being used in connection with the use of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; or

(b) to make available directory enquiry facilities capable of being used for purposes connected with use of such a network or service.

(2) The universal service conditions applied to the provider must include the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the provider does not unduly discriminate against a source of relevant information—

(a) in the compiling of the directory or the answering of directory enquiries; or

(b) in the treatment in the directory, or for the purposes of the facilities, of any relevant information from that source.

(3) In this section—

(a) references to relevant information are references to information provided for inclusion in the directory or for use in the answering of directory enquiries; and

(b) references to a source of relevant information are references to a communications provider or designated universal service provider who provides relevant information.

Commencement Information

I119 S. 69 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))

I120 S. 69 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)

70 Review of compliance costs U.K.

(1) OFCOM may from time to time review the extent (if any) of the financial burden for a particular designated universal service provider of complying in relation to any matter with any one or more of the universal service conditions applied to him.

(2) Where—

(a) regulations under section 66 require the financial burden of so complying to be taken into account in determining whom to designate, and

(b) the regulations provide for a particular method of calculating that burden to be used for the purposes of that determination,

that must be the method of calculation applied on a review under this section.

(3) Where subsection (2) does not apply, the financial burden of so complying is to be taken to be the amount calculated by OFCOM to be the net cost of compliance after allowing for market benefits accruing to the designated universal service provider from—

(a) his designation; and

(b) the application to him of universal service conditions.

(4) After carrying out a review under this section OFCOM must either—

(a) cause the calculations made by them on the review to be audited by a person who appears to them to be independent of designated universal service providers; or

(b) themselves carry out an audit of those calculations.

(5) OFCOM must ensure, in the case of every audit carried out under subsection (4), that a report on the audit—

(a) is prepared; and

(b) if not prepared by OFCOM, is provided to them.

(6) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in the case of every review under this section, to publish—

(a) their conclusions on the review; and

(b) a summary of the report of the audit which was carried out as respects the calculations made for the purposes of that review.

(7) The publication of anything under subsection (6) must be a publication in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

Commencement Information

I121 S. 70 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))

I122 S. 70 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)

71 Sharing of burden of universal service obligations U.K.

(1) This section applies where OFCOM—

(a) have concluded, on a review under section 70, that complying in relation to any matter with universal service conditions imposes a financial burden on a particular designated universal service provider; and

(b) have published that conclusion in accordance with that section.

(2) OFCOM must determine, in the case of the designated universal service provider, whether they consider it would be unfair for that provider to bear, or to continue to bear, the whole or any part of so much of the burden.

(3) If—

(a) OFCOM determine that it would be unfair for the designated universal service provider to bear, or to continue to bear, the whole or a part of the burden, and

(b) an application for a determination under this subsection is made to OFCOM by that provider,

OFCOM may determine that contributions are to be made by communications providers to whom general conditions are applicable for meeting that burden.

(4) The making of any of the following must be in accordance with regulations made by OFCOM—

(a) a determination by OFCOM of the extent of the financial burden that exists for the designated universal service provider of complying in relation to any matter with universal service conditions;

(b) an application for the purposes of subsection (3)(b);

(c) a determination by OFCOM of whether it is or would be unfair for the designated universal service provider to bear, or to continue to bear, the burden of complying in relation to any matter with universal service conditions;

(d) a determination of the extent (if any) to which that is or would be unfair.

(5) The assessment, collection and distribution of contributions under subsection (3) is not to be carried out except in accordance with a mechanism provided for in a scheme contained in regulations made by OFCOM.

(6) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to exercise their power to make regulations under this section in the manner which they consider will secure that the assessment, collection and distribution of contributions under subsection (3) is carried out—

(a) in an objective and transparent manner;

(b) in a manner that does not involve, or tend to give rise to, any undue discrimination against particular communications providers or particular designated universal service providers, or against a particular description of them; and

(c) in a manner that avoids, or (if that is impracticable) at least minimises, any distortion of competition or of customer demand.

(7) Regulations made by OFCOM under this section may provide for a scheme containing the provision mentioned in subsection (5), and for any fund set up for the purposes of such a scheme, to be administered either—

(a) by OFCOM; or

(b) by such other person as may be specified in the regulations.

(8) A person other than OFCOM is not to be specified in regulations under this section as the administrator of such a scheme or fund unless he is a person who OFCOM are satisfied is independent of both—

(a) the persons who are designated universal service providers; and

(b) communications providers to whom general conditions are applicable.

(9) Section 403 applies to the powers of OFCOM to make regulations under this section.

Commencement Information

I123 S. 71 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))

I124 S. 71 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)

72 Report on sharing mechanism U.K.

(1) This section applies where regulations under section 71 provide for a scheme for the assessment, collection and distribution of contributions under subsection (3) of that section.

(2) OFCOM must prepare and publish a report setting out, in relation to the period to which it applies—

(a) every determination by OFCOM that has had effect in relation to a time in that period as a determination of the costs of providing anything contained in the universal service order;

(b) the market benefits for each designated universal service provider that have accrued to him during that period from his designation and from the application to him of universal service conditions; and

(c) the contribution made under section 71(3) by every person who has made a contribution during that period.

(3) The first report under this section must be prepared in relation to the period of twelve months beginning with the coming into force of the first regulations to be made under section 71.

(4) Every subsequent report must be prepared in relation to the period of twelve months beginning with the end of the period to which the previous report applied.

(5) Every report under this section—

(a) must be prepared as soon as practicable after the end of the period to which it is to apply; and

(b) must be published as soon as practicable after its preparation is complete.

(6) OFCOM are not required under this section—

(a) to publish any matter that is confidential in accordance with subsection (7) or (8); or

(b) to publish anything that it would not be reasonably practicable to publish without disclosing such a matter.

(7) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates specifically to the affairs of a particular body; and

(b) publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that body.

(8) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates to the private affairs of an individual; and

(b) publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual.

(9) The publication of a report under this section must be a publication in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are affected by the matters to which it relates.

Commencement Information

I125 S. 72 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))

I126 S. 72 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)

Access-related conditions U.K.

73 Permitted subject-matter of access-related conditions U.K.

(1) The only conditions that may be set under section 45 as access-related conditions are those authorised by this section.

(2) Access-related conditions may include conditions relating to the provision of such network access and service interoperability as appears to OFCOM appropriate for the purpose of securing—

(a) efficiency on the part of communications providers and persons making associated facilities available;

(b) sustainable competition between them; and

(c) the greatest possible benefit for the end-users of public electronic communications services.

(3) Access-related conditions may include conditions appearing to OFCOM to be appropriate for securing that persons to whom the electronic communications code applies participate, in cases where there are no viable alternative arrangements that may be made, in arrangements for—

(a) sharing the use of electronic communications apparatus; and

(b) apportioning and making contributions towards costs incurred in relation to shared electronic communications apparatus.

(4) Access-related conditions may include one which—

(a) is of a technical or operational nature;

(b) appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for securing the proper operation of an electronic communications network in compliance with any SMP services condition falling within section 87(3); and

(c) is applied to—

(i) a person who is required by such an SMP services condition to confer any entitlements to network access; or

(ii) a person on whom such an entitlement is or may be conferred in pursuance of a requirement imposed by such an SMP services condition.

(5) Access-related conditions may include conditions containing any provision required by section 75(2).

Commencement Information

I127 S. 73 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))

I128 S. 73 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)

74 Specific types of access-related conditions U.K.

(1) The conditions that may be set by virtue of section 73(2) include conditions which, for the purpose of securing end-to-end connectivity for the end-users of public electronic communications services provided by means of a series of electronic communications networks—

(a) impose obligations on a person controlling network access to any of those networks; and

(b) require the interconnection of the networks.

(2) The conditions that may be set by virtue of section 73(2) also include such conditions imposing obligations on a person providing facilities for the use of application programme interfaces or electronic programme guides as OFCOM consider to be necessary for securing—

(a) that persons are able to have access to such programme services provided in digital form as OFCOM may determine; and

(b) that the facility for using those interfaces or guides is provided on terms which—

(i) are fair and reasonable; and

(ii) do not involve, or tend to give rise to, any undue discrimination against any person or description of persons.

(3) In this section—

• “application programme interface” means a facility for allowing software to make use, in connection with any of the matters mentioned in subsection (4), of facilities contained in other software;

• “electronic programme guide” means a facility by means of which a person has access to any service which consists of—

  (a)

  the listing or promotion, or both the listing and the promotion, of some or all of the programmes included in any one or more programme services; and

  (b)

  a facility for obtaining access, in whole or in part, to the programme service or services listed or promoted in the guide;

• “end-to-end connectivity” means the facility—

  (a)

  for different end-users of the same public electronic communications service to be able to communicate with each other; and

  (b)

  for the end-users of different such services to be able, each using the service of which he is the end-user, to communicate with each other.

(4) The matters mentioned in subsection (3), in the definition of “application programme interface”, are—

(a) allowing a person to have access to programme services;

(b) allowing a person, other than a communications provider or a person who makes associated facilities available, to make use of an electronic communications network by means of which a programme service is broadcast or otherwise transmitted;

(c) allowing a person to become the end-user of a description of public electronic communications service.

(5) This section is not to be construed as restricting the provision that may be made under section 73(2).

Commencement Information

I129 S. 74 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))

I130 S. 74 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)

75 Conditional access systems and access to digital services U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, when setting a condition falling within section 73(4), to ensure that it contains all such provision as they consider appropriate for the purpose of taking account of the relevant international standards.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to ensure—

(a) that access-related conditions are applied to every person who provides a conditional access system in relation to a protected programme service; and

(b) that those conditions make all such provision as is required by the provision contained from time to time in Part I of Annex I to the Access Directive (conditions relating to access to digital programme services).

(3) In this section—

• “conditional access system” means any system, facility, arrangements or technical measure under or by means of which access to programme services requires—

  (a)

  a subscription to the service or to a service that includes that service; or

  (b)

  an authorisation to view it, or to listen to it, on a particular occasion;

• “protected programme service” means a programme service the programmes included in which cannot be viewed or listened to in an intelligible form except by the use of a conditional access system.

Commencement Information

I131 S. 75 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))

I132 S. 75 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)

76 Modification and revocation of conditions imposed under s. 75 U.K.

(1) This section applies in the case of conditions falling within section 75(2) which have been set by OFCOM in relation to a particular person (“the system provider”).

(2) OFCOM must not give effect to a proposal to modify or revoke any of the conditions unless—

(a) they have carried out an analysis for the purpose of determining in accordance with this Chapter whether that person is or remains a person on whom SMP services conditions are capable of being imposed;

(b) they have determined in consequence of that analysis that he is not; and

(c) they are satisfied that the modification or revocation will not have an adverse effect on any or all of the matters mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) Those matters are—

(a) the accessibility to any persons of services that are for the time being included in the list of must-carry services in section 64;

(b) the prospects for effective competition in the market for programme services provided by being broadcast or otherwise transmitted in digital form; and

(c) the prospects for effective competition in the markets for conditional access systems and other associated facilities.

(4) In this section “conditional access system” has the same meaning as in section 75.

Commencement Information

I133 S. 76 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))

I134 S. 76 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)

Privileged supplier conditions U.K.

77 Imposition of privileged supplier conditions U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to secure that privileged supplier conditions containing all such provision falling within subsection (3) as they consider appropriate are applied to every public communications provider to whom this section applies.

(2) This section applies to every public communications provider who—

(a) enjoys special or exclusive rights in relation to the provision of any non-communications services; and

(b) is not such a provider in respect only of associated facilities.

(3) The provision that may be contained in a condition set under section 45 as a privileged supplier condition is any provision that OFCOM consider appropriate for any one or more of the following purposes—

(a) requiring the provider to whom it applies to keep separate accounts in relation to his public electronic communications network or public electronic communications service and other matters;

(b) requiring that provider to submit the accounts of the different parts of his undertaking, and any financial report relating to a part of that undertaking, to a qualified auditor for auditing;

(c) requiring the accounts of the different parts of his undertaking to be published;

(d) securing, by means other than the keeping of separate accounts, the structural separation of the different parts of his undertaking.

(4) OFCOM are not required under this section to apply a condition to a person where they are satisfied that that person has an annual turnover in relation to all his communications activities that is less than ?50 million.

(5) Where in a case falling within subsection (4) OFCOM are not required to apply a privileged supplier condition to a person, they may apply such a condition to him if they think fit.

(6) The reference in subsection (4) to a person’s communications activities is a reference to any activities of his that consist in, or are connected with, either or both of the following—

(a) the provision of any one or more electronic communications networks;

(b) the provision of any one or more electronic communications services.

(7) The making, for the purposes of subsection (4), of—

(a) a determination of the period in respect of which a person’s annual turnover in relation to any activities is computed, and

(b) a determination of the amount in Euros of that turnover for any period,

must be in accordance with such rules as OFCOM consider to be reasonable.

(8) OFCOM must publish any rules made by them for the purposes of subsection (7) in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing them to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by them.

(9) In this section—

• “non-communications services”, in relation to a person, means services other than those consisting in, or connected with, the provision by him of—

  (a)

  an electronic communications network; or

  (b)

  an electronic communications service;

• [F5 “qualified auditor” means a person who—

  (a)

  is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor under Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006, and

  (b)

  if the appointment to carry out such auditing as is mentioned in subsection (3)(b) were an appointment as a statutory auditor, would not be prohibited from acting by section 1214 of that Act (independence requirement);]

• “special or exclusive rights” has the same meaning as in Article 86 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.

Textual Amendments

F5 Words in s. 77(9) substituted (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 30(3) (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

Commencement Information

I135 S. 77 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))

I136 S. 77 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)

SMP conditions: procedure U.K.

78 Circumstances required for the setting of SMP conditions U.K.

(1) For the purposes of this Chapter a person shall be taken to have significant market power in relation to a market if he enjoys a position which amounts to or is equivalent to dominance of the market.

(2) References in this section to dominance of a market must be construed in accordance with any applicable provisions of Article 14 of the Framework Directive.

(3) A person is to be taken to enjoy a position of dominance of a market if he is one of a number of persons who enjoy such a position in combination with each other.

(4) A person or combination of persons may also be taken to enjoy a position of dominance of a market by reason wholly or partly of his or their position in a closely related market if the links between the two markets allow the market power held in the closely related market to be used in a way that influences the other market so as to strengthen the position in the other market of that person or combination of persons.

(5) The matters that must be taken into account in determining whether a combination of persons enjoys a position of dominance of a services market include, in particular, the matters set out in Annex II to the Framework Directive.

Commencement Information

I137 S. 78 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))

I138 S. 78 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)

79 Market power determinations U.K.

(1) Before making a market power determination, OFCOM must—

(a) identify (by reference, in particular, to area and locality) the markets which in their opinion are the ones which in the circumstances of the United Kingdom are the markets in relation to which it is appropriate to consider whether to make the determination; and

(b) carry out an analysis of the identified markets.

(2) In identifying or analysing any services market for the purposes of this Chapter, OFCOM must take due account of all applicable guidelines and recommendations which—

(a) have been issued or made by the European Commission in pursuance of the provisions of a Community instrument; and

(b) relate to market identification and analysis.

(3) In considering whether to make or revise a market power determination in relation to a services market, OFCOM must take due account of all applicable guidelines and recommendations which—

(a) have been issued or made by the European Commission in pursuance of the provisions of a Community instrument; and

(b) relate to market analysis or the determination of what constitutes significant market power.

(4) The way in which—

(a) a market is to be identified for the purposes of this section, or

(b) a market power determination is to be made,

is by the publication of a notification containing the identification or determination.

(5) Notifications for the purposes of subsection (4)—

(a) may be given separately;

(b) may be contained in a single notification relating to both the identification of a market and the making of a market determination in relation to that market; or

(c) may be contained in a single notification under section 48(1) with respect to the setting or modification of an SMP condition and either—

(i) the making of the market power determination by reference to which OFCOM set or modify that condition; or

(ii) the making of that market power determination and the identification of the market in relation to which they make that determination.

(6) The publication of a notification under this section must be in such manner as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing the contents of the notification to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by the matters notified.

(7) References in this section to guidelines and recommendations issued by the European Commission and to a Community instrument include references, respectively, to guidelines and recommendations issued after the commencement of this section and to a Community instrument made after the commencement of this section.

Commencement Information

I139 S. 79 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))

I140 S. 79 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)

80 Proposals for identifying markets and for market power determinations U.K.

(1) Before OFCOM—

(a) identify a market for the purposes of making a market power determination, or

(b) make a market power determination,

they must publish a notification of what they are proposing to do.

(2) Notifications for the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a) may be given separately;

(b) may be contained in a single notification relating to both the identification of a market and the making of a market determination in relation to that market; or

(c) may be contained in a single notification under section 48(2) with respect to the setting or modification of an SMP condition and either—

(i) the making of the market power determination by reference to which OFCOM are proposing to set or modify that condition; or

(ii) the making of that market power determination and the identification of the market in relation to which they are proposing to make that determination.

(3) A notification under this section relating to a proposal to identify a market or to make a market power determination must—

(a) state that OFCOM are proposing to identify that market or to make that market power determination;

(b) set out the effect of the proposal;

(c) give their reasons for making the proposal; and

(d) specify the period within which representations may be made to OFCOM about their proposal.

(4) That period must be a period of not less than one month after the day of the publication of the notification.

(5) The publication of a notification under this section must be in such manner as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing the contents of the notification to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by the matters notified.

(6) OFCOM may give effect, with or without modifications, to a proposal with respect to which they have given a notification under this section only if—

(a) they have considered every representation about the proposal that is made to them within the period specified in the notification; and

(b) they have had regard to every international obligation of the United Kingdom (if any) which has been notified to them for the purposes of this paragraph by the Secretary of State.

(7) The power of OFCOM to give effect to such a proposal is subject to sections 82 and 83.

Commencement Information

I141 S. 80 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))

I142 S. 80 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)

81 Delivery of copies of notifications under ss. 79 and 80 U.K.

(1) OFCOM must send a copy of every notification published under section 79(4) or 80 to the Secretary of State.

(2) OFCOM must send to the European Commission a copy of every notification published under section 79(4) with respect to a market power determination in relation to a services market.

(3) OFCOM must send a copy of every notification published under section 80 which—

(a) relates to a proposal to identify a services market or to make a market power determination in relation to such a market; and

(b) in OFCOM’s opinion would affect trade between member States,

to the European Commission and to the regulatory authorities of every other member State.

(4) OFCOM must, in every other case in which it appears to them appropriate to do so, send—

(a) to the European Commission, and

(b) to such of the regulatory authorities of the other member States as OFCOM think fit,

a copy of a notification published under section 80 which relates to a proposal to identify a services market or to make a market power determination in relation to such a market.

Commencement Information

I143 S. 81 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))

I144 S. 81 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)

82 European Commission’s powers in respect of proposals U.K.

(1) This section applies, in the case of a notification under section 80 with respect to a proposal—

(a) to identify a particular market; or

(b) to make a market power determination.

(2) If, within the representations period, OFCOM are notified by the European Commission for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Framework Directive (market identifications that do not conform to Commission recommendations and determinations that affect trade between member States)—

(a) that the Commission considers that giving effect to the proposal would create a barrier in relation to the single European market, or

(b) that the Commission has serious doubts as to whether giving effect to the proposal would be compatible with the requirements of any Community obligations,

OFCOM are not to give effect to the proposal before the end of a further two months beginning with the end of the representations period.

(3) Where, before the end of that two month period, the European Commission makes a decision in accordance with Article 7(4) of the Framework Directive that the proposal should be withdrawn, OFCOM—

(a) must withdraw it; and

(b) shall not be entitled to give effect to it.

(4) In this section “the representations period”, in relation to a notification under section 80, means the period specified in that notification for the making of representations about the proposals contained in it.

Commencement Information

I145 S. 82 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))

I146 S. 82 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)

83 Special rules for transnational markets U.K.

(1) This section applies where a services market is for the time being identified by a decision of the European Commission under Article 15(4) of the Framework Directive as a transnational market.

(2) Where the market area includes the whole or a part of the United Kingdom, OFCOM must enter into and maintain arrangements with the other relevant regulatory authorities about—

(a) the extent to which the agreement of all the relevant regulatory authorities is required for the doing of any of the things mentioned in subsection (3); and

(b) the procedures to be followed for securing that agreement where it is required.

(3) Those things are—

(a) the identification of the whole or a part of the market as a market in relation to which it is appropriate to determine whether a person has significant market power;

(b) the making of such a determination in relation to the whole or a part of the market;

(c) the setting of a condition the setting of which requires such a determination to have been made;

(d) the modification or revocation of such a condition.

(4) OFCOM must not do any of the things mentioned in subsection (3) except in accordance with arrangements maintained under that subsection.

(5) Those arrangements may include arrangements requiring OFCOM, when doing any of those things, to comply with—

(a) a decision made, by one or more other regulatory authorities; or

(b) a decision made by a person appointed under the arrangements to act on behalf of some or all of the relevant regulatory authorities.

(6) In this section—

• “market area”, in relation to a services market identified by the European Commission as a transnational market, means the area identified by that Commission as the area for which the market operates; and

• “relevant regulatory authorities”, in relation to such a market, means the regulatory authorities for each member State the whole or a part of which is comprised in the market area.

Commencement Information

I147 S. 83 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))

I148 S. 83 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)

84 Review of services market identifications and determinations U.K.

(1) This section applies where OFCOM have identified and analysed a services market for the purposes of making a market power determination.

(2) OFCOM must, at such intervals as they consider appropriate, carry out further analyses of the identified market for one or both of the following purposes—

(a) reviewing market power determinations made on the basis of an earlier analysis;

(b) deciding whether to make proposals for the modification of SMP conditions set by reference to a market power determination made on such a basis.

(3) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to carry out such a further analysis of a services market as soon as reasonably practicable after recommendations are made by the European Commission that affect the matters that were taken into account, or could have been taken into account, in the case of the last analysis by OFCOM of that market.

(4) Where on, or in consequence of, a further analysis under this section, OFCOM determine that a person to whom any SMP conditions apply is no longer a person with significant market power in that market, they must revoke every SMP services condition applied to that person by reference to the market power determination made on the basis of the earlier analysis.

(5) Before carrying out a further analysis under subsection (2), OFCOM may review any decision of theirs identifying the markets which it was appropriate to consider for the purpose of carrying out an earlier analysis.

(6) Where, on such a review, OFCOM conclude that the appropriate markets have changed—

(a) they must identify the markets they now consider to be the appropriate ones; and

(b) those markets shall be the identified markets for the purposes of the further analysis.

(7) Sections 79 to 83 apply—

(a) in relation to the identification of a services market for the purposes of reviewing a market power determination under this section, as they apply in relation to the identification of such a market for the purpose of making a market determination; and

(b) in relation to the review of such a determination, as they apply in relation to the making of such a determination.

Commencement Information

I149 S. 84 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))

I150 S. 84 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)

85 Review of apparatus market identifications and determinations U.K.

(1) This section applies where OFCOM have identified and analysed an apparatus market for the purposes of making a market power determination.

(2) OFCOM must, at such intervals as they consider appropriate, carry out further analyses of the identified market for one or both of the following purposes—

(a) reviewing market power determinations made on the basis of an earlier analysis;

(b) deciding whether to make proposals for the modification of SMP conditions set by reference to any such market power determination.

(3) Where on, or in consequence of, a further analysis under this section, OFCOM determine that a person to whom any SMP conditions apply is no longer a person with significant market power in that market, they shall revoke every SMP apparatus condition applied to that person by reference to the market power determination made on the basis of the earlier analysis.

(4) Before carrying out any further analysis under subsection (2), OFCOM may review any decision of theirs identifying the markets which it was appropriate to consider for the purpose of carrying out any earlier analysis.

(5) Where on such a review OFCOM conclude that the appropriate markets have changed—

(a) they shall identify the markets they now consider to be the appropriate ones; and

(b) those markets shall be the identified markets for the purposes of the further analysis.

(6) Where on such a review OFCOM conclude that there is no person at all with significant market power in relation to the identified market—

(a) they must so inform the Secretary of State; and

(b) the Secretary of State may by order remove or restrict OFCOM’s power under this Chapter to set SMP apparatus conditions by reference to that market.

(7) Sections 79, 80 and 81(1) apply—

(a) in relation to the identification of a apparatus market for the purposes of reviewing a market power determination under this section, as they apply in relation to the identification of such a market for the purpose of making a market determination; and

(b) in relation to the review of such a determination, as they apply in relation to the making of such a determination.

Commencement Information

I151 S. 85 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))

I152 S. 85 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)

86 Cases where review required U.K.

(1) OFCOM must not set an SMP services condition by a notification which does not also make the market power determination by reference to which the condition is set unless—

(a) the condition is set by reference to a market power determination which has been reviewed under section 84 and, in consequence of that review, is confirmed in the notification setting the condition; or

(b) the condition is set by reference to a market power determination made in relation to a market in which OFCOM are satisfied there has been no material change since the determination was made.

(2) OFCOM must not modify or revoke SMP services conditions applying to a person except in a case falling within subsection (3) or (4).

(3) The first case is where, for the purpose of determining whether to make the modification or revocation, OFCOM have—

(a) carried out a further analysis under section 84 of the market in question; and

(b) reviewed the market power determination for the time being in force in that person’s case.

(4) The second case is where OFCOM are satisfied that there has not—

(a) in the case of an unmodified condition, since the condition was set, or

(b) in any other case, since the condition was last modified,

been a material change in the market identified or otherwise used for the purposes of the market power determination by reference to which the condition was set or last modified.

(5) OFCOM must not modify SMP apparatus conditions applying to a person except where, for the purpose of determining whether to make the modification or revocation, they have—

(a) carried out a further analysis under section 85 of the market in question; and

(b) reviewed the market power determination for the time being in force in that person’s case.

(6) A change is a material change for the purposes of subsection (1) or (4) if it is one that is material to—

(a) the setting of the condition in question; or

(b) the modification or revocation in question.

Commencement Information

I153 S. 86 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))

I154 S. 86 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)

SMP services conditions: subject-matter U.K.

87 Conditions about network access etc. U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM have made a determination that a person to whom this section applies (“the dominant provider”) has significant market power in an identified services market, they shall—

(a) set such SMP conditions authorised by this section as they consider it appropriate to apply to that person in respect of the relevant network or relevant facilities; and

(b) apply those conditions to that person.

(2) This section applies to—

(a) a person who provides a public electronic communications network; and

(b) a person who makes available facilities that are associated facilities by reference to such a network.

(3) This section authorises SMP conditions requiring the dominant provider to give such entitlements as OFCOM may from time to time direct as respects—

(a) the provision of network access to the relevant network;

(b) the use of the relevant network; and

(c) the availability of the relevant facilities.

(4) In determining what conditions authorised by subsection (3) to set in a particular case, OFCOM must take into account, in particular, the following factors—

(a) the technical and economic viability, having regard to the state of market development, of installing and using facilities that would make the proposed network access unnecessary;

(b) the feasibility of the provision of the proposed network access;

(c) the investment made by the person initially providing or making available the network or other facility in respect of which an entitlement to network access is proposed;

(d) the need to secure effective competition in the long term;

(e) any rights to intellectual property that are relevant to the proposal; and

(f) the desirability of securing that electronic communications services are provided that are available throughout the member States.

(5) The conditions authorised by subsection (3) may include provision—

(a) for securing fairness and reasonableness in the way in which requests for network access are made and responded to; and

(b) for securing that the obligations contained in the conditions are complied with within the periods and at the times required by or under the conditions.

(6) The SMP conditions authorised by this section also include one or more of the following—

(a) a condition requiring the dominant provider not to discriminate unduly against particular persons, or against a particular description of persons, in relation to matters connected with network access to the relevant network or with the availability of the relevant facilities;

(b) a condition requiring the dominant provider to publish, in such manner as OFCOM may from time to time direct, all such information as they may direct for the purpose of securing transparency in relation to such matters;

(c) a condition requiring the dominant provider to publish, in such manner as OFCOM may from time to time direct, the terms and conditions on which he is willing to enter into an access contract;

(d) a condition requiring the terms and conditions on which the dominant provider is willing to enter into an access contract to include such terms and conditions as may be specified or described in the condition;

(e) a condition requiring the dominant provider to make such modifications as OFCOM may direct of any offer by that provider which sets out the terms and conditions on which he is willing to enter into an access contract.

(7) The SMP conditions authorised by this section also include conditions requiring the dominant provider to maintain a separation for accounting purposes between such different matters relating—

(a) to network access to the relevant network, or

(b) to the availability of the relevant facilities,

as OFCOM may from time to time direct.

(8) The SMP conditions authorised by subsection (7) include conditions imposing requirements about the accounting methods to be used in maintaining the separation.

(9) The SMP conditions authorised by this section also include (subject to section 88) conditions imposing on the dominant provider—

(a) such price controls as OFCOM may direct in relation to matters connected with the provision of network access to the relevant network, or with the availability of the relevant facilities;

(b) such rules as they may make in relation to those matters about the recovery of costs and cost orientation;

(c) such rules as they may make for those purposes about the use of cost accounting systems; and

(d) obligations to adjust prices in accordance with such directions given by OFCOM as they may consider appropriate.

(10) The SMP conditions authorised by subsection (9) include conditions requiring the application of presumptions in the fixing and determination of costs and charges for the purposes of the price controls, rules and obligations imposed by virtue of that subsection.

(11) Where OFCOM set a condition authorised by this section which imposes rules on the dominant provider about the use of cost accounting systems, it shall be their duty also to set, and to apply to him, an SMP condition which imposes on him an obligation—

(a) to make arrangements for a description to be made available to the public of the cost accounting system used in pursuance of that condition; and

(b) to include in that description details of—

(i) the main categories under which costs are brought into account for the purposes of that system; and

(ii) the rules applied for the purposes of that system with respect to the allocation of costs.

(12) In this section—

• “access contract” means—

  (a)

  a contract for the provision by a person to whom this section applies to another person of network access to the relevant network; or

  (b)

  a contract under which the relevant facilities are made available by a person to whom this section applies to another person;

• “the relevant facilities”, in relation to a person to whom this section applies, means the associated facilities made available by that person in relation to a public electronic communications network; and

• “the relevant network”, in relation to such a person, means the public electronic communications network provided by him.

Commencement Information

I155 S. 87 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))

I156 S. 87 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)

88 Conditions about network access pricing etc. U.K.

(1) OFCOM are not to set an SMP condition falling within section 87(9) except where—

(a) it appears to them from the market analysis carried out for the purpose of setting that condition that there is a relevant risk of adverse effects arising from price distortion; and

(b) it also appears to them that the setting of the condition is appropriate for the purposes of—

(i) promoting efficiency;

(ii) promoting sustainable competition; and

(iii) conferring the greatest possible benefits on the end-users of public electronic communications services.

(2) In setting an SMP condition falling within section 87(9) OFCOM must take account of the extent of the investment in the matters to which the condition relates of the person to whom it is to apply.

(3) For the purposes of this section there is a relevant risk of adverse affects arising from price distortion if the dominant provider might—

(a) so fix and maintain some or all of his prices at an excessively high level, or

(b) so impose a price squeeze,

as to have adverse consequences for end-users of public electronic communications services.

(4) In considering the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(b) OFCOM may—

(a) have regard to the prices at which services are available in comparable competitive markets;

(b) determine what they consider to represent efficiency by using such cost accounting methods as they think fit.

(5) In this section “the dominant provider” has the same meaning as in section 87.

Commencement Information

I157 S. 88 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))

I158 S. 88 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)

89 Conditions about network access in exceptional cases U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) OFCOM have made a determination that a person (“the dominant provider”) has significant market power in an identified services market;

(b) that person is the provider of an electronic communications network or a person who makes associated facilities available; and

(c) OFCOM consider that there are exceptional circumstances making it appropriate for conditions with respect to the provision of network access to be applied to the dominant provider in addition to those that are required to be or may be applied to him apart from this section.

(2) OFCOM may set the additional SMP conditions and apply them to the dominant provider if—

(a) they have submitted the additional conditions to the European Commission for approval; and

(b) the Commission has approved the imposition on the dominant provider of the obligations contained in those conditions.

Commencement Information

I159 S. 89 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))

I160 S. 89 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)

90 Conditions about carrier selection and pre-selection U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) OFCOM have made a determination that a person (“the dominant provider”) has significant market power in an identified services market; and

(b) it appears to OFCOM that the market is a market relating to services for the provision of public electronic communications networks for use by means of connections at fixed locations.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to set, and to apply to the dominant provider, such SMP conditions authorised by this section as they think fit.

(3) The SMP conditions authorised by this section are conditions requiring the dominant provider to do one or both of the following—

(a) to make a relevant connection facility available to every person to whom he provides a public electronic communications service;

(b) for the purpose of making such a connection facility available to such persons, to make facilities for interconnection available to a person providing an electronic communications service.

(4) Where OFCOM set a condition requiring the dominant provider to make a relevant connection facility available, they shall also set such SMP conditions as they consider appropriate—

(a) with respect to the relationship to costs of any prices fixed for the use of the facility; and

(b) for the purpose of securing that prices and other charges imposed on the persons to whom public electronic communications services are provided by the dominant provider do not constitute a disincentive to the use of the facility.

(5) Where OFCOM set conditions authorised by this section, those conditions may include provision imposing obligations as to the manner in which one or both of the following are to be made available in accordance with the conditions—

(a) the relevant connection facility in question;

(b) the facilities for interconnection that are to be made available to a person providing an electronic communications service.

(6) In this section “relevant connection facility” is a facility which—

(a) allows a person to whom a public electronic communications service is provided by means of an electronic communications network to select which public electronic communications service provided wholly or partly by means of that network is the service that he wishes to use; and

(b) enables that selection to be made either—

(i) by the use of a telephone number on each separate occasion on which a selection is made; or

(ii) by designating in advance the selection that is to apply on every occasion when no such selection as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) is made.

Commencement Information

I161 S. 90 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))

I162 S. 90 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)

91 Conditions about regulation of services etc. for end-users U.K.

(1) Where—

(a) OFCOM have made a determination that a person (“the dominant provider”) has significant market power in an identified services market (“the relevant market”),

(b) the relevant market is one for the end-users of public electronic communications services that are available in that market, and

(c) it appears to OFCOM that the test in subsection (2) is satisfied in the case of that provider,

they shall set, and apply to that provider, such SMP conditions authorised by this section as they consider appropriate.

(2) That test is that OFCOM are unable, by the setting of conditions of the sorts specified in subsection (3), to perform, or fully to perform, their duties under section 4 in relation to the market situation in the relevant market.

(3) The sorts of conditions referred to in subsection (2) are—

(a) access-related conditions; and

(b) SMP conditions authorised or required by sections 87 to 90.

(4) The reference in subsection (2) to the market situation in the relevant market is a reference to the situation revealed by such market analyses of that market as may have been carried out for the purposes of this Chapter.

(5) The SMP conditions authorised by this section are conditions imposing on the dominant provider such regulatory controls as OFCOM may from time to time direct in relation to the provision by that provider of any public electronic communications service to the end-users of that service.

(6) Where OFCOM set a condition which is authorised by this section and imposes regulatory control on tariffs or other matters to which costs are relevant, they shall also set, and apply to the dominant provider, an SMP condition which requires him, to the extent that they consider it appropriate—

(a) to use such cost accounting systems as may be determined by them;

(b) to have the use of those systems audited annually by a qualified auditor; and

(c) to publish an annual statement about compliance by the dominant provider with the obligations imposed by virtue of paragraph (a).

(7) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to provide the European Commission with all such information as the Commission requires them to provide about—

(a) conditions authorised by this section that are set by OFCOM; and

(b) the cost accounting systems used, by the persons to whom those conditions apply, in relation to the services regulated in accordance with the conditions.

[F6 (8) In this section “qualified auditor” means a person who—

(a) is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor under Part 42 of the Companies Act 2006, and

(b) if the appointment to carry out such auditing as is mentioned in subsection (6)(b) were an appointment as a statutory auditor, would not be prohibited from acting by section 1214 of that Act (independence requirement).]

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 91(8) substituted (6.4.2008) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments etc) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/948), art. 2(2), Sch. 1 para. 30(4) (with arts. 6, 11, 12)

Commencement Information

I163 S. 91 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))

I164 S. 91 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)

92 Conditions about leased lines U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) OFCOM have made a determination that a person (“the dominant provider”) has significant market power in an identified services market; and

(b) it appears to OFCOM that the market in relation to which that market power determination has been made is a market relating to the provision of any such leased lines as are for the time being identified by the European Commission in the List of Standards published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to set, and to apply to the dominant provider, such SMP conditions authorised by this section as they consider appropriate.

(3) The SMP conditions authorised by this section are conditions for applying, so far as required by the provisions for the time being contained in Annex VII to the Universal Service Directive, the principles of non-discrimination, cost orientation and transparency in relation to the leased lines identified as mentioned in subsection (1).

(4) In this section “leased line” means an electronic communications service the provision of which consists in the reservation of a fixed amount of transmission capacity between fixed points on the same or different electronic communications networks.

Commencement Information

I165 S. 92 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))

I166 S. 92 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)

SMP apparatus conditions: subject-matter U.K.

93 Conditions about apparatus supply U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM have made a determination that a person (“the dominant supplier”) has significant market power in an identified apparatus market, they may—

(a) set such SMP conditions authorised by this section as they consider it appropriate to apply to that person in respect of the supply of electronic communications apparatus; and

(b) apply those conditions to that person.

(2) This section authorises the setting of SMP conditions of each of the following descriptions—

(a) conditions requiring the dominant supplier to maintain such a separation for accounting purposes between matters relating to the supply of electronic communications apparatus and other matters as may be described in the conditions;

(b) conditions imposing requirements about the accounting methods to be used in maintaining the separation; and

(c) conditions imposing such rules as OFCOM may make, for the purpose of securing the maintenance of the separation, about the use of cost accounting systems.

(3) This section also authorises the setting of SMP conditions imposing price controls in relation to the hiring of telephones which are hardwired to an electronic communications network.

(4) Conditions set under this section must not make provision in relation to the supply of electronic communications apparatus unless the apparatus is of a description of apparatus as respects the supply of which the dominant supplier has been found to have significant market power.

(5) For the purposes of this section a telephone is hardwired to an electronic communications network where, in order for it to be used with that network—

(a) it has to be physically attached to apparatus comprised in the network; and

(b) the attachment has to be effected by a process that requires the use of a tool.

Commencement Information

I167 S. 93 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))

I168 S. 93 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)

Enforcement of conditions U.K.

94 Notification of contravention of conditions U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM determine that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person is contravening, or has contravened, a condition set under section 45, they may give that person a notification under this section.

(2) A notification under this section is one which—

(a) sets out the determination made by OFCOM;

(b) specifies the condition and contravention in respect of which that determination has been made; and

(c) specifies the period during which the person notified has an opportunity of doing the things specified in subsection (3).

(3) Those things are—

(a) making representations about the matters notified;

(b) complying with notified conditions of which he remains in contravention; and

(c) remedying the consequences of notified contraventions.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) to (7) and section 98(3), the period for doing those things must be the period of one month beginning with the day after the one on which the notification was given.

(5) OFCOM may, if they think fit, allow a longer period for doing those things either—

(a) by specifying a longer period in the notification; or

(b) by subsequently, on one or more occasions, extending the specified period.

(6) The person notified shall have a shorter period for doing those things if a shorter period is agreed between OFCOM and the person notified.

(7) The person notified shall also have a shorter period if—

(a) OFCOM have reasonable grounds for believing that the contravention is a repeated contravention;

(b) they have determined that, in those circumstances, a shorter period would be appropriate; and

(c) the shorter period has been specified in the notification.

(8) A notification under this section—

(a) may be given in respect of more than one contravention; and

(b) if it is given in respect of a continuing contravention, may be given in respect of any period during which the contravention has continued.

(9) Where a notification under this section has been given to a person in respect of a contravention of a condition, OFCOM may give a further notification in respect of the same contravention of that condition if, and only if—

(a) the contravention is one occurring after the time of the giving of the earlier notification;

(b) the contravention is a continuing contravention and the subsequent notification is in respect of so much of a period as falls after a period to which the earlier notification relates; or

(c) the earlier notification has been withdrawn without a penalty having been imposed in respect of the notified contravention.

(10) OFCOM must not give a notification under this section in a case in which—

(a) they decide that a more appropriate way of proceeding in relation to the contravention in question would be under the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41); and

(b) they publish a statement to that effect in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing their decision to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(11) For the purposes of this section a contravention is a repeated contravention, in relation to a notification with respect to that contravention, if—

(a) a previous notification under this section has been given in respect of the same contravention or in respect of another contravention of the same condition; and

(b) the subsequent notification is given no more than twelve months after the day of the making by OFCOM of a determination for the purposes of section 95(2) or 96(2) that the contravention to which the previous notification related did occur.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 94-97 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2000/730, reg. 18(5) (as inserted (25.7.2003) by Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1903), regs. 1(1), 2(12)(b))

Commencement Information

I169 S. 94 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))

I170 S. 94 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)

95 Enforcement notification for contravention of conditions U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person (“the notified provider”) has been given a notification under section 94;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified provider an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may give the notified provider an enforcement notification if they are satisfied—

(a) that he has, in one or more of the respects notified, been in contravention of a condition specified in the notification under section 94; and

(b) that he has not, during the period allowed under that section, taken all such steps as they consider appropriate—

(i) for complying with that condition; and

(ii) for remedying the consequences of the notified contravention of that condition.

(3) An enforcement notification is a notification which imposes one or both of the following requirements on the notified provider—

(a) a requirement to take such steps for complying with the notified condition as may be specified in the notification;

(b) a requirement to take such steps for remedying the consequences of the notified contravention as may be so specified.

(4) A decision of OFCOM to give an enforcement notification to a person—

(a) must be notified by them to that person, together with the reasons for the decision, no later than one week after the day on which it is taken; and

(b) must fix a reasonable period for the taking of the steps required by the notification.

(5) It shall be the duty of a person to whom an enforcement notification has been given to comply with it.

(6) That duty shall be enforceable in civil proceedings by OFCOM—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36); or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 94-97 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2000/730, reg. 18(5) (as inserted (25.7.2003) by Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1903), regs. 1(1), 2(12)(b))

Commencement Information

I171 S. 95 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))

I172 S. 95 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)

96 Penalties for contravention of conditions U.K.

(1) This section applies (in addition to section 95) where—

(a) a person (“the notified provider”) has been given a notification under section 94;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified provider an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may impose a penalty on the notified provider if he—

(a) has, in one or more of the respects notified, been in contravention of a condition specified in the notification under section 94; and

(b) has not, during the period allowed under that section, taken the steps OFCOM consider appropriate—

(i) for complying with the notified condition; and

(ii) for remedying the consequences of the notified contravention of that condition.

(3) Where a notification under section 94 relates to more than one contravention, a separate penalty may be imposed in respect of each contravention.

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

(5) OFCOM may also impose a penalty on the notified provider if he has contravened, or is contravening, a requirement of an enforcement notification given under section 95 in respect of the notified contravention.

(6) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) within one week of making their decision to impose the penalty, notify that person of that decision and of their reasons for that decision; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(7) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 94-97 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2000/730, reg. 18(5) (as inserted (25.7.2003) by Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1903), regs. 1(1), 2(12)(b))

Commencement Information

I173 S. 96 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))

I174 S. 96 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)

97 Amount of penalty under s. 96 U.K.

(1) The amount of a penalty imposed under section 96 is to be such amount not exceeding ten per cent. of the turnover of the notified provider’s relevant business for the relevant period as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(2) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified provider;

(b) any steps taken by him towards complying with the conditions contraventions of which have been notified to him under section 94; and

(c) any steps taken by him for remedying the consequences of those contraventions.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the turnover of a person’s relevant business for a period shall be calculated in accordance with such rules as may be set out by order made by the Secretary of State; and

(b) provision may also be made by such an order for determining what is to be treated as the network, service, facility or business by reference to which the calculation of that turnover falls to be made.

(4) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (3) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(5) In this section—

• “relevant business” means (subject to the provisions of an order under subsection (3) and to subsections (6) and (7)) so much of any business carried on by the notified provider as consists in any one or more of the following—

  (a)

  the provision of an electronic communications network;

  (b)

  the provision of an electronic communications service;

  (c)

  the making available of associated facilities;

  (d)

  the supply of directories for use in connection with the use of such a network or service;

  (e)

  the making available of directory enquiry facilities for use for purposes connected with the use of such a network or service;

  (f)

  any business not falling within any of the preceding paragraphs which is carried on in association with any business in respect of which any access-related condition is applied to the person carrying it on;

• “relevant period”, in relation to a contravention by a person of a condition set under section 45, means—

  (a)

  except in a case falling within paragraph (b) or (c), the period of one year ending with the 31st March next before the time when notification of the contravention was given under section 94;

  (b)

  in the case of a person who at that time has been carrying on that business for a period of less than a year, the period, ending with that time, during which he has been carrying it on; and

  (c)

  in the case of a person who at that time has ceased to carry on that business, the period of one year ending with the time when he ceased to carry it on.

(6) In the case of a contravention of an SMP apparatus condition the relevant business is so much of any business carried on by the person in respect of whose contravention the penalty is imposed as consists in the supply of electronic communications apparatus.

(7) So much of any business of a person on whom the penalty is imposed as falls within paragraph (f) of the definition of a relevant business shall be disregarded for the purposes of this section except in relation to—

(a) a contravention of an access-related condition imposed in respect of that business; or

(b) a contravention of an enforcement notification given under section 95 relating to such a condition.

(8) In this section “the notified provider” has the same meaning as in section 96.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Ss. 94-97 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2000/730, reg. 18(5) (as inserted (25.7.2003) by Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1903), regs. 1(1), 2(12)(b))

Commencement Information

I175 S. 97 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))

I176 S. 97 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)

98 Power to deal with urgent cases U.K.

(1) This section applies where OFCOM determine—

(a) that they are entitled to give a notification under section 94 with respect to a contravention by a person (“the contravening provider”) of a condition set under section 45, other than an SMP apparatus condition;

(b) that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the case is an urgent case; and

(c) that the urgency of the case makes it appropriate for OFCOM to take action under this section.

(2) A case is an urgent case for the purposes of this section if the contravention has resulted in, or creates an immediate risk of—

(a) a serious threat to the safety of the public, to public health or to national security;

(b) serious economic or operational problems for persons (other than the contravening provider) who are communications providers or persons who make associated facilities available; or

(c) serious economic or operational problems for persons who make use of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities.

(3) OFCOM may, in a notification under section 94 with respect to the contravention, specify a period of less than one month for doing the things mentioned in subsection (3) of that section.

(4) OFCOM shall also have power to give to the contravening provider—

(a) a direction that his entitlement to provide electronic communications networks or electronic communications services, or to make associated facilities available, is suspended (either generally or in relation to particular networks, services or facilities); or

(b) a direction that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the direction.

(5) A direction under subsection (4)—

(a) must specify the networks, services and facilities to which it relates; and

(b) except so far as it otherwise provides, takes effect for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(6) A direction under subsection (4)—

(a) in providing for the effect of a suspension or restriction to be postponed, may provide for it to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with the suspension or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the contravening provider as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting his customers.

(7) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the contravening provider’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(8) OFCOM have power to revoke a direction given under subsection (4)—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such networks, services or facilities, or parts of a network, service or facility, as they may determine.

Commencement Information

I177 S. 98 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))

I178 S. 98 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)

99 Confirmation of directions under s. 98 U.K.

(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after giving a direction under section 98(4), OFCOM must give the person to whom it is given—

(a) an opportunity of making representations to them about the grounds on which it was given and its effect; and

(b) an opportunity of proposing steps to remedy the situation.

(2) As soon as practicable after the period allowed by OFCOM for making those representations has ended, they must determine—

(a) whether the contravention providing the grounds for the giving of the direction did occur; and

(b) whether the circumstances made it an urgent case justifying the giving of the direction.

(3) If OFCOM decide that the contravention did occur and that the direction was justified, they may confirm the direction.

(4) If not, they must exercise their power to revoke it.

(5) As soon as reasonably practicable after determining whether to confirm the direction, OFCOM must notify the person to whom it was given of their decision.

(6) Conditions included in a direction by virtue of section 98(7) have effect only if the direction is confirmed.

Commencement Information

I179 S. 99 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))

I180 S. 99 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)

100 Suspending service provision for contraventions of conditions U.K.

(1) OFCOM may give a direction under this section to a person who is a communications provider or makes associated facilities available (“the contravening provider”) if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is or has been in serious and repeated contravention of conditions set under section 45, other than an SMP apparatus condition;

(b) that an attempt, by the imposition of penalties or the giving of enforcement notifications under section 95 or both, to secure compliance with the contravened conditions has failed; and

(c) that the giving of the direction is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness (when repeated as they have been) of the contraventions.

(2) A direction under this section is—

(a) a direction that the entitlement of the contravening provider to provide electronic communications networks or electronic communications services, or to make associated facilities available, is suspended (either generally or in relation to particular networks, services or facilities); or

(b) a direction that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the direction.

(3) A direction under this section—

(a) must specify the networks, services and facilities to which it relates; and

(b) except so far as it otherwise provides, takes effect for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(4) A direction under this section—

(a) in providing for the effect of a suspension or restriction to be postponed, may provide for it to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with the suspension or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the contravening provider as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that provider’s customers.

(5) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the contravening provider’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(6) If OFCOM consider it appropriate to do so (whether or not in consequence of representations or proposals made to them), they may revoke a direction under this section or modify its conditions—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such networks, services or facilities, or parts of a network, service or facility, as they may determine.

(7) For the purposes of this section there are repeated contraventions by a person of conditions set under section 45 to the extent that—

(a) in the case of a previous notification given to that person under section section 94, OFCOM have determined for the purposes of section 95(2) or 96(2) that such a contravention did occur;

(b) in the period of twelve months following the day of the making of that determination, one or more further notifications have been given to that person in respect of contraventions of a condition set under section 45; and

(c) the previous notification and the subsequent ones all relate to contraventions of the same condition (whether the same contravention or different contraventions).

Commencement Information

I181 S. 100 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))

I182 S. 100 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)

101 Suspending apparatus supply for contraventions of conditions U.K.

(1) OFCOM may give a direction under this section to a person who supplies electronic communications apparatus (“the contravening supplier”) if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is or has been in serious and repeated contravention of any SMP apparatus conditions;

(b) that an attempt, by the imposition of penalties or the giving of enforcement notifications under section 95 or both, to secure compliance with the contravened conditions has failed; and

(c) that the giving of the direction is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness (when repeated as they have been) of the contraventions.

(2) A direction under this section is—

(a) a direction to the contravening supplier to cease to act as a supplier of electronic communications apparatus (either generally or in relation to apparatus of a particular description); or

(b) a direction imposing such restrictions as may be set out in the direction on the supply by that supplier of electronic communications apparatus (either generally or in relation to apparatus of a particular description).

(3) A direction under this section takes effect, except so far as it otherwise provides, for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(4) A direction under this section—

(a) may provide for a prohibition or restriction to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with a prohibition or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the contravening supplier as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that supplier’s customers.

(5) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the contravening supplier’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(6) If OFCOM consider it appropriate to do so (whether or not in consequence of representations or proposals made to them), they may at any time revoke a direction under this section or modify its conditions—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such apparatus or descriptions of apparatus as they may determine.

(7) For the purposes of this section there are repeated contraventions by a person of SMP apparatus conditions to the extent that—

(a) in the case of a previous notification given to that person under section 94, OFCOM have determined for the purposes of section 95(2) or 96(2) that such a contravention did occur;

(b) in the period of twelve months following the day of the making of that determination, one or more further notifications have been given to that person in respect of contraventions of an SMP apparatus condition; and

(c) the previous notification and the subsequent ones all relate to contraventions of the same condition (whether the same contravention or different contraventions).

Commencement Information

I183 S. 101 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))

I184 S. 101 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)

102 Procedure for directions under ss. 100 and 101 U.K.

(1) Except in an urgent case, OFCOM are not to give a direction under section 100 or 101 unless they have—

(a) notified the contravening provider or contravening supplier of the proposed direction and of the conditions (if any) which they are proposing to impose by that direction;

(b) provided him with an opportunity of making representations about the proposals and of proposing steps for remedying the situation; and

(c) considered every representation and proposal made to them during the period allowed by them for the contravening provider or the contravening supplier to take advantage of that opportunity.

(2) That period must be one ending not less than one month after the day of the giving of the notification.

(3) As soon as practicable after giving a direction under section 100 or 101 in an urgent case, OFCOM must, provide the contravening provider or contravening supplier with an opportunity of—

(a) making representations about the effect of the direction and of any of its conditions; and

(b) proposing steps for remedying the situation.

(4) A case is an urgent case for the purposes of this section if OFCOM—

(a) consider that it would be inappropriate, because the contraventions in question fall within subsection (5), to allow time, before giving a direction under section 100 or 101, for the making and consideration of representations; and

(b) decide for that reason to act in accordance with subsection (3), instead of subsection (1).

(5) The contraventions fall within this subsection if they have resulted in, or create an immediate risk of—

(a) a serious threat to the safety of the public, to public health or to national security;

(b) serious economic or operational problems for persons (apart from the contravening provider or contravening supplier) who are communications providers or persons who make associated facilities available; or

(c) serious economic or operational problems for persons who make use of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities.

(6) In this section—

• “contravening provider” has the same meaning as in section 100; and

• “contravening supplier” has the same meaning as in section 101.

Commencement Information

I185 S. 102 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))

I186 S. 102 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)

103 Enforcement of directions under ss. 98, 100 and 101 U.K.

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he provides an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or makes available any associated facility—

(a) while his entitlement to do so is suspended by a direction under section 98(4) or 100; or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if he supplies electronic communications apparatus—

(a) while prohibited from doing so by a direction under section 101; or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(4) Sections 94 to 99 apply in relation to a contravention of conditions imposed by a direction under section 98, 100 or 101 as they apply in relation to a contravention of conditions set under section 45.

Commencement Information

I187 S. 103 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))

I188 S. 103 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)

104 Civil liability for breach of conditions or enforcement notification U.K.

(1) The obligation of a person to comply with—

(a) the conditions set under section 45 which apply to him,

(b) requirements imposed on him by an enforcement notification under section 95, and

(c) the conditions imposed by a direction under section 98 or 100,

shall be a duty owed to every person who may be affected by a contravention of the condition or requirement.

(2) Where a duty is owed by virtue of this section to a person—

(a) a breach of the duty that causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(b) an act which—

(i) by inducing a breach of the duty or interfering with its performance, causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(ii) is done wholly or partly for achieving that result,

shall be actionable at the suit or instance of that person.

(3) In proceedings brought against a person by virtue of subsection (2)(a) it shall be a defence for that person to show that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the condition or requirement in question.

(4) The consent of OFCOM is required for the bringing of proceedings by virtue of subsection (1)(a).

(5) Where OFCOM give a consent for the purposes of subsection (4) subject to conditions relating to the conduct of the proceedings, the proceedings are not to be carried on by that person except in compliance with those conditions.

Commencement Information

I189 S. 104 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))

I190 S. 104 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)

OFCOM’s duty to intervene on network access issues U.K.

105 Consideration and determination of network access questions U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) it appears to OFCOM that a network access question has arisen and needs to be determined; and

(b) they consider that, for the purpose of determining that question, it would be appropriate for them to exercise their powers under this Chapter to set, modify or revoke conditions falling within subsection (2).

(2) Conditions falling within this subsection are—

(a) access-related conditions authorised by section 73(2) or (4); and

(b) SMP services conditions authorised by section 87.

(3) Before considering whether, for the purpose of determining the question that has arisen, to set, modify or revoke conditions falling within subsection (2), OFCOM must publish a notification of their proposal to consider that matter.

(4) If, after considering that matter, OFCOM decide not to exercise their powers to set, modify or revoke conditions falling within subsection (2), they must publish a notification of their decision.

(5) A notification under this section must be published in the manner that OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, would be likely to be affected by action taken for determining the network access question that appears to them to have arisen.

(6) In this section “network access question” means a question relating to network access or the terms or conditions on which it is or may be provided in a particular case.

Commencement Information

I191 S. 105 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))

I192 S. 105 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)

Electronic communications code U.K.

106 Application of the electronic communications code U.K.

(1) In this Chapter “the electronic communications code” means the code set out in Schedule 2 to the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12).

(2) Schedule 3 (which amends Schedule 2 to the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12) for the purpose of translating the telecommunications code into a code applicable in the context of the new regulatory regime established by this Act) shall have effect.

(3) The electronic communications code shall have effect—

(a) in the case of a person to whom it is applied by a direction given by OFCOM; and

(b) in the case of the Secretary of State or any Northern Ireland department where the Secretary of State or that department is providing or proposing to provide an electronic communications network.

(4) The only purposes for which the electronic communications code may be applied in a person’s case by a direction under this section are—

(a) the purposes of the provision by him of an electronic communications network; or

(b) the purposes of the provision by him of a system of conduits which he is making available, or proposing to make available, for use by providers of electronic communications networks for the purposes of the provision by them of their networks.

(5) A direction applying the electronic communications code in any person’s case may provide for that code to have effect in his case—

(a) in relation only to such places or localities as may be specified or described in the direction;

(b) for the purposes only of the provision of such electronic communications network, or part of an electronic communications network, as may be so specified or described; or

(c) for the purposes only of the provision of such conduit system, or part of a conduit system, as may be so specified or described.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order provide for the electronic communications code to have effect for all purposes with a different amount substituted for the amount for the time being specified in paragraph 16(3) of the code (minimum compensation).

(7) In this section “conduit” includes a tunnel, subway, tube or pipe.

Commencement Information

I193 S. 106 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))

I194 S. 106 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)

107 Procedure for directions applying code U.K.

(1) OFCOM are not to give a direction applying the electronic communications code in any person’s case except on an application made for the purpose by that person.

(2) If OFCOM publish a notification setting out their requirements with respect to—

(a) the content of an application for a direction applying the electronic communications code, and

(b) the manner in which such an application is to be made,

such an application must be made in accordance with the requirements for the time being in force.

(3) OFCOM may—

(a) from time to time review the requirements for the time being in force for the purposes of subsection (2); and

(b) on any such review, modify them in such manner as they think fit by giving a notification of the revised requirements.

(4) In considering whether to apply the electronic communications code in any person’s case, OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to each of the following matters—

(a) the benefit to the public of the electronic communications network or conduit system by reference to which the code is to be applied to that person;

(b) the practicability of the provision of that network or system without the application of the code;

(c) the need to encourage the sharing of the use of electronic communications apparatus;

(d) whether the person in whose case it is proposed to apply the code will be able to meet liabilities arising as a consequence of—

(i) the application of the code in his case; and

(ii) any conduct of his in relation to the matters with which the code deals.

(5) For the purposes of subsections (6) and (7) of section 3 OFCOM’s duty under subsection (4) ranks equally with their duties under that section.

(6) Before giving a direction under section 106, OFCOM must—

(a) publish a notification of their proposal to give the direction; and

(b) consider any representations about that proposal that are made to them within the period specified in the notification.

(7) A notification for the purposes of subsection (6)(a) must contain the following—

(a) a statement of OFCOM’s proposal;

(b) a statement of their reasons for that proposal;

(c) a statement of the period within which representations may be made to them about the proposal.

(8) The statement of OFCOM’s proposal must—

(a) contain a statement that they propose to apply the code in the case of the person in question;

(b) set out any proposals of theirs to impose terms under section 106(5);

but this subsection is subject to sections 113(7) and 115(5).

(9) The period specified as the period within which representations may be made must end no less than one month after the day of the publication of the notification.

(10) The publication by OFCOM of a notification for any of the purposes of this section must be a publication in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing the notification to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

Commencement Information

I195 S. 107 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))

I196 S. 107 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)

108 Register of persons in whose case code applies U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to establish and maintain a register of persons in whose case the electronic communications code applies by virtue of a direction under section 106.

(2) OFCOM must record in the register every direction given under that section.

(3) Information recorded in the register must be recorded in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to publish a notification setting out—

(a) the times at which the register is for the time being available for public inspection; and

(b) the fees that must be paid for, or in connection with, an inspection of the register.

(5) The publication of a notification under subsection (4) must be a publication in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(6) OFCOM must make the register available for public inspection—

(a) during such hours, and

(b) on payment of such fees,

as are set out in the notification for the time being in force under subsection (4).

Commencement Information

I197 S. 108 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))

I198 S. 108 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)

109 Restrictions and conditions subject to which code applies U.K.

(1) Where the electronic communications code is applied in any person’s case by a direction given by OFCOM, that code is to have effect in that person’s case subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be contained in regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(2) In exercising his power to make regulations under this section it shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to have regard to each of the following—

(a) the duties imposed on OFCOM by sections 3 and 4;

(b) the need to protect the environment and, in particular, to conserve the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside;

(c) the need to ensure that highways are not damaged or obstructed, and traffic not interfered with, to any greater extent than is reasonably necessary;

(d) the need to encourage the sharing of the use of electronic communications apparatus;

(e) the need to secure that a person in whose case the code is applied will be able to meet liabilities arising as a consequence of—

(i) the application of the code in his case; and

(ii) any conduct of his in relation to the matters with which the code deals.

(3) The power of the Secretary of State to provide by regulations for the restrictions and conditions subject to which the electronic communications code has effect includes power to provide for restrictions and conditions which are framed by reference to any one or more of the following—

(a) the making of a determination in accordance with the regulations by a person specified in the regulations;

(b) the giving of an approval or consent by a person so specified; or

(c) the opinion of any person.

(4) Before making any regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) OFCOM; and

(b) such other persons as he considers appropriate.

Commencement Information

I199 S. 109 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))

I200 S. 109 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)

110 Enforcement of restrictions and conditions U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM determine that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person in whose case the electronic communications code applies is contravening, or has contravened, a requirement imposed by virtue of any restrictions or conditions under section 109, they may give him a notification under this section.

(2) A notification under this section is one which—

(a) sets out the determination made by OFCOM;

(b) specifies the requirement and the contravention in respect of which that determination has been made; and

(c) specifies the period during which the person notified has an opportunity of doing the things specified in subsection (3).

(3) Those things are—

(a) making representations about the matters notified;

(b) complying with any notified requirement of which he remains in contravention; and

(c) remedying the consequences of notified contraventions.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) to (7), the period for doing those things must be the period of one month beginning with the day after the one on which the notification was given.

(5) OFCOM may, if they think fit, allow a longer period for doing those things either—

(a) by specifying a longer period in the notification; or

(b) by subsequently, on one or more occasions, extending the specified period.

(6) The person notified shall have a shorter period for doing those things if a shorter period is agreed between OFCOM and the person notified.

(7) The person notified shall also have a shorter period if—

(a) OFCOM have reasonable grounds for believing that the contravention is a repeated contravention;

(b) they have determined that, in those circumstances, a shorter period would be appropriate; and

(c) the shorter period has been specified in the notification.

(8) A notification under this section—

(a) may be given in respect of more than one contravention; and

(b) if it is given in respect of a continuing contravention, may be given in respect of any period during which the contravention has continued.

(9) Where a notification under this section has been given to a person in respect of a contravention of a requirement, OFCOM may give a further notification in respect of the same contravention of that requirement if, and only if—

(a) the contravention is one occurring after the time of the giving of the earlier notification;

(b) the contravention is a continuing contravention and the subsequent notification is in respect of so much of a period as falls after a period to which the earlier notification relates; or

(c) the earlier notification has been withdrawn without a penalty having been imposed in respect of the notified contravention.

(10) For the purposes of this section a contravention is a repeated contravention, in relation to a notification with respect to that contravention, if—

(a) a previous notification under this section has been given in respect of the same contravention or in respect of another contravention of the same requirement; and

(b) the subsequent notification is given no more than twelve months after the day of the making by OFCOM of a determination for the purposes of section 111(2) or 112(2) that the contravention to which the previous notification related did occur.

Commencement Information

I201 S. 110 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))

I202 S. 110 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)

111 Enforcement notification for contravention of code restrictions U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person (“the notified provider”) has been given a notification under section 110;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified provider an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may give the notified provider an enforcement notification if they are satisfied—

(a) that he has been in contravention, in one or more of the respects notified, of a requirement specified in the notification under section 110; and

(b) that he has not, during the period allowed under section 110, taken all such steps as they consider appropriate—

(i) for complying with that requirement; and

(ii) for remedying the consequences of the notified contravention of that requirement.

(3) An enforcement notification is a notification which imposes one or both of the following requirements on the notified provider—

(a) a requirement to take such steps for complying with the notified requirement as may be specified in the notification;

(b) a requirement to take such steps for remedying the consequences of the notified contravention as may be so specified.

(4) A decision of OFCOM to give an enforcement notification to a person—

(a) must be notified by them to that person, together with the reasons for the decision, no later than one week after the day on which it is taken; and

(b) must fix a reasonable period for the taking of the steps required by the notification.

(5) It shall be the duty of a person to whom an enforcement notification has been given to comply with it.

(6) That duty shall be enforceable in civil proceedings by OFCOM—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36); or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

Commencement Information

I203 S. 111 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))

I204 S. 111 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)

112 Penalties for contravention of code restrictions U.K.

(1) This section applies (in addition to section 111) where—

(a) a person (“the notified provider”) has been given a notification under section 110;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified provider an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may impose a penalty on the notified provider if he—

(a) has been in contravention, in any of the respects notified, of a requirement specified in the notification under section 110; and

(b) has not, during the period allowed under that section, taken all such steps as they consider appropriate—

(i) for complying with the notified requirement; and

(ii) for remedying the consequences of the notified contravention of that requirement.

(3) Where a notification under section 110 relates to more than one contravention, a separate penalty may be imposed in respect of each contravention.

(4) Where such a notification relates to a continuing contravention, no more than one penalty may be imposed under this section in respect of the period of contravention specified in the notification.

(5) OFCOM may also impose a penalty on the notified provider if he has contravened, or is contravening, a requirement of an enforcement notification.

(6) The amount of a penalty imposed under this section is to be such amount not exceeding £10,000 as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(7) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified provider;

(b) any steps taken by him towards complying with the requirements contraventions of which have been notified to him under section 110; and

(c) any steps taken by him for remedying the consequences of those contraventions.

(8) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) within one week of making their decision to impose the penalty, notify that person of that decision and of their reasons for that decision; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(9) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(10) 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 (6).

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

Commencement Information

I205 S. 112 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))

I206 S. 112 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)

113 Suspension of application of code U.K.

(1) OFCOM may suspend the application of the electronic communications code in any person’s case if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is or has been in serious and repeated contravention of requirements to pay administrative charges fixed under section 38 (whether in respect of the whole or a part of the charges);

(b) that the bringing of proceedings for the recovery of the amounts outstanding has failed to secure complete compliance by the contravening provider with the requirements to pay the charges fixed in his case, or has no reasonable prospect of securing such compliance;

(c) that an attempt, by the imposition of penalties under section 41, to secure such compliance has failed; and

(d) that the suspension of the application of the code is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness (when repeated as they have been) of the contraventions.

(2) OFCOM may, to the extent specified in subsection (3), suspend the application in that person’s case of the electronic communications code if—

(a) the electronic communications code has been applied by a direction under section 106 in any person’s case; and

(b) OFCOM give a direction under section 42, 100, 132 or 140 for the suspension or restriction of that person’s entitlement to provide an electronic communications network, or a part of such a network.

(3) The extent, in any person’s case, of a suspension under subsection (2) must not go beyond the application of the code for the purposes of so much of an electronic communications network as that person is prohibited from providing by virtue of the suspension or restriction of his entitlement to provide such a network, or part of a network.

(4) OFCOM may, to the extent specified in subsection (5), suspend the application in that person’s case of the electronic communications code if—

(a) the electronic communications code has been applied by a direction under section 106 in any person’s case; and

(b) that person is a person in whose case there have been repeated and serious contraventions of requirements imposed by virtue of any restrictions or conditions under section 109.

(5) The extent, in any person’s case, of a suspension under subsection (4) must not go beyond the following applications of the code in his case—

(a) its application for the purposes of electronic communications networks, or parts of such a network, which are not yet in existence at the time of the suspension;

(b) its application for the purposes of conduit systems, or parts of such systems, which are not yet in existence or not yet used for the purposes of electronic communications networks; and

(c) its application for other purposes in circumstances in which the provision of an electronic communications network, or part of such a network, would not have to cease if its application for those purposes were suspended.

(6) A suspension under this section of the application of the code in any person’s case must be by a further direction given to that person by OFCOM under section 106.

(7) The statement required by section 107(8) to be included, in the case of a direction for the purposes of this section, in the statement of OFCOM’s proposal is a statement of their proposal to suspend the application of the code.

(8) A suspension of the application of the electronic communications code in any person’s case—

(a) shall cease to have effect if the suspension is under subsection (2) and the network suspension or restriction ceases to have effect; but

(b) subject to that shall continue in force until such time (if any) as it is withdrawn by OFCOM.

(9) In subsection (8) the reference to the network suspension or restriction, in relation to a suspension of the application of the electronic communications code, is a reference to the suspension or restriction of an entitlement to provide an electronic communications network, or part of such a network, which is the suspension or restriction by reference to which the application of the code was suspended under subsection (2).

(10) Subject to subsection (11), where the application of the electronic communications code is suspended in a person’s case, he shall not, while it is so suspended, be entitled to exercise any right conferred on him by or by virtue of the code.

(11) The suspension, in a person’s case, of the application of the electronic communications code does not, except so far as otherwise provided by a scheme contained in an order under section 117—

(a) affect (as between the original parties to it) any agreement entered into for the purposes of the code or any agreement having effect in accordance with it;

(b) affect anything done under the code before the suspension of its application; or

(c) require the removal of, or prohibit the use of, any apparatus lawfully installed on, in or over any premises before that suspension.

(12) Subsection (9) of section 42 applies for the purposes of subsection (1) as it applies for the purposes of that section.

Commencement Information

I207 S. 113 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))

I208 S. 113 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)

114 Procedure for directions under s. 113 U.K.

(1) Except in an urgent case, OFCOM are not to give a direction under section 113(4) suspending the application of the electronic communications code in the case of any person (“the operator”) unless they have—

(a) notified the operator of the proposed suspension and of the steps (if any) that they are proposing to take under section 117;

(b) provided him with an opportunity of making representations about the proposals and of proposing steps for remedying the situation that has given rise to the proposed suspension; and

(c) considered every representation and proposal made to them during the period allowed by them for the operator to take advantage of that opportunity.

(2) That period must be one ending not less than one month after the day of the giving of the notification.

(3) As soon as practicable after giving a direction under section 113 in an urgent case, OFCOM must provide the operator with an opportunity of—

(a) making representations about the effect of the direction and of any steps taken under section 117 in connection with the suspension; and

(b) proposing steps for remedying the situation that has given rise to the situation.

(4) A case is an urgent case for the purposes of this section if OFCOM—

(a) consider that it would be inappropriate, because the circumstances appearing to OFCOM to require the suspension fall within subsection (5), to allow time, before giving a direction under section 113, for the making and consideration of representations; and

(b) decide for that reason to act in accordance with subsection (3), instead of subsection (1).

(5) Circumstances fall within this subsection if they have resulted in, or create an immediate risk of—

(a) a serious threat to the safety of the public, to public health or to national security;

(b) serious economic or operational problems for persons (apart from the operator) who are communications providers or persons who make associated facilities available; or

(c) serious economic or operational problems for persons who make use of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities.

Commencement Information

I209 S. 114 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))

I210 S. 114 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)

115 Modification and revocation of application of code U.K.

(1) OFCOM may at any time modify the terms on which, by virtue of section 106(5), the code is applied in a person’s case.

(2) OFCOM may revoke a direction applying the electronic communications code in a person’s case if an application for the revocation has been made by that person.

(3) If at any time it appears to OFCOM that a person in whose case the electronic communications code has been applied is not the provider of an electronic communications network or conduit system for the purposes of which the code applies, OFCOM may revoke the direction applying the code in his case.

(4) A modification or revocation under this section shall be by a further direction under section 106 to the person in whose case the electronic communications code has been applied by the direction being modified or revoked.

(5) The matters required by section 107(8) to be included, in the case of a direction for the purposes of this section, in the statement of OFCOM’s proposal are whichever of the following is applicable—

(a) a statement of their proposal to modify terms imposed under section 106(5);

(b) a statement of their proposal to revoke the direction applying the code.

Commencement Information

I211 S. 115 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))

I212 S. 115 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)

116 Notification of cessation by person to whom code applies U.K.

(1) This section applies where, by virtue of a direction under section 106, the electronic communications code applies in any person’s case for the purposes of the provision by him of—

(a) an electronic communications network which is not of a description designated for the purposes of section 33; or

(b) such a system of conduits as is mentioned in section 106(4)(b).

(2) If that person ceases to provide that network or conduit system, he must notify OFCOM of that fact.

(3) A notification under this section must be given within such period and in such manner as may be required by OFCOM.

(4) OFCOM may impose a penalty on a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by or under this section.

(5) The amount of a penalty imposed on a person under this section is to be such amount not exceeding £1,000 as OFCOM may determine to be both—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(6) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) within one week of making their decision to impose the penalty, notify that person of that decision and of their reasons for that decision; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(7) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(8) 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).

(9) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (8) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Commencement Information

I213 S. 116 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))

I214 S. 116 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)

117 Transitional schemes on cessation of application of code U.K.

(1) Where it appears to OFCOM—

(a) that the electronic communications code has ceased or is to cease to apply, to any extent, in the case of any person (“the former operator”),

(b) that it has ceased or will cease so to apply for either of the reasons specified in subsection (2), and

(c) that it is appropriate for transitional provision to be made in connection with it ceasing to apply in the case of the former operator,

they may by order make a scheme containing any such transitional provision as they think fit in that case.

(2) Those reasons are—

(a) the suspension under section 113 of the application of the code in the former operator’s case;

(b) the revocation or modification under section 115 of the direction applying the code in his case.

(3) A scheme contained in an order under this section may, in particular—

(a) impose any one or more obligations falling within subsection (4) on the former operator;

(b) provide for those obligations to be enforceable in such manner (otherwise than by criminal penalties) and by such persons as may be specified in the scheme;

(c) authorise the retention of apparatus on any land pending its subsequent use for the purposes of an electronic communications network, electronic communications service or conduit system to be provided by any person;

(d) provide for the transfer to such persons as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, the scheme of any rights or liabilities arising out of any agreement or other obligation entered into or incurred in pursuance of the code by the former operator;

(e) provide, for the purposes of any provision contained in the scheme by virtue of any of the preceding paragraphs, for such questions arising under the scheme as are specified in the scheme, or are of a description so specified, to be referred to, and determined by, OFCOM.

(4) The obligations referred to in subsection (3)(a) are—

(a) an obligation to remove anything installed in pursuance of any right conferred by or in accordance with the code;

(b) an obligation to restore land to its condition before anything was done in pursuance of any such right; or

(c) an obligation to pay the expenses of any such removal or restoration.

(5) Sections 110 to 112 apply in relation to the requirements imposed by virtue of a scheme contained in an order under this section as they apply in relation to a requirement imposed by virtue of restrictions or conditions under section 109.

(6) Section 403 applies to the power of OFCOM to make an order under this section.

Commencement Information

I215 S. 117 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))

I216 S. 117 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)

118 Compulsory acquisition of land etc. U.K.

Schedule 4 (which provides for compulsory acquisition of land by the provider of an electronic communications network in whose case the electronic communications code applies and for entry on land by persons nominated by such a provider) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I217 S. 118 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))

I218 S. 118 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)

119 Power to give assistance in relation to certain proceedings U.K.

(1) This section applies where any actual or prospective party to any proceedings falling within subsection (2) (other than the operator, within the meaning of the electronic communications code) applies to OFCOM for assistance under this section in relation to those proceedings.

(2) The proceedings falling within this subsection are any actual or prospective proceedings in which there falls to be determined any question arising under, or in connection with—

(a) the electronic communications code as applied in any person’s case by a direction under section 106; or

(b) any restriction or condition subject to which that code applies.

(3) OFCOM may grant the application if, on any one or more of the following grounds, they think fit to do so—

(a) on the ground that the case raises a question of principle;

(b) on the ground that it is unreasonable, having regard to the complexity of the case or to any other matter, to expect the applicant to deal with the case without assistance under this section;

(c) by reason of any other special consideration.

(4) Assistance by OFCOM under this section may include—

(a) giving advice or arranging for the giving of advice by a solicitor or counsel;

(b) procuring or attempting to procure the settlement of the matter in dispute;

(c) arranging for the giving of any assistance usually given by a solicitor or counsel—

(i) in the steps preliminary or incidental to proceedings; or

(ii) in arriving at, or giving effect to, a compromise to avoid proceedings or to bring them to an end;

(d) arranging for representation by a solicitor or counsel;

(e) arranging for the giving of any other assistance by a solicitor or counsel;

(f) any other form of assistance which OFCOM consider appropriate.

(5) Nothing in subsection (4)(d) shall be taken to affect the law and practice regulating the descriptions of persons who may appear in, conduct or defend any proceedings, or who may address the court in any proceedings.

(6) In so far as expenses are incurred by OFCOM in providing the applicant with assistance under this section, the recovery of those expenses (as taxed or assessed in such manner as may be prescribed by rules of court) shall constitute a first charge for the benefit of OFCOM—

(a) on any costs or expenses which (whether by virtue of a judgment or order of a court, or an agreement or otherwise) are payable to the applicant by any other person in respect of the matter in connection with which the assistance is given; and

(b) so far as relates to costs or expenses, on the applicant’s rights under a compromise or settlement arrived at in connection with that matter to avoid proceedings, or to bring them to an end.

(7) A charge conferred by subsection (6) is subject to—

(a) any charge imposed by section 10(7) of the Access to Justice Act 1999 (c. 22) and any provision made by or under Part 1 of that Act for the payment of any sum to the Legal Services Commission;

(b) any charge or obligation for payment in priority to other debts under the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47); or

(c) any charge under the Legal Aid, Advice and Assistance (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (S.I. 1981/228 (N.I. 8)).

Commencement Information

I219 S. 119 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))

I220 S. 119 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)

Regulation of premium rate services U.K.

120 Conditions regulating premium rate services U.K.

(1) OFCOM shall have the power, for the purpose of regulating the provision, content, promotion and marketing of premium rate services, to set conditions under this section that bind the persons to whom they are applied.

(2) Conditions under this section may be applied either—

(a) generally to every person who provides a premium rate service; or

(b) to every person who is of a specified description of such persons, or who provides a specified description of such services.

(3) The only provision that may be made by conditions under this section is provision requiring the person to whom the condition applies to comply, to the extent required by the condition, with—

(a) directions given in accordance with an approved code by the enforcement authority and for the purpose of enforcing its provisions; and

(b) if there is no such code, the provisions of the order for the time being in force under section 122.

(4) The power to set a condition under this section includes power to modify or revoke the conditions for the time being in force under this section.

(5) Sections 47 and 48 apply to the setting, modification and revocation of a condition under this section as they apply to the setting, modification and revocation of a condition under section 45.

(6) OFCOM must send a copy of every notification published under section 48(1) with respect to a condition under this section to the Secretary of State.

(7) A service is a premium rate service for the purposes of this Chapter if—

(a) it is a service falling within subsection (8);

(b) there is a charge for the provision of the service;

(c) the charge is required to be paid to a person providing an electronic communications service by means of which the service in question is provided; and

(d) that charge is imposed in the form of a charge made by that person for the use of the electronic communications service.

(8) A service falls within this subsection if its provision consists in—

(a) the provision of the contents of communications transmitted by means of an electronic communications network; or

(b) allowing the user of an electronic communications service to make use, by the making of a transmission by means of that service, of a facility made available to the users of the electronic communications service.

(9) For the purposes of this Chapter a person provides a premium rate service (“the relevant service”) if—

(a) he provides the contents of the relevant service;

(b) he exercises editorial control over the contents of the relevant service;

(c) he is a person who packages together the contents of the relevant service for the purpose of facilitating its provision;

(d) he makes available a facility comprised in the relevant service; or

(e) he falls within subsection (10), (11) or (12).

(10) A person falls within this subsection if—

(a) he is the provider of an electronic communications service used for the provision of the relevant service; and

(b) under arrangements made with a person who is a provider of the relevant service falling within subsection (9)(a) to (d), he is entitled to retain some or all of the charges received by him in respect of the provision of the relevant service or of the use of his electronic communications service for the purposes of the relevant service.

(11) A person falls within this subsection if—

(a) he is the provider of an electronic communications network used for the provision of the relevant service; and

(b) an agreement relating to the use of the network for the provision of that service subsists between the provider of the network and a person who is a provider of the relevant service falling within subsection (9)(a) to (d).

(12) A person falls within this subsection if—

(a) he is the provider of an electronic communications network used for the provision of the relevant service; and

(b) the use of that network for the provision of premium rate services, or of services that include or may include premium rate services, is authorised by an agreement subsisting between that person and either an intermediary service provider or a person who is a provider of the relevant service by virtue of subsection (10) or (11).

(13) Where one or more persons are employed or engaged under the direction of another to do any of the things mentioned in subsection (9)(a) to (d), only that other person shall be a provider of the relevant service for the purposes of this Chapter.

(14) References in this section to a facility include, in particular, references to—

(a) a facility for making a payment for goods or services;

(b) a facility for entering a competition or claiming a prize; and

(c) a facility for registering a vote or recording a preference.

(15) In this section—

• “approved code” means a code for the time being approved under section 121;

• “enforcement authority”, in relation to such a code, means the person who under the code has the function of enforcing it; and

• “intermediary service provider” means a person who—

  (a)

  provides an electronic communications service used for the provision of the relevant service or an electronic communications network so used; and

  (b)

  is a party to an agreement with—

  (i)

  a provider of the relevant service falling within subsection (9)(a) to (d), or

  (ii)

  another intermediary service provider,

  which relates to the use of that electronic communications service or network for the provision of premium rate services, or of services that include or may include premium rate services.

Commencement Information

I221 S. 120 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

121 Approval of code for premium rate services U.K.

(1) If it appears to OFCOM—

(a) that a code has been made by any person for regulating the provision and contents of premium rate services, and the facilities made available in the provision of such services;

(b) that the code contains provision for regulating, to such extent (if any) as they think fit, the arrangements made by the providers of premium rate services for promoting and marketing those services; and

(c) that it would be appropriate for them to approve that code for the purposes of section 120,

they may approve that code for those purposes.

(2) OFCOM are not to approve a code for those purposes unless they are satisfied—

(a) that there is a person who, under the code, has the function of administering and enforcing it; and

(b) that that person is sufficiently independent of the providers of premium rate services;

(c) that adequate arrangements are in force for funding the activities of that person in relation to the code;

(d) that the provisions of the code are objectively justifiable in relation to the services to which it relates;

(e) that those provisions are not such as to discriminate unduly against particular persons or against a particular description of persons;

(f) that those provisions are proportionate to what they are intended to achieve; and

(g) that, in relation to what those provisions are intended to achieve, they are transparent.

(3) OFCOM are not for those purposes to approve so much of a code as imposes an obligation as respects a premium rate service on a person who is a provider of the service by virtue only of section 120(12) (“the relevant provider”) unless they are satisfied that the obligation—

(a) arises only if there is no one who is a provider of the service otherwise than by virtue of section 120(12) against whom it is practicable to take action;

(b) arises only after a notice identifying the service and setting out respects in which requirements of the code have been contravened in relation to it has been given to the relevant provider by the person responsible for enforcing the code; and

(c) is confined to an obligation to secure that electronic communications networks provided by the relevant provider are not used for making the service available to persons who are in the United Kingdom.

(4) The provision that may be contained in a code and approved under this section includes, in particular, provision about the pricing of premium rate services and provision for the enforcement of the code.

(5) The provision for the enforcement of a code that may be approved under this section includes—

(a) provision for the payment, to a person specified in the code, of a penalty not exceeding the maximum penalty for the time being specified in section 123(2);

(b) provision requiring a provider of a premium rate service to secure that the provision of the service is suspended or otherwise ceases or is restricted in any respect;

(c) provision for the imposition on a person, in respect of a contravention of the code, of a temporary or permanent prohibition or restriction on his working in connection with the provision of premium rate services or, in the case of a body corporate, on its providing such services or on its carrying on other activities in connection with their provision.

(6) OFCOM may, at any time, for the purposes of section 120—

(a) approve modifications that have been made to an approved code; or

(b) withdraw their approval from an approved code.

(7) Where OFCOM give or withdraw an approval for the purposes of section 120, they must give notification of their approval or of its withdrawal.

(8) The notification must be published in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by the approval or withdrawal.

Commencement Information

I222 S. 121 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

122 Orders by OFCOM in the absence of a code under s. 121 U.K.

(1) OFCOM may make an order under this section if, at any time, they consider that there is no code in force to which they think it would be appropriate to give, or to continue to give, their approval under section 121.

(2) An order under this section may make such of the following provisions as OFCOM think fit—

(a) provision imposing requirements with respect to the provision and contents of premium rate services, and with respect to the facilities made available in the provision of such services (including provision about pricing);

(b) provision imposing requirements with respect to the arrangements made by the providers of premium rate services for the promotion and marketing of those services;

(c) provision for the enforcement of requirements imposed by virtue of paragraph (a) or (b);

(d) provision making other arrangements for the purposes of those requirements.

(3) The power to make provision by an order under this section includes, in particular—

(a) power to establish a body corporate with the capacity to make its own rules and to establish its own procedures;

(b) power to determine the jurisdiction of a body established by such an order or, for the purposes of the order, of any other person;

(c) power to confer jurisdiction with respect to any matter on OFCOM themselves;

(d) power to provide for a person on whom jurisdiction is conferred by the arrangements to make awards of compensation, to direct the reimbursement of costs or expenses, or to do both;

(e) power to provide for such a person to enforce, or to participate in the enforcement of, any awards or directions made under such an order;

(f) power to make provision falling within section 121(5)(c) for the enforcement of the provisions of the order; and

(g) power to make such other provision as OFCOM think fit for the enforcement of such awards and directions.

(4) An order under this section may require such providers of premium rate services as may be determined by or under the order to make payments to OFCOM in respect of expenditure incurred by OFCOM in connection with—

(a) the establishment and maintenance, in accordance with such an order, of any body corporate or procedure; or

(b) the making of other arrangements for the purposes of the requirements of such an order.

(5) An order under this section is not to impose an obligation as respects a premium rate service on a person who is a provider of the service by virtue only of section 120(12) (“the relevant provider”) unless the obligation—

(a) arises only if there is no one who is a provider of the service otherwise than by virtue of section 120(12) against whom it is practicable to take action;

(b) arises only after a notice identifying the service and setting out respects in which requirements of the order have been contravened in relation to it has been given to the relevant provider by OFCOM; and

(c) is confined to an obligation to secure that electronic communications networks provided by the relevant provider are not used for making the service available to persons who are in the United Kingdom.

(6) The consent of the Secretary of State is required for the making by OFCOM of an order under this section.

(7) Section 403 applies to the power of OFCOM to make an order under this section.

(8) A statutory instrument containing an order made by OFCOM under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Commencement Information

I223 S. 122 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

123 Enforcement of s. 120 conditions U.K.

(1) Sections 94 to 96 apply in relation to a contravention of conditions set under section 120 as they apply in relation to a contravention of a condition set under section 45.

(2) The amount of the penalty imposed under section 96 as applied by this section is to be such amount not exceeding [F7 £250,000] as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(3) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified provider;

(b) any steps taken by him towards complying with the conditions contraventions of which have been notified to him under section 94 (as applied); and

(c) any steps taken by him for remedying the consequences of those contraventions.

(4) 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 (2).

(5) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (4) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Textual Amendments

F7 Word in s. 123(2) substituted (30.12.2005) by Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty and Disclosure of Information) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3469), arts. 1(1), 2 (with art. 2(2))

Commencement Information

I224 S. 123 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

124 Suspending service provision for contraventions of s. 120 conditions U.K.

(1) OFCOM may give a direction under this section to a person who is a communications provider (“the contravening provider”) if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is or has been in serious and repeated contravention of conditions set under section 120;

(b) that an attempt, by the imposition of penalties or the giving of enforcement notifications under section 95 (as applied by section 123) or both, to secure compliance with the contravened conditions has failed;

(c) that the giving of the direction is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness (when repeated as they have been) of the contraventions; and

(d) that the giving of the direction is required for reasons of public policy.

(2) OFCOM may also give a direction under this section to a person who is a communications provider (“the contravening provider”) if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is, or has been, in contravention of conditions set under section 120 in respect of a premium rate service;

(b) that the circumstances of the contravention make it appropriate for OFCOM to suspend or restrict the provision of premium rate services provided by the contravening provider without the conditions set out in subsection (1) being satisfied; and

(c) that in those circumstances the giving of the direction is urgently required for reasons of public policy.

(3) A direction under this section is—

(a) a direction to the contravening provider to secure the suspension of the provision of premium rate services provided by him; or

(b) a direction requiring him to secure compliance with restrictions, set out in the direction, on the provision of such services.

(4) A direction under this section—

(a) must specify the services to which it relates; and

(b) except so far as it otherwise provides, takes effect for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(5) A direction under this section—

(a) in providing for the effect of a suspension or restriction to be postponed, may provide for it to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with the suspension or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the contravening provider as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that provider’s customers.

(6) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the contravening provider’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(7) If OFCOM consider it appropriate to do so (whether or not in consequence of representations or proposals made to them), they may revoke a direction under this section or modify its conditions—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such services as they may determine.

(8) Sections 102 and 103 apply in the case of a direction under this section as they apply in the case of a direction under section 100, but as if references in section 103(1) to an electronic communications network or electronic communications service were references to a premium rate service.

(9) For the purposes of this section there are repeated contraventions by a person of conditions set under section 120 to the extent that—

(a) in the case of a previous notification given to that person under section section 94 (as applied by section 123), OFCOM have determined for the purposes of section 95(2) or 96(2) (as so applied) that such a contravention did occur; and

(b) in the period of twelve months following the day of the making of that determination, one or more further notifications have been given to that person in respect of contraventions of a condition set under section 120.

(10) For the purposes of this section the seriousness of repeated contraventions of conditions set under section 120 has to be determined by reference to the seriousness of the contraventions of the approved code or order by reference to which the conditions have effect.

Commencement Information

I225 S. 124 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Offences relating to networks and services U.K.

125 Dishonestly obtaining electronic communications services U.K.

(1) A person who—

(a) dishonestly obtains an electronic communications service, and

(b) does so with intent to avoid payment of a charge applicable to the provision of that service,

is guilty of an offence.

(2) It is not an offence under this section to obtain a service mentioned in section 297(1) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (c. 48) (dishonestly obtaining a broadcasting F8 ... service provided from a place in the UK).

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine, or to both.

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 125(2) repealed (31.10.2003) by The Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2498), reg. 1, Sch. 2 (with regs. 31-40)

Commencement Information

I226 S. 125 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))

I227 S. 125 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)

126 Possession or supply of apparatus etc. for contravening s. 125 U.K.

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if, with an intention falling within subsection (3), he has in his possession or under his control anything that may be used—

(a) for obtaining an electronic communications service; or

(b) in connection with obtaining such a service.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if—

(a) he supplies or offers to supply anything which may be used as mentioned in subsection (1); and

(b) he knows or believes that the intentions in relation to that thing of the person to whom it is supplied or offered fall within subsection (3).

(3) A person’s intentions fall within this subsection if he intends—

(a) to use the thing to obtain an electronic communications service dishonestly;

(b) to use the thing for a purpose connected with the dishonest obtaining of such a service;

(c) dishonestly to allow the thing to be used to obtain such a service; or

(d) to allow the thing to be used for a purpose connected with the dishonest obtaining of such a service.

(4) An intention does not fall within subsection (3) if it relates exclusively to the obtaining of a service mentioned in section 297(1) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (c. 48).

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both; and

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine, or to both.

(6) In this section, references, in the case of a thing used for recording data, to the use of that thing include references to the use of data recorded by it.

Commencement Information

I228 S. 126 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))

I229 S. 126 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)

127 Improper use of public electronic communications network U.K.

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he—

(a) sends by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; or

(b) causes any such message or matter to be so sent.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another, he—

(a) sends by means of a public electronic communications network, a message that he knows to be false,

(b) causes such a message to be sent; or

(c) persistently makes use of a public electronic communications network.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.

(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to anything done in the course of providing a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42)).

Commencement Information

I230 S. 127 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))

I231 S. 127 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)

Persistent misuse of network or service U.K.

128 Notification of misuse of networks and services U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM determine that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person has persistently misused an electronic communications network or electronic communications services, they may give that person a notification under this section.

(2) A notification under this section is one which—

(a) sets out the determination made by OFCOM;

(b) specifies the use that OFCOM consider constitutes persistent misuse; and

(c) specifies the period during which the person notified has an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified.

(3) That period must not be less than the following—

(a) in an urgent case, seven days; and

(b) in any other case, one month.

(4) A case is an urgent case for the purposes of subsection (3) if OFCOM consider—

(a) that the misuse in question is continuing; and

(b) that the harm it causes makes it necessary for it to be stopped as soon as possible.

(5) For the purposes of this Chapter a person misuses an electronic communications network or electronic communications service if—

(a) the effect or likely effect of his use of the network or service is to cause another person unnecessarily to suffer annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety; or

(b) he uses the network or service to engage in conduct the effect or likely effect of which is to cause another person unnecessarily to suffer annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety.

(6) For the purposes of this Chapter the cases in which a person is to be treated as persistently misusing a network or service include any case in which his misuse is repeated on a sufficient number of occasions for it to be clear that the misuse represents—

(a) a pattern of behaviour or practice; or

(b) recklessness as to whether persons suffer annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety.

(7) For the purpose of determining whether misuse on a number of different occasions constitutes persistent misuse for the purposes of this Chapter, each of the following is immaterial—

(a) that the misuse was in relation to a network on some occasions and in relation to a service on others;

(b) that different networks or services were involved on different occasions; and

(c) that the persons who were or were likely to suffer annoyance inconvenience or anxiety were different on different occasions.

(8) If he considers that appropriate alternative means of dealing with it exists, the Secretary of State may by order provide that a use of a description specified in the order is not to be treated for the purposes of this Chapter as a misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service.

Commencement Information

I232 S. 128 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))

I233 S. 128 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)

129 Enforcement notifications for stopping persistent misuse U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person (“the notified misuser”) has been given a notification under section 128;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified misuser an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may give the notified misuser an enforcement notification if they are satisfied—

(a) that he has, in one or more of the notified respects, persistently misused an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; and

(b) that he has not, since the giving of the notification, taken all such steps as OFCOM consider appropriate for—

(i) securing that his misuse is brought to an end and is not repeated; and

(ii) remedying the consequences of the notified misuse.

(3) An enforcement notification is a notification which imposes a requirement on the notified misuser to take all such steps for—

(a) securing that his misuse is brought to an end and is not repeated, and

(b) remedying the consequences of the notified misuse,

as may be specified in the notification.

(4) A decision of OFCOM to give an enforcement notification to a person must fix a reasonable period for the taking of the steps required by the notification.

(5) It shall be the duty of a person to whom an enforcement notification has been given to comply with it.

(6) That duty shall be enforceable in civil proceedings by OFCOM—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36); or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

(7) References in this section to remedying the consequences of misuse include references to paying an amount to a person—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by that person; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which he has been put.

Commencement Information

I234 S. 129 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))

I235 S. 129 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)

130 Penalties for persistent misuse U.K.

(1) This section applies (in addition to section 129) where—

(a) a person (“the notified misuser”) has been given a notification under section 128;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified misuser an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may impose a penalty on the notified misuser if he has, in one or more of the notified respects, persistently misused an electronic communications network or electronic communications service.

(3) OFCOM may also impose a penalty on the notified misuser if he has contravened a requirement of an enforcement notification given in respect of the notified misuse.

(4) The amount of a penalty imposed is to be such amount not exceeding [F9 £50,000] as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(5) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified misuser;

(b) any steps taken by him for securing that his misuse is brought to an end and is not repeated; and

(c) any steps taken by him for remedying the consequences of the notified misuse.

(6) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) notify the person penalised; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(7) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(8) It is to be possible for a person to be both liable for an offence under sections 125 to 127 and to have a penalty imposed on him under this section in respect of the same conduct.

(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 (4).

(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

F9 Word in s. 130(4) substituted (6.4.2006) by Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty For Persistent Misuse of Network or Service) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1032), arts. 1, 2 (with art. 2(2))

Commencement Information

I236 S. 130 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))

I237 S. 130 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)

131 Statement of policy on persistent misuse U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to prepare and publish a statement of their general policy with respect to the exercise of their powers under sections 128 to 130.

(2) OFCOM may from time to time revise that statement as they think fit.

(3) Where OFCOM make or revise their statement of policy under this section, they must publish that statement or (as the case may be) the revised statement in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in exercising the powers conferred on them by sections 128 to 130, to have regard to the statement for the time being in force under this section.

Commencement Information

I238 S. 131 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))

I239 S. 131 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)

Powers to deal with emergencies U.K.

132 Powers to require suspension or restriction of a provider’s entitlement U.K.

(1) If the Secretary of State has reasonable grounds for believing that it is necessary to do so—

(a) to protect the public from any threat to public safety or public health, or

(b) in the interests of national security,

he may, by a direction to OFCOM, require them to give a direction under subsection (3) to a person (“the relevant provider”) who provides an electronic communications network or electronic communications service or who makes associated facilities available.

(2) OFCOM must comply with a requirement of the Secretary of State under subsection (1) by giving to the relevant provider such direction under subsection (3) as they consider necessary for the purpose of complying with the Secretary of State’s direction.

(3) A direction under this section is—

(a) a direction that the entitlement of the relevant provider to provide electronic communications networks or electronic communications services, or to make associated facilities available, is suspended (either generally or in relation to particular networks, services or facilities); or

(b) a direction that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the direction.

(4) A direction under subsection (3)—

(a) must specify the networks, services and facilities to which it relates; and

(b) except so far as it otherwise provides, takes effect for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(5) A direction under subsection (3)—

(a) in providing for the effect of a suspension or restriction to be postponed, may provide for it to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with the suspension or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the relevant provider as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that provider’s customers.

(6) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the relevant provider’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(7) Where OFCOM give a direction under subsection (3), they shall, as soon as practicable after doing so, provide that person with an opportunity of—

(a) making representations about the effect of the direction; and

(b) proposing steps for remedying the situation.

(8) If OFCOM consider it appropriate to do so (whether in consequence of any representations or proposals made to them under subsection (3) or otherwise), they may, without revoking it, at any time modify the terms of a direction under subsection (3) in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(9) If the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to do so, he may, by a direction to OFCOM, require them to revoke a direction under subsection (3).

(10) Where OFCOM modify or revoke a direction they have given under subsection (3), they may do so—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such networks, services or facilities, or parts of a network, service or facility, as they may determine.

(11) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to comply with—

(a) a requirement under subsection (9) to revoke a direction; and

(b) a requirement contained in that direction as to how they should exercise their powers under subsection (10) in the case of the required revocation.

Commencement Information

I240 S. 132 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))

I241 S. 132 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)

133 Enforcement of directions under s. 132 U.K.

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he provides an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or makes available any associated facility—

(a) while his entitlement to do so is suspended by a direction under section 132; or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(3) The duty of a person to comply with a condition of a direction under section 132 shall be a duty owed to every person who may be affected by a contravention of the condition.

(4) Where a duty is owed by virtue of subsection (3) to a person—

(a) a breach of the duty that causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(b) an act which—

(i) by inducing a breach of the duty or interfering with its performance, causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(ii) is done wholly or partly for achieving that result,

shall be actionable at the suit or instance of that person.

(5) In proceedings brought against a person by virtue of subsection (4)(a) it shall be a defence for that person to show that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the condition in question.

(6) Sections 94 to 99 apply in relation to a contravention of conditions imposed by a direction under section 132 as they apply in relation to a contravention of conditions set under section 45.

Commencement Information

I242 S. 133 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))

I243 S. 133 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)

Restrictions in leases and licences U.K.

134 Restrictions in leases and licences U.K.

(1) This section applies where provision contained in a lease, licence or other agreement relating to premises has the effect of imposing on the occupier a prohibition or restriction under which his choice of—

(a) the person from whom he obtains electronic communications services, or particular electronic communications services, or

(b) the person through whom he arranges to be provided with electronic communications services, or particular electronic communications services,

is confined to a person with an interest in the premises, to a person selected by a person with such an interest or to persons who are one or the other.

(2) This section also applies where—

(a) provision contained in a lease for a year or more has the effect of imposing any other prohibition or restriction on the lessee with respect to an electronic communications matter; or

(b) provision contained in an agreement relating to premises to which a lease for a year or more applies has the effect of imposing a prohibition or restriction on the lessee with respect to such a matter.

(3) A provision falling within subsection (1) shall have effect—

(a) as if the prohibition or restriction applied only where the lessor, licensor or other party to the agreement has not given his consent to a departure from the requirements imposed by the prohibition or restriction; and

(b) as if the lessor, licensor or other party were required not to withhold that consent unreasonably.

(4) A provision falling within subsection (2)(a) or (b) shall have effect—

(a) in relation to things done inside a building occupied by the lessee under the lease, or

(b) for purposes connected with the provision to the lessee of an electronic communications service,

as if the prohibition or restriction applied only where the lessor has not given his consent in relation to the matter in question and as if the lessor were required not to withhold that consent unreasonably.

(5) Where (whether by virtue of this section or otherwise) a provision falling within subsection (1) or (2) imposes a requirement on a lessor, licensor or party to an agreement not unreasonably to withhold his consent—

(a) in relation to an electronic communications matter, or

(b) to the obtaining by the occupier of premises of an electronic communications service from or through a particular person,

the question whether the consent is unreasonably withheld has to be determined having regard to all the circumstances and to the principle that no person should unreasonably be denied access to an electronic communications network or to electronic communications services.

(6) OFCOM may by order provide for this section not to apply in the case of such provisions as may be described in the order.

(7) References in this section to electronic communications matters are references to—

(a) the provision of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service;

(b) the connection of electronic communications apparatus to a relevant electronic communications network or of any such network to another; and

(c) the installation, maintenance, adjustment, repair, alteration or use for purposes connected with the provision of such a network or service of electronic communications apparatus.

(8) In this section—

• “alteration” has the same meaning as in the electronic communications code;

• “lease” includes—

  (a)

  a leasehold tenancy (whether in the nature of a head lease, sub-lease or under lease) and an agreement to grant such a tenancy, and

  (b)

  in Scotland, a sub-lease and an agreement to grant a sub-lease,

  and “lessor” and “lessee” are to be construed accordingly;

• “relevant electronic communications network” means—

  (a)

  a public electronic communications network that is specified for the purposes of this section in an order made by the Secretary of State; or

  (b)

  an electronic communications network that is, or is to be, connected (directly or indirectly) to such a network.

(9) This section applies to provisions contained in leases, licences or agreements granted or entered into before the commencement of this section to the extent only that provision to that effect is contained in an order made by OFCOM.

(10) This section is not to be construed as affecting the operation of paragraph 2(3) of the electronic communications code (lessees etc. bound by rights granted under code by owners).

(11) The consent of the Secretary of State is required for the making by OFCOM of an order under this section.

(12) Section 403 applies to the powers of OFCOM to make orders under this section.

(13) A statutory instrument containing an order made by OFCOM under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Commencement Information

I244 S. 134 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))

I245 S. 134 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)

Information provisions U.K.

135 Information required for purposes of Chapter 1 functions U.K.

(1) OFCOM may require a person falling within subsection (2) to provide them with all such information as they consider necessary for the purpose of carrying out their functions under this Chapter.

(2) The persons falling within this subsection are—

(a) a communications provider;

(b) a person who has been a communications provider;

(c) a person who makes, or has made, any associated facilities available to others;

(d) a person, other than a communications provider, to whom a universal service condition applies or has applied;

(e) a person who supplies electronic communications apparatus;

(f) a person not falling within the preceding paragraphs who appears to OFCOM to have information required by them for the purpose of carrying out their functions under this Chapter.

(3) The information that may be required by OFCOM under subsection (1) includes, in particular, information that they require for any one or more of the following purposes—

(a) ascertaining whether a contravention of a condition or other requirement set or imposed by or under this Chapter has occurred or is occurring;

(b) ascertaining or verifying the charges payable by a person under section 38;

(c) ascertaining whether a provision of a condition set under section 45 which is for the time being in force continues to be effective for the purpose for which it was made;

(d) ascertaining or verifying amounts payable by virtue of a condition falling within section 51(1)(d);

(e) making a designation in accordance with regulations made under section 66;

(f) carrying out a review under section 66 or 70;

(g) identifying markets and carrying out market analyses in accordance with, or for the purposes of, any provision of this Chapter;

(h) ascertaining whether a question has arisen that gives rise to their duty under section 105;

(i) considering a matter in exercise of that duty;

(j) statistical purposes connected with the carrying out of any of OFCOM’s functions under this Chapter.

(4) A person required to provide information under this section must provide it in such manner and within such reasonable period as may be specified by OFCOM.

(5) The powers in this section are subject to the limitations in section 137.

Commencement Information

I246 S. 135 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))

I247 S. 135 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)

136 Information required for related purposes U.K.

(1) OFCOM may require—

(a) a communications provider, or

(b) a person who makes associated facilities available to others,

to provide OFCOM with all such information as they consider necessary for the purpose specified in subsection (2).

(2) That purpose is the carrying out—

(a) with a view to publication, and

(b) in the interest of the end-users of public electronic communications services,

of comparative overviews of the quality and prices of such services.

(3) OFCOM may also require—

(a) a communications provider, or

(b) a person who makes associated facilities available to others,

to provide them, for use for such statistical purposes as they think fit, with information relating to any electronic communications network, electronic communications service or associated facilities.

(4) A person required to provide information under this section must provide it in such manner and within such reasonable period as may be specified by OFCOM.

(5) The powers in this section are subject to the limitations in section 137.

Commencement Information

I248 S. 136 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))

I249 S. 136 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)

137 Restrictions on imposing information requirements U.K.

(1) This section limits the purposes for which, and manner in which, information may be required under sections 135 and 136.

(2) OFCOM are not to require the provision of information for the purpose of ascertaining whether a contravention of a general condition has occurred, or is occurring, unless—

(a) the requirement is imposed for the purpose of investigating a matter about which OFCOM have received a complaint;

(b) the requirement is imposed for the purposes of an investigation that OFCOM have decided to carry out into whether or not the general condition in question has been complied with;

(c) the condition in question is one which OFCOM have reason to suspect is one that has been or is being contravened; or

(d) the condition in question is one falling within section 51(1)(d).

(3) OFCOM are not to require the provision of information under section 135 or 136 except—

(a) by a demand for the information that describes the required information and sets out OFCOM’s reasons for requiring it; and

(b) where the making of a demand for the information is proportionate to the use to which the information is to be put in the carrying out of OFCOM’s functions.

(4) The reasons for requiring information for statistical purposes under section 135 or 136 must set out the statistical purposes for which the information is required.

(5) Except in the case of a demand made in the manner authorised by subsection (6), a demand for information required under section 135 or 136 must be contained in a notice served on the person from whom the information is required.

(6) In the case of information required by OFCOM for the purpose of ascertaining who is liable to charges under section 38, the demand may—

(a) be made by being published in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who are described in the demand as the persons from whom the information is required; and

(b) take the form of a general demand for a person so described to provide information when specified conditions relevant to his liability to such charges are satisfied in his case.

Commencement Information

I250 S. 137 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))

I251 S. 137 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)

138 Notification of contravention of information requirements U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM determine that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person is contravening, or has contravened, a requirement imposed under section 135 or 136, they may give that person a notification under this section.

(2) A notification under this section is one which—

(a) sets out the determination made by OFCOM;

(b) specifies the requirement and contravention in respect of which that determination has been made; and

(c) specifies the period during which the person notified has an opportunity of doing the things specified in subsection (3).

(3) Those things are—

(a) making representations about the matters notified; and

(b) complying with any notified requirement of which he remains in contravention.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) to (7), the period for doing those things must be the period of one month beginning with the day after the one on which the notification was given.

(5) OFCOM may, if they think fit, allow a longer period for doing those things either—

(a) by specifying a longer period in the notification; or

(b) by subsequently, on one or more occasions, extending the specified period.

(6) The person notified shall have a shorter period for doing those things if a shorter period is agreed between OFCOM and the person notified.

(7) The person notified shall also have a shorter period if—

(a) OFCOM have reasonable grounds for believing that the contravention is a repeated contravention;

(b) they have determined that, in those circumstances, a shorter period would be appropriate; and

(c) the shorter period has been specified in the notification.

(8) A notification under this section—

(a) may be given in respect of more than one contravention; and

(b) if it is given in respect of a continuing contravention, may be given in respect of any period during which the contravention has continued.

(9) Where a notification under this section has been given to a person in respect of a contravention of a requirement, OFCOM may give a further notification in respect of the same contravention of that requirement if, and only if—

(a) the contravention is one occurring after the time of the giving of the earlier notification;

(b) the contravention is a continuing contravention and the subsequent notification is in respect of so much of a period as falls after a period to which the earlier notification relates; or

(c) the earlier notification has been withdrawn without a penalty having been imposed in respect of the notified contravention.

(10) For the purposes of this section a contravention is a repeated contravention, in relation to a notification with respect to that contravention, if—

(a) a previous notification under this section has been given in respect of the same contravention or in respect of another contravention of the same requirement; and

(b) the subsequent notification is given no more than twelve months after the day of the making by OFCOM of a determination for the purposes of section 139(2) that the contravention to which the previous notification related did occur.

Commencement Information

I252 S. 138 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))

I253 S. 138 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)

139 Penalties for contravention of information requirements U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person (“the notified person”) has been given a notification under section 138;

(b) OFCOM have allowed the notified person an opportunity of making representations about the matters notified; and

(c) the period allowed for the making of the representations has expired.

(2) OFCOM may impose a penalty on the notified person if—

(a) they are satisfied that he has, in one or more of the respects notified, been in contravention of the requirement notified under section 138;

(b) he has not, during the period allowed under that section, complied with the notified requirement; and

(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 imposed in respect of each contravention.

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

(5) The amount of a penalty imposed under this section is to be such amount not exceeding £50,000 as OFCOM determine to be both—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(6) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the notified person; and

(b) any steps taken by him towards complying with the requirements contraventions of which have been notified to him under section 138.

(7) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) within one week of making their decision to impose the penalty, notify that person of that decision and of their reasons for that decision; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(8) A penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid to OFCOM; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by them, is to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(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.

Commencement Information

I254 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))

I255 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)

140 Suspending service provision for information contraventions U.K.

(1) OFCOM may give a direction under this section to a person who is a communications provider or who makes associated facilities available (“the contravening provider”) if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is or has been in serious and repeated contravention of requirements imposed under sections 135 and 136, or either of them;

(b) the requirements are not requirements imposed for purposes connected with the carrying out of OFCOM’s functions in relation to SMP apparatus conditions;

(c) that an attempt, by the imposition of penalties under section 139 or the bringing of proceedings for an offence under section 144, to secure compliance with the contravened requirements has failed; and

(d) that the giving of the direction is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness (when repeated as they have been) of the contraventions.

(2) A direction under this section is—

(a) a direction that the entitlement of the contravening provider to provide electronic communications networks or electronic communications services, or to make associated facilities available, is suspended (either generally or in relation to particular networks, services or facilities); or

(b) a direction that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the direction.

(3) A direction under this section—

(a) must specify the networks, services and facilities to which it relates; and

(b) except so far as it otherwise provides, takes effect for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(4) A direction under this section—

(a) in providing for the effect of a suspension or restriction to be postponed, may provide for it to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with the suspension or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the contravening provider as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that provider’s customers.

(5) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the contravening provider’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(6) If OFCOM consider it appropriate to do so (whether or not in consequence of any representations or proposals made to them), they may revoke a direction under this section or modify its conditions—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such networks, services or facilities, or parts of a network, service or facility, as they may determine.

(7) For the purposes of this section there are repeated contraventions by a person of requirements imposed under sections 135 and 136, or either of them, to the extent that—

(a) in the case of a previous notification given to that person under section 138, OFCOM have determined for the purposes of section 139(2) that such a contravention did occur; and

(b) in the period of twelve months following the day of the making of that determination, one or more further notifications have been given to that person in respect of contraventions of such requirements;

and for the purposes of this subsection it shall be immaterial whether the notifications related to the same contravention or to different contraventions of the same or different requirements or of requirements under different sections.

Commencement Information

I256 S. 140 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))

I257 S. 140 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)

141 Suspending apparatus supply for information contraventions U.K.

(1) OFCOM may give a direction under this section to a person who supplies electronic communications apparatus (“the contravening supplier”) if they are satisfied—

(a) that he is or has been in serious and repeated contravention of requirements imposed under section 135;

(b) that an attempt, by the imposition of penalties under section 139 or the bringing of proceedings for an offence under section 144, to secure compliance with the contravened requirements has failed; and

(c) that the giving of the direction is appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness (when repeated as they have been) of the contraventions.

(2) A direction under this section is—

(a) a direction to the contravening supplier to cease to act as a supplier of electronic communications apparatus (either generally or in relation to apparatus of a particular description); or

(b) a direction imposing such restrictions as may be set out in the direction on the supply by that supplier of electronic communications apparatus (either generally or in relation to apparatus of a particular description).

(3) A direction under this section takes effect, except so far as it otherwise provides, for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the person to whom it is given.

(4) A direction under this section—

(a) may provide for a prohibition or restriction to take effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with a prohibition or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the contravening supplier as appear to OFCOM to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that supplier’s customers.

(5) Those conditions may include a condition requiring the making of payments—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by the contravening supplier’s customers as a result of the direction; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which they have been put in consequence of the direction.

(6) If OFCOM consider it appropriate to do so (whether or not in consequence of representations or proposals made to them), they may revoke a direction under this section or modify its conditions—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such apparatus or descriptions of apparatus as they may determine.

(7) For the purposes of this section contraventions by a person of requirements imposed under section 135 are repeated contraventions if—

(a) in the case of a previous notification given to that person under section 138, OFCOM have determined for the purposes of section 139(2) that such a contravention did occur; and

(b) in the period of twelve months following the day of the making of that determination, one or more further notifications have been given to that person in respect of contraventions of such requirements;

and for the purposes of this subsection it shall be immaterial whether the notifications related to the same contravention or to different contraventions of the same or different requirements.

Commencement Information

I258 S. 141 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))

I259 S. 141 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)

142 Procedure for directions under ss. 140 and 141 U.K.

(1) Except in an urgent case, OFCOM are not to give a direction under section 140 or 141 unless they have—

(a) notified the contravening provider or contravening supplier of the proposed direction and of the conditions (if any) which they are proposing to impose by that direction;

(b) provided him with an opportunity of making representations about the proposals and of proposing steps for remedying the situation; and

(c) considered every representation and proposal made to them during the period allowed by them for the contravening provider or the contravening supplier to take advantage of that opportunity.

(2) That period must be one ending not less than one month after the day of the giving of the notification.

(3) As soon as practicable after giving a direction under section 140 or 141 in an urgent case, OFCOM must provide the contravening provider or contravening supplier with an opportunity of—

(a) making representations about the effect of the direction and of any of its conditions; and

(b) proposing steps for remedying the situation.

(4) A case is an urgent case for the purposes of this section if OFCOM—

(a) consider that it would be inappropriate, because the contraventions in question fall within subsection (5), to allow time, before giving a direction under section 140 or 141, for the making and consideration of representations; and

(b) decide for that reason to act in accordance with subsection (3), instead of subsection (1).

(5) The contraventions fall within this subsection if they have resulted in, or create an immediate risk of—

(a) a serious threat to the safety of the public, to public health or to national security;

(b) serious economic or operational problems for persons (apart from the contravening provider or contravening supplier) who are communications providers or persons who make associated facilities available; or

(c) serious economic or operational problems for persons who make use of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities.

(6) In this section—

• “contravening provider” has the same meaning as in section 140; and

• “contravening supplier” has the same meaning as in section 141.

Commencement Information

I260 S. 142 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))

I261 S. 142 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)

143 Enforcement of directions under ss. 140 and 141 U.K.

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he provides an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or makes available any associated facility—

(a) while his entitlement to do so is suspended by a direction under section 140; or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if he supplies electronic communications apparatus—

(a) while prohibited from doing so by a direction under section 141; or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(4) Sections 94 to 99 apply in relation to a contravention of conditions imposed by a direction under section 140 or 141 as they apply in relation to a contravention of conditions set under section 45.

Commencement Information

I262 S. 143 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))

I263 S. 143 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)

144 Offences in connection with information requirements U.K.

(1) A person who fails to provide information in accordance with a requirement of OFCOM under section 135 or 136 is guilty of an offence and shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(2) In proceedings against a person for an offence under subsection (1) it shall be a defence for that person to show—

(a) that it was not reasonably practicable for him to comply with the requirement within the period specified by OFCOM; but

(b) that he has taken all reasonable steps to provide the required information after the end of that period.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if—

(a) in pursuance of any requirement under section 135 or 136, he provides any information that is false in any material particular; and

(b) at the time he provides it, he either knows it to be false or is reckless as to whether or not it is false.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or to both.

(5) Proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) may be brought in respect of a contravention by a person of a requirement imposed under section 135 or 136 only if—

(a) OFCOM have given the person a notification under section 138 in respect of that contravention;

(b) the period allowed under that section for doing the things mentioned in subsection (3) of that section has expired without the required information having been provided; and

(c) OFCOM have not imposed a financial penalty under section 139 in respect of that contravention.

Commencement Information

I264 S. 144 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))

I265 S. 144 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)

145 Statement of policy on information gathering U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to prepare and publish a statement of their general policy with respect to—

(a) the exercise of their powers under sections 135 to 136; and

(b) the uses to which they are proposing to put information obtained under those sections.

(2) OFCOM may from time to time revise that statement as they think fit.

(3) Where OFCOM make or revise their statement of policy under this section, they must publish that statement or (as the case may be) the revised statement in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in exercising the powers conferred on them by sections 135 to 144 to have regard to the statement for the time being in force under this section.

Commencement Information

I266 S. 145 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))

I267 S. 145 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)

146 Provision of information by OFCOM U.K.

(1) OFCOM must comply with a request made by a person for the purposes of this section—

(a) to notify the person whether or not a notification is required to be submitted by him under section 33;

(b) to notify the person whether a notification submitted by him for the purposes of that section satisfies the requirements of this Chapter;

(c) to provide the person with such information about his rights as may be necessary for the purpose of facilitating the negotiation by him of his right to network access; or

(d) to provide the person with such information as they consider necessary to enable the applicant to apply for a direction under section 106 to be made in his case.

(2) A request for the purposes of this section must be made in such manner as OFCOM may require.

(3) OFCOM are not required to comply with a request under this section if (without having been asked to do so) they have already given that person the notification or information for which he is asking.

(4) Any notification or information which under subsection (1) must be given or provided by OFCOM must be given or provided before the end of the period of one week beginning with the day on which the request for the notification or information was made to OFCOM.

Commencement Information

I268 S. 146 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))

I269 S. 146 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)

Abolition of telecommunications licensing etc. U.K.

147 Repeal of provisions of Telecommunications Act 1984 U.K.

The following provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12) shall cease to have effect—

(a) sections 5 to 8 (licensing provisions);

(b) sections 9 to 11 (public telecommunications systems);

(c) sections 12 to 15 (modification of licences);

(d) sections 16 to 19 (enforcement of licences); and

(e) sections 27A to 27L (standards of performance of designated public telecommunications operators).

Commencement Information

I270 S. 147 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))

I271 S. 147 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)

Local authority powers in relation to networks and services U.K.

148 Powers of local authorities in connection with networks U.K.

(1) A local authority may borrow money for the purpose of providing a public electronic communications network or public electronic communications service.

(2) A local authority may—

(a) provide a public electronic communications network part of which is outside their area; and

(b) provide a public electronic communications service even if some of the persons to whom they provide the service are outside their area.

(3) In this section, a “local authority” means—

(a) in relation to England, a London borough council or a district council;

(b) in relation to Wales, a county council or a county borough council;

(c) in Scotland, a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c. 39).

Commencement Information

I272 S. 148 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))

I273 S. 148 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)

Grants for networks and services in Northern Ireland U.K.

149 Grants by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment N.I.

(1) The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment may, in accordance with this section, make payments to persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with—

(a) the provision of electronic communications networks and electronic communications services in Northern Ireland; or

(b) improving the extent, quality and reliability of such networks or services.

(2) A payment shall not be made under this section unless in the opinion of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment—

(a) the making of the payment is likely to achieve—

(i) one or more of the purposes set out in subsection (1); and

(ii) any other purposes prescribed by regulations made by that Department with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel; and

(b) the amount of the payment is reasonable having regard to all the circumstances.

(3) Payments under this section shall—

(a) be of such amounts, and

(b) be made subject to such conditions (including conditions as to repayment),

as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment may determine.

(4) This section extends only to Northern Ireland.

Commencement Information

I274 S. 149 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))

I275 S. 149 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)

150 Grants by district councils U.K.

(1) This section applies where a district council in Northern Ireland consider that it would be for the benefit of their area—

(a) for a public electronic communications network or electronic communications service to be provided by a particular person;

(b) for facilities to be made available by a particular person for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provision of such a network or service; or

(c) for such a network or service that is being provided by a particular person, or for any such facilities that are being so made available by a particular person, to continue to be provided or made available.

(2) The district council may—

(a) undertake to pay to that person, and

(b) pay him,

whatever sums they think appropriate for, or towards, compensating him for losses sustained in the provision of the network or service or in making the facilities available.

(3) For the purposes of this section it is immaterial—

(a) in the case of a network, whether any part of the network is situated in the council’s area; and

(b) in the case of a service or facility, whether any of the persons to whom the service or facility is provided or made available are in that area.

Commencement Information

I276 S. 150 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))

I277 S. 150 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)

Interpretation of Chapter 1 U.K.

151 Interpretation of Chapter 1 U.K.

(1) In this Chapter—

• “the Access Directive” means Directive 2002/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities;

• “access-related condition” means a condition set as an access-related condition under section 45;

• “allocation” and “adoption”, in relation to telephone numbers, and cognate expressions, are to be construed in accordance with section 56;

• “apparatus market”, in relation to a market power determination, is to be construed in accordance with section 46(9)(b);

• “designated universal service provider” means a person who is for the time being designated in accordance with regulations under section 66 as a person to whom universal service conditions are applicable;

• “electronic communications apparatus”—

  (a)

  in relation to SMP apparatus conditions and in section 141, means apparatus that is designed or adapted for a use which consists of or includes the sending or receiving of communications or other signals (within the meaning of section 32) that are transmitted by means of an electronic communications network; and

  (b)

  in all other contexts, has the same meaning as in the electronic communications code;

• “the electronic communications code” has the meaning given by section 106(1);

• “end-user”, in relation to a public electronic communications service, means—

  (a)

  a person who, otherwise than as a communications provider, is a customer of the provider of that service;

  (b)

  a person who makes use of the service otherwise than as a communications provider; or

  (c)

  a person who may be authorised, by a person falling within paragraph (a), so to make use of the service;

• “the Framework Directive” means Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services;

• “general condition” means a condition set as a general condition under section 45;

• “interconnection” is to be construed in accordance with subsection (2);

• “market power determination” means—

  (a)

  a determination, for the purposes of provisions of this Chapter, that a person has significant market power in an identified services market or an identified apparatus market, or

  (b)

  a confirmation for such purposes of a market power determination reviewed on a further analysis under section 84 or 85;

• “misuse”, in relation to an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, is to be construed in accordance with section 128(5) and (8), and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “network access” is to be construed in accordance with subsection (3);

• “persistent” and “persistently”, in relation to misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, are to be construed in accordance with section 128(6) and (7);

• “premium rate service” is to be construed in accordance with section 120(7);

• “privileged supplier condition” means a condition set as a privileged supplier condition under section 45;

• “provider”, in relation to a premium rate service, is to be construed in accordance with section 120(9) to (12), and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “public communications provider” means—

  (a)

  a provider of a public electronic communications network;

  (b)

  a provider of a public electronic communications service; or

  (c)

  a person who makes available facilities that are associated facilities by reference to a public electronic communications network or a public electronic communications service;

• “public electronic communications network” means an electronic communications network provided wholly or mainly for the purpose of making electronic communications services available to members of the public;

• “public electronic communications service” means any electronic communications service that is provided so as to be available for use by members of the public;

• “regulatory authorities” is to be construed in accordance with subsection (5);

• “relevant international standards” means—

  (a)

  any standards or specifications from time to time drawn up and published in accordance with Article 17 of the Framework Directive;

  (b)

  the standards and specifications from time to time adopted by—

  (i)

  the European Committee for Standardisation,

  (ii)

  the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation; or

  (iii)

  the European Telecommunications Standards Institute; and

  (c)

  the international standards and recommendations from time to time adopted by—

  (i)

  the International Telecommunication Union;

  (ii)

  the International Organisation for Standardisation; or

  (iii)

  the International Electrotechnical Committee;

• “service interoperability” means interoperability between different electronic communications services;

• “services market”, in relation to a market power determination or market identification, is to be construed in accordance with section 46(8)(a);

• “significant market power” is to be construed in accordance with section 78;

• “SMP condition” means a condition set as an SMP condition under section 45, and “SMP services condition” and “SMP apparatus condition” are to be construed in accordance with subsections (8) and (9) of that section respectively;

• “telephone number” has the meaning given by section 56(5);

• “the Universal Service Directive” means Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services;

• “universal service condition” means a condition set as a universal service condition under section 45;

• “the universal service order” means the order for the time being in force under section 65.

(2) In this Chapter references to interconnection are references to the linking (whether directly or indirectly by physical or logical means, or by a combination of physical and logical means) of one public electronic communications network to another for the purpose of enabling the persons using one of them to be able—

(a) to communicate with users of the other one; or

(b) to make use of services provided by means of the other one (whether by the provider of that network or by another person).

(3) In this Chapter references to network access are references to—

(a) interconnection of public electronic communications networks; or

(b) any services, facilities or arrangements which—

(i) are not comprised in interconnection; but

(ii) are services, facilities or arrangements by means of which a communications provider or person making available associated facilities is able, for the purposes of the provision of an electronic communications service (whether by him or by another), to make use of anything mentioned in subsection (4);

and references to providing network access include references to providing any such services, making available any such facilities or entering into any such arrangements.

(4) The things referred to in subsection (3)(b) are—

(a) any electronic communications network or electronic communications service provided by another communications provider;

(b) any apparatus comprised in such a network or used for the purposes of such a network or service;

(c) any facilities made available by another that are associated facilities by reference to any network or service (whether one provided by that provider or by another);

(d) any other services or facilities which are provided or made available by another person and are capable of being used for the provision of an electronic communications service.

(5) References in this Chapter to the regulatory authorities of member States are references to such of the authorities of the member States as have been notified to the European Commission as the regulatory authorities of those States for the purposes of the Framework Directive.

(6) For the purposes of this Chapter, where there is a contravention of an obligation that requires a person to do anything within a particular period or before a particular time, that contravention shall be taken to continue after the end of that period, or after that time, until that thing is done.

(7) References in this Chapter to remedying the consequences of a contravention include references to paying an amount to a person—

(a) by way of compensation for loss or damage suffered by that person; or

(b) in respect of annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to which he has been put.

(8) In determining for the purposes of provisions of this Chapter whether a contravention is a repeated contravention for any purposes, a notification of a contravention under that provision shall be disregarded if it has been withdrawn before the imposition of a penalty in respect of the matters notified.

(9) For the purposes of this section a service is made available to members of the public if members of the public are customers, in respect of that service, of the provider of that service.

Commencement Information

I278 S. 151 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))

I279 S. 151 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)

Chapter 2 U.K. Spectrum use

General functions relating to spectrum use U.K.

F10 152 General functions of OFCOM in relation to radio spectrum U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

F10 153 United Kingdom Plan for Frequency Authorisation U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I280 S. 153 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))

I281 S. 153 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)

F10 154 Duties of OFCOM when carrying out spectrum functions U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I282 S. 154 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))

I283 S. 154 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)

F10 155 Advisory service in relation to interference U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I284 S. 155 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 156 Directions with respect to the radio spectrum U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I285 S. 156 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 157 Procedure for directions under s. 156 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I286 S. 157 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Reservation of spectrum for multiplex use U.K.

F10 158 Special duty in relation to television multiplexes U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I287 S. 158 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Recognised spectrum access U.K.

F10 159 Grant of recognised spectrum access U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I288 S. 159 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 160 Effect of grant of recognised spectrum access U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I289 S. 160 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 161 Charges in respect of grants of recognised spectrum access U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I290 S. 161 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 162 Conversion into and from wireless telegraphy licences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I291 S. 162 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Crown use of the radio spectrum U.K.

F10 163 Payments for use of radio spectrum by the Crown U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I292 S. 163 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Limitations and exemptions applied to spectrum use U.K.

F10 164 Limitations on authorised spectrum use U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I293 S. 164 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))

I294 S. 164 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)

F10 165 Terms etc. of wireless telegraphy licences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I295 S. 165 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))

I296 S. 165 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)

F10 166 Exemption from need for wireless telegraphy licence U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I297 S. 166 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))

I298 S. 166 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)

Award and transfer of licences U.K.

F10 167 Bidding for wireless telegraphy licences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I299 S. 167 in force at 18.9.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I300 S. 167 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)

F10 168 Spectrum trading U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I301 S. 168 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Variation and revocation of licences U.K.

F10 169 Variation and revocation of wireless telegraphy licences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I302 S. 169 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))

I303 S. 169 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)

Wireless telegraphy register U.K.

F10 170 Wireless telegraphy register U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I304 S. 170 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Information requirements U.K.

F10 171 Information requirements in relation to wireless telegraphy licences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I305 S. 171 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Criminal proceedings etc. U.K.

F10 172 Contraventions of conditions for use of wireless telegraphy U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I306 S. 172 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))

I307 S. 172 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)

F10 173 Meaning of “repeated contravention” in s. 172 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I308 S. 173 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))

I309 S. 173 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)

F10 174 Procedure for prosecutions of wireless telegraphy offences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I310 S. 174 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))

I311 S. 174 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)

F10 175 Special procedure for contraventions by multiplex licence holders U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I312 S. 175 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 176 Amount of penalty under s. 175 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I313 S. 176 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 177 “Relevant amount of gross revenue” for the purposes of s. 176 U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I314 S. 177 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F10 178 Proceedings for an offence relating to apparatus use U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I315 S. 178 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))

I316 S. 178 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)

F10 179 Modification of penalties for certain wireless telegraphy offences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I317 S. 179 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Prospective

F10 180 Fixed penalties for certain wireless telegraphy offences U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

F10 181 Power of arrest U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I318 S. 181 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F10 182 Forfeiture etc. of restricted apparatus U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I319 S. 182 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Construction of 1949 Act U.K.

F10 183 Modification of definition of “undue interference” U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I320 S. 183 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))

I321 S. 183 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)

F10 184 Modification of definition of “wireless telegraphy” U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 152-184 repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I322 S. 184 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Chapter 3 U.K. Disputes and appeals

Disputes U.K.

185 Reference of disputes to OFCOM U.K.

(1) This section applies in the case of a dispute relating to the provision of network access if it is—

(a) a dispute between different communications providers;

(b) a dispute between a communications provider and a person who makes associated facilities available;

(c) a dispute between different persons making such facilities available;

(d) a dispute relating to the subject-matter of a condition set under section 74(1) between a communications provider or person who makes associated facilities available and a person who (without being such a person) is a person to whom such a condition applies; or

(e) a dispute relating to the subject-matter of such a condition between different persons each of whom (without being a communications provider or a person who makes associated facilities available) is a person to whom such a condition applies.

(2) This section also applies in the case of any other dispute if—

(a) it relates to rights or obligations conferred or imposed by or under this Part or any of the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum that are not contained in this Part;

(b) it is a dispute between different communications providers; and

(c) it is not an excluded dispute.

(3) Any one or more of the parties to the dispute may refer it to OFCOM.

(4) A reference made under this section is to be made in such manner as OFCOM may require.

(5) The way in which a requirement under subsection (4)—

(a) is to be imposed, or

(b) may be withdrawn or modified,

is by a notice published in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing the requirement, withdrawal or modification to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(6) Requirements imposed under subsection (4) may make different provision for different cases.

(7) A dispute is an excluded dispute for the purposes of subsection (2) if it is about—

(a) obligations imposed on a communications provider by SMP apparatus conditions;

(b) contraventions of sections 125 to 127;

(c) obligations imposed on a communications provider by or under any of sections 128 to 131; or

(d) the operation in the case of a communications provider of section 134.

(8) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the disputes that relate to the provision of network access include disputes as to the terms or conditions on which it is or may be provided in a particular case; and

(b) the disputes that relate to an obligation include disputes as to the terms or conditions on which any transaction is to be entered into for the purpose of complying with that obligation.

Commencement Information

I323 S. 185 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))

I324 S. 185 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)

186 Action by OFCOM on dispute reference U.K.

(1) This section applies where a dispute is referred to OFCOM under and in accordance with section 185.

(2) OFCOM must decide whether or not it is appropriate for them to handle the dispute.

(3) Unless they consider—

(a) that there are alternative means available for resolving the dispute,

(b) that a resolution of the dispute by those means would be consistent with the Community requirements set out in section 4, and

(c) that a prompt and satisfactory resolution of the dispute is likely if those alternative means are used for resolving it,

their decision must be a decision that it is appropriate for them to handle the dispute.

(4) As soon as reasonably practicable after OFCOM have decided—

(a) that it is appropriate for them to handle the dispute, or

(b) that it is not,

they must inform each of the parties to the dispute of their decision and of their reasons for it.

(5) The notification must state the date of the decision.

(6) Where—

(a) OFCOM decide that it is not appropriate for them to handle the dispute, but

(b) the dispute is not resolved by other means before the end of the four months after the day of OFCOM’s decision,

the dispute may be referred back to OFCOM by one or more of the parties to the dispute.

Commencement Information

I325 S. 186 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))

I326 S. 186 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)

187 Legal proceedings about referred disputes U.K.

(1) Where a dispute is referred or referred back to OFCOM under this Chapter, the reference is not to prevent—

(a) the person making it,

(b) another party to the dispute,

(c) OFCOM, or

(d) any other person,

from bringing, or continuing, any legal proceedings with respect to any of the matters under dispute.

(2) Nor is the reference or reference back to OFCOM under this Chapter of a dispute to prevent OFCOM from—

(a) giving a notification in respect of something that they have reasonable grounds for believing to be a contravention of any obligation imposed by or under any an enactment;

(b) exercising any of their other powers under any enactment in relation to a contravention of such an obligation; or

(c) taking any other step in preparation for or with a view to doing anything mentioned in the preceding paragraphs.

(3) If, in any legal proceedings with respect to a matter to which a dispute relates, the court orders the handling of the dispute by OFCOM to be stayed or sisted—

(a) OFCOM are required to make a determination for resolving the dispute only if the stay or sist is lifted or expires; and

(b) the period during which the stay or sist is in force must be disregarded in determining the period within which OFCOM are required to make such a determination.

(4) Subsection (1) is subject to section 190(8) and to any agreement to the contrary binding the parties to the dispute.

(5) In this section “legal proceedings” means civil or criminal proceedings in or before a court.

Commencement Information

I327 S. 187 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))

I328 S. 187 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)

188 Procedure for resolving disputes U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) OFCOM have decided under section 186(2) that it is appropriate for them to handle a dispute; or

(b) a dispute is referred back to OFCOM under section 186(6).

(2) OFCOM must—

(a) consider the dispute; and

(b) make a determination for resolving it.

(3) The procedure for the consideration and determination of the dispute is to be the procedure that OFCOM consider appropriate.

(4) In the case of a dispute referred back to OFCOM under section 186(6), that procedure may involve allowing the continuation of a procedure that has already been begun for resolving the dispute by alternative means.

(5) Except in exceptional circumstances and subject to section 187(3), OFCOM must make their determination no more than four months after the following day—

(a) in a case falling within subsection (1)(a), the day of the decision by OFCOM that it is appropriate for them to handle the dispute; and

(b) in a case falling within subsection (1)(b), the day on which the dispute is referred back to them.

(6) Where it is practicable for OFCOM to make their determination before the end of the four month period, they must make it as soon in that period as practicable.

(7) OFCOM must—

(a) send a copy of their determination, together with a full statement of their reasons for it, to every party to the dispute; and

(b) publish so much of their determination as (having regard, in particular, to the need to preserve commercial confidentiality) they consider it appropriate to publish.

(8) The publication of information under this section must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention, to the extent that they consider appropriate, of members of the public.

Commencement Information

I329 S. 188 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))

I330 S. 188 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)

189 Disputes involving other member States U.K.

(1) This section applies where it appears to OFCOM that a dispute referred or referred back to them under this Chapter relates partly to a matter falling within the jurisdiction of the regulatory authorities of another member State.

(2) A dispute relates to matters falling within the jurisdiction of the regulatory authorities of another member State to the extent that—

(a) it relates to the carrying on of activities by one or both of the parties to the dispute in more than one member State or to activities carried on by different parties to the dispute in different member States; and

(b) the activities to which the dispute relates, so far as they are carried on in another member State, are carried on in the member State for which those authorities are the regulatory authorities.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) the activities that are carried on in a member State include anything done by means of an electronic communications network, or part of such a network, which is situated in that member State.

(4) Before taking any steps under this Chapter in relation to the reference or the dispute, OFCOM must consult the other regulatory authorities within whose jurisdiction the matter falls.

(5) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to secure that steps taken in relation to the reference or dispute (whether taken by them or by the other regulatory authorities) are, so far as practicable, agreed between OFCOM and those authorities.

(6) Accordingly, section 188 is to have effect in relation to the reference as if the period for making a determination which is specified in subsection (5) of that section were such period (if any) as may be agreed between—

(a) OFCOM; and

(b) the other regulatory authorities within whose jurisdiction the matter falls.

Commencement Information

I331 S. 189 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))

I332 S. 189 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)

190 Resolution of referred disputes U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM make a determination for resolving a dispute referred to them under this Chapter, their only powers are those conferred by this section.

(2) Their main power (except in the case of a dispute relating to rights and obligations conferred or imposed by or under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum) is to do one or more of the following—

(a) to make a declaration setting out the rights and obligations of the parties to the dispute;

(b) to give a direction fixing the terms or conditions of transactions between the parties to the dispute;

(c) to give a direction imposing an obligation, enforceable by the parties to the dispute, to enter into a transaction between themselves on the terms and conditions fixed by OFCOM; and

(d) for the purpose of giving effect to a determination by OFCOM of the proper amount of a charge in respect of which amounts have been paid by one of the parties of the dispute to the other, to give a direction, enforceable by the party to whom the sums are to be paid, requiring the payment of sums by way of adjustment of an underpayment or overpayment.

(3) Their main power in the excepted case is just to make a declaration setting out the rights and obligations of the parties to the dispute.

(4) Nothing in this section prevents OFCOM from exercising the following powers in consequence of their consideration under this Chapter of any dispute—

(a) their powers under Chapter 1 of this Part to set, modify or revoke general conditions, universal service conditions, access related conditions, privileged supplier conditions or SMP conditions;

(b) their powers to vary, modify or revoke wireless telegraphy licences or grants of recognised spectrum access;

(c) their power to make, amend or revoke [F11 regulations under section 8 or 45 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] .

(5) In the case of a dispute referred back to OFCOM under section 186(6)—

(a) OFCOM may, in making their determination, take account of decisions already made by others in the course of an attempt to resolve the dispute by alternative means; and

(b) the determination made by OFCOM may include provision ratifying decisions so made.

(6) Where OFCOM make a determination for resolving a dispute, they may require a party to the dispute—

(a) to make payments to another party to the dispute in respect of costs and expenses incurred by that other party in consequence of the reference of the dispute to OFCOM, or in connection with it; and

(b) to make payments to OFCOM in respect of costs and expenses incurred by them in dealing with the dispute.

(7) OFCOM are not, under subsection (6)(b), to require payments to be made to them by a party to the dispute except—

(a) in a case where the dispute relates to the rights and obligations of the parties to the dispute under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum; or

(b) where it appears to OFCOM that the reference of the dispute by that party was frivolous or vexatious or that that party has otherwise abused the right of reference conferred by this Chapter.

(8) A determination made by OFCOM for resolving a dispute referred or referred back to them under this Chapter binds all the parties to the dispute.

(9) Subsection (8) is subject to section 192.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 190(4)(c) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 27

Commencement Information

I333 S. 190 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))

I334 S. 190 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)

191 OFCOM’s power to require information in connection with dispute U.K.

(1) Where a dispute has been referred or referred back to OFCOM under this Chapter, they may require any person to whom subsection (2) applies to provide them with all such information as they may require for the purpose of—

(a) deciding whether it is appropriate for them to handle the dispute;

(b) determining whether it is necessary for them to consult the regulatory authorities of another member State; or

(c) considering the dispute and making a determination for resolving it.

(2) This subsection applies to—

(a) a party to the dispute; and

(b) a person who is not a party to the dispute but appears to OFCOM to have information that is relevant to the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (c).

(3) A person required to provide information under this section must provide it in such manner and within such reasonable period as may be specified by OFCOM.

(4) In fixing the period within which information is to be provided in accordance with a requirement under this section OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to—

(a) their obligation to make a determination for resolving the dispute within the period specified in section 188;

(b) the nature of the dispute; and

(c) the information that is required.

(5) Sections 138 to 144 apply for the enforcement of a requirement under this section as they apply for the enforcement of requirements under section 135 or 136.

(6) In its application for the enforcement of this section, section 138 is to have effect as if it allowed OFCOM to specify such period of less than one month for doing the things mentioned in subsection (3) of that section as they consider appropriate for the purpose of enabling them to comply with an obligation of theirs to make a determination within a particular period.

Commencement Information

I335 S. 191 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))

I336 S. 191 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)

Appeals U.K.

192 Appeals against decisions by OFCOM, the Secretary of State etc. U.K.

(1) This section applies to the following decisions—

(a) a decision by OFCOM under this Part [F12 or any of Parts 1 to 3 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] that is not a decision specified in Schedule 8;

(b) a decision (whether by OFCOM or another) to which effect is given by a direction, approval or consent given for the purposes of a provision of a condition set under section 45;

(c) a decision to which effect is given by the modification or withdrawal of such a direction, approval or consent;

(d) a decision by the Secretary of State to which effect is given by one of the following—

(i) a specific direction under section 5 that is not about the making of a decision specified in Schedule 8;

(ii) a restriction or condition set by regulations under section 109;

(iii) a direction to OFCOM under section 132;

(iv) a specific direction under [F13 section 5 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] that is not about the making of a decision specified in Schedule 8.

(2) A person affected by a decision to which this section applies may appeal against it to the Tribunal.

(3) The means of making an appeal is by sending the Tribunal a notice of appeal in accordance with Tribunal rules.

(4) The notice of appeal must be sent within the period specified, in relation to the decision appealed against, in those rules.

(5) The notice of appeal must set out—

(a) the provision under which the decision appealed against was taken; and

(b) the grounds of appeal.

(6) The grounds of appeal must be set out in sufficient detail to indicate—

(a) to what extent (if any) the appellant contends that the decision appealed against was based on an error of fact or was wrong in law or both; and

(b) to what extent (if any) the appellant is appealing against the exercise of a discretion by OFCOM, by the Secretary of State or by another person.

(7) In this section and Schedule 8 references to a decision under an enactment—

(a) include references to a decision that is given effect to by the exercise or performance of a power or duty conferred or imposed by or under an enactment; but

(b) include references to a failure to make a decision, and to a failure to exercise a power or to perform a duty, only where the failure constitutes a failure to grant an application or to comply with any other form of request to make the decision, to exercise the power or to perform the duty;

and references in the following provisions of this Chapter to a decision appealed against are to be construed accordingly.

(8) For the purposes of this section and the following provisions of this Chapter a decision to which effect is given by the exercise or performance of a power or duty conferred or imposed by or under an enactment shall be treated, except where provision is made for the making of that decision at a different time, as made at the time when the power is exercised or the duty performed.

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in s. 192(1)(a) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 28(a)

F13 Words in s. 192(1)(d)(iv) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 28(b)

Commencement Information

I337 S. 192 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))

I338 S. 192 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)

193 Reference of price control matters to the Competition Commission U.K.

(1) Tribunal rules must provide in relation to appeals under section 192(2) relating to price control that the price control matters arising in that appeal, to the extent that they are matters of a description specified in the rules, must be referred by the Tribunal to the Competition Commission for determination.

(2) Where a price control matter is referred in accordance with Tribunal rules to the Competition Commission for determination, the Commission is to determine that matter—

(a) in accordance with the provision made by the rules;

(b) in accordance with directions given to them by the Tribunal in exercise of powers conferred by the rules; and

(c) subject to the rules and any such directions, using such procedure as the Commission consider appropriate.

(3) The provision that may be made by Tribunal rules about the determination of a price control matter referred to the Competition Commission in accordance with the rules includes provision about the period within which that matter is to be determined by that Commission.

(4) Where the Competition Commission determines a price control matter in accordance with Tribunal rules, they must notify the Tribunal of the determination they have made.

(5) The notification must be given as soon as practicable after the making of the notified determination.

(6) Where a price control matter arising in an appeal is required to be referred to the Competition Commission under this section, the Tribunal, in deciding the appeal on the merits under section 195, must decide that matter in accordance with the determination of that Commission.

(7) Subsection (6) does not apply to the extent that the Tribunal decides, applying the principles applicable on an application for judicial review, that the determination of the Competition Commission is a determination that would fall to be set aside on such an application.

(8) Section 117 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (offences of supplying false or misleading information) shall have effect in relation to information supplied to the Competition Commission in connection with their functions under this section as it has effect in relation to information supplied to them in connection with their functions under Part 3 of that Act.

(9) For the purposes of this section an appeal relates to price control if the matters to which the appeal relates are or include price control matters.

(10) In this section “price control matter” means a matter relating to the imposition of any form of price control by an SMP condition the setting of which is authorised by—

(a) section 87(9);

(b) section 91; or

(c) section 93(3).

Commencement Information

I339 S. 193 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))

I340 S. 193 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)

194 Composition of Competition Commission for price control references U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must appoint not less than three members of the Competition Commission for the purposes of references under section 193.

(2) In selecting a group to perform the Commission’s functions in relation to a reference under section 193, the chairman of the Commission must select at least one, and not more than three, of the members appointed under this section to be members of the group.

Commencement Information

I341 S. 194 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))

I342 S. 194 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)

195 Decisions of the Tribunal U.K.

(1) The Tribunal shall dispose of an appeal under section 192(2) in accordance with this section.

(2) The Tribunal shall decide the appeal on the merits and by reference to the grounds of appeal set out in the notice of appeal.

(3) The Tribunal’s decision must include a decision as to what (if any) is the appropriate action for the decision-maker to take in relation to the subject-matter of the decision under appeal.

(4) The Tribunal shall then remit the decision under appeal to the decision-maker with such directions (if any) as the Tribunal considers appropriate for giving effect to its decision.

(5) The Tribunal must not direct the decision-maker to take any action which he would not otherwise have power to take in relation to the decision under appeal.

(6) It shall be the duty of the decision-maker to comply with every direction given under subsection (4).

(7) In the case of an appeal against a decision given effect to by a restriction or condition set by regulations under section 109, the Tribunal must take only such steps for disposing of the appeal as it considers are not detrimental to good administration.

(8) In its application to a decision of the Tribunal under this section, paragraph 1(2)(b) of Schedule 4 to the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (exclusion of commercial information from documents recording Tribunal decisions) is to have effect as if for the reference to the undertaking to which commercial information relates there were substituted a reference to any person to whom it relates.

(9) In this section “the decision-maker” means—

(a) OFCOM or the Secretary of State, according to who took the decision appealed against; or

(b) in the case of an appeal against—

(i) a direction, approval or consent given by a person other than OFCOM or the Secretary of State, or

(ii) the modification or withdrawal by such a person of such a direction, approval or consent,

that other person.

Commencement Information

I343 S. 195 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))

I344 S. 195 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)

196 Appeals from the Tribunal U.K.

(1) A decision of the Tribunal on an appeal under section 192(2) may itself be appealed.

(2) An appeal under this section—

(a) lies to the Court of Appeal or to the Court of Session; and

(b) must relate only to a point of law arising from the decision of the Tribunal.

(3) An appeal under this section may be brought by—

(a) a party to the proceedings before the Tribunal; or

(b) any other person who has a sufficient interest in the matter.

(4) An appeal under this section requires the permission of the Tribunal or of the court to which it is to be made.

(5) In this section references to a decision of the Tribunal include references to a direction given by it under section 195(4).

Commencement Information

I345 S. 196 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))

I346 S. 196 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)

Interpretation of Chapter 3 U.K.

197 Interpretation of Chapter 3 U.K.

(1) In this Chapter—

• “network access” has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of this Part;

• “the Tribunal” means the Competition Appeal Tribunal; and

• “Tribunal rules” means rules made under section 15 of the Enterprise Act 2002.

(2) References in this Chapter, in relation to a dispute, to the regulatory authorities of other member States are references to such of the authorities of the other member States as have been notified under the Framework Directive to the European Commission as the regulatory authorities of those States for the purposes of the matters to which the dispute relates.

(3) In this section “the Framework Directive” has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of this Part.

Commencement Information

I347 S. 197 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))

I348 S. 197 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)

Part 3 U.K. Television and Radio Services

Chapter 1 U.K. The BBC, C4C the Welsh Authority and the Gaelic media service

The BBC U.K.

198 Functions of OFCOM in relation to the BBC U.K.

(1) It shall be a function of OFCOM, to the extent that provision for them to do so is contained in—

(a) the BBC Charter and Agreement, and

(b) the provisions of this Act and of Part 5 of the 1996 Act,

to regulate the provision of the BBC’s services and the carrying on by the BBC of other activities for purposes connected with the provision of those services.

(2) For the purposes of the carrying out of that function OFCOM—

(a) are to have such powers and duties as may be conferred on them by or under the BBC Charter and Agreement; and

(b) are entitled, to the extent that they are authorised to do so by the Secretary of State or under the terms of that Charter and Agreement, to act on his behalf in relation to that Charter and Agreement.

(3) The BBC must pay OFCOM such penalties in respect of contraventions by the BBC of provision made by or under—

(a) this Part,

[F14 (aa) Part 4A,] or

(b) the BBC Charter and Agreement,

as are imposed by OFCOM in exercise of powers conferred on them by that Charter and Agreement.

(4) The BBC are also to be liable to pay OFCOM such sums in respect of the carrying out by OFCOM of their functions in relation to the BBC as may be—

(a) agreed from time to time between the BBC and OFCOM; or

(b) (in default of agreement) fixed by the Secretary of State.

(5) The maximum penalty that may be imposed on the BBC on any occasion by OFCOM in exercise of a power conferred by virtue of the BBC Charter and Agreement is £250,000.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order substitute a different sum for the sum for the time being specified in subsection (5).

(7) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (6) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(8) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to have regard to their functions under this section when carrying out their functions under the 1990 Act, the 1996 Act and this Part in relation to services provided by persons other than the BBC.

(9) In this section “the BBC’s services” means such of the services provided by the BBC (excluding the services comprised in the World Service) as are of a description of service which, if provided by a BBC company, would fall to be regulated by OFCOM by virtue of section 211 or 245 [F15 or by the appropriate regulatory authority by virtue of section 368C] .

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 198(3)(aa) inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(a)

F15 Words in s. 198(9) inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(b)

Commencement Information

I349 S. 198 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

C4C U.K.

199 Functions of C4C U.K.

(1) The activities that C4C are able to carry on include any activities which appear to them—

(a) to be activities that it is appropriate for them to carry on in association with the carrying out of their primary functions; and

(b) to be connected, otherwise than merely in financial terms, with activities undertaken by them for the carrying out of those functions.

(2) C4C’s primary functions are—

(a) securing the continued provision of Channel 4; and

(b) the fulfilment of the public service remit for that Channel under section 265.

(3) Section 24(5)(b) and (6) of the 1990 Act (power of C4C to establish, acquire an interest in or assist a qualifying company) shall cease to have effect.

(4) For sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) of paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to the 1990 Act (power of C4C to do things incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions) there shall be substituted—

“(3) The Corporation may do anything which appears to them to be incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions.

(4) The powers of the Corporation under sub-paragraph (3) include power, to the extent that it appears to them incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions to do so—

(a) to borrow money;

(b) to carry on activities (other than those comprised in their duty to carry out their primary functions) through Channel 4 companies; and

(c) to participate with others in the carrying on of any such activities.”

(5) Schedule 9 (which makes provision for the approval by OFCOM, and for the enforcement, of arrangements made by C4C about the carrying on of their activities) shall have effect.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 199(2)(b) modified (temp.) (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 7 (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I350 S. 199 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

200 Removal of members of C4C U.K.

(1) In paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the 1990 Act (term of office of members of C4C), after sub-paragraph (2) there shall be inserted—

“(2A) OFCOM may at any time, by notice to a member of the Corporation, terminate the appointment of that member.

(2B) Before terminating a person’s appointment under sub-paragraph (2A), OFCOM must consult the Secretary of State.”

(2) This section applies only to a member whose appointment was made, or last renewed, after the coming into force of this section.

Commencement Information

I351 S. 200 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

201 Deficits and surpluses of C4C U.K.

(1) Sections 26 and 27 of the 1990 Act (revenue deficits of C4C to be funded by providers of Channel 3 services and application of excess revenues of C4C) shall cease to have effect.

(2) This section has effect in relation to a deficit or excess for a year ending after the commencement of this section.

Commencement Information

I352 S. 201 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

202 Borrowing limit for C4C U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for a limit on the borrowing that C4C is allowed to undertake.

(2) The order may fix the limit either—

(a) by specifying the sum which the outstanding borrowing of C4C must not at any time exceed; or

(b) by providing a method of determining the sum which that borrowing must not exceed.

(3) C4C are not to borrow money if the effect of the borrowing would be to cause the amount of their outstanding borrowing to be, or to remain, in excess of the limit (if any) that is for the time being in force.

(4) For the purposes of this section the amount of C4C’s outstanding borrowing at any time is the aggregate amount outstanding at that time in respect of the principal of sums borrowed by them, but after allowing sums borrowed to repay existing loans to be applied for that purpose.

(5) Before making an order under this section, the Secretary of State must consult C4C.

(6) The consent of the Treasury is required for the making of an order under this section.

Commencement Information

I353 S. 202 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

The Welsh Authority U.K.

203 Function of OFCOM in relation to the Welsh Authority U.K.

It shall be a function of OFCOM, to the extent that provision for them to do so is contained in this Act and Part 5 of the 1996 Act, to regulate the services provided by the Welsh Authority.

Commencement Information

I354 S. 203 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

204 Welsh Authority’s function of providing S4C and S4C Digital U.K.

(1) The Welsh Authority shall continue in existence with the substitution of the following function for their functions under section 57 of the 1990 Act.

(2) The Welsh Authority shall have the function of providing television programme services of high quality with a view to their being available for reception wholly or mainly by members of the public in Wales.

[F16 (3) The carrying out of that function—

(a) must include the continuing provision of the service provided in digital form and known as S4C Digital; and

(b) may include the continuing provision of the television broadcasting service known as Sianel Pedwar Cymru (“S4C”).]

[F17 (4) The duty of the Welsh Authority to provide S4C Digital includes a duty to secure that arrangements are made and remain in force for it to be broadcast in digital form.]

(5) It shall be the duty of the Welsh Authority to secure that S4C and S4C Digital each represents a public service for the dissemination of information, education and entertainment.

(6) The Welsh Authority may use part of the signals carrying S4C to provide—

(a) subtitling in relation to programmes included in the service; and

(b) other services which are ancillary to programmes included in S4C and which are directly related to their contents.

(7) In providing S4C Digital the Welsh Authority may also provide—

(a) assistance for disabled people in relation to programmes included in the service; and

(b) any other service (other than one mentioned in paragraph (a)) which is an ancillary service in relation to S4C Digital.

(8) The Secretary of State may by order modify this Act and such other enactments as he thinks fit for the purpose of—

(a) replacing the requirement of the Welsh Authority to provide S4C with a requirement to provide a service in digital form;

(b) requiring the Welsh Authority to secure that arrangements are made for that service and S4C Digital to be merged and provided as one service (also to be known as “S4C Digital”); and

(c) applying enactments relating to the provision of S4C or S4C Digital to the provision of the merged service.

(9) An order under subsection (8) may require the Welsh Authority to ensure that, from the coming into force of a requirement to provide a merged service in digital form until a time determined in the manner described in the order, the whole or a part of the merged service is also to be provided for broadcasting in analogue form.

(10) In this section “programme” does not include an advertisement.

Textual Amendments

F16 S. 204(3) substituted (12.8.2009) by Welsh Authority (Digital Switchover) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1968), arts. 1, 2(2)

F17 S. 204(4) substituted (12.8.2009) by Welsh Authority (Digital Switchover) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1968), arts. 1, 2(3)

Commencement Information

I355 S. 204 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

205 Powers to provide other services U.K.

(1) The Welsh Authority are not, in the carrying out of their function under section 204, to provide any television programme service (apart from S4C and S4C Digital) unless—

(a) the service appears to them to satisfy the requirements of subsection (3); and

(b) the provision by them of the service has been approved by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(2) The functions of the Welsh Authority include the provision of services that are neither television programme services nor sound services but—

(a) are provided with a view to being made available for reception wholly or mainly by members of the public in Wales or otherwise to be received or used by persons in Wales;

(b) are services appearing to them to satisfy the requirements of subsection (3); and

(c) are services the provision of which by the Authority has been approved by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(3) A service provided under this section must be a public service of high quality for the dissemination of information, education or entertainment (or a combination of them) wholly or mainly to members of the public in Wales.

(4) The Welsh Authority are not to provide a television programme service under this section unless it is one the provision of which by them broadens the range of television programme services available for reception by members of the public in Wales.

(5) The Welsh Authority must ensure, in the case of every television programme service provided with the approval of the Secretary of State under this section, that a substantial proportion of the programmes included in the service consists of programmes in Welsh.

(6) An order under this section approving the provision of a service must set out—

(a) the nature and other characteristics of the service that is approved; and

(b) in the case of a service that is a television programme service, a public service remit for that service.

(7) In providing a service approved under this section the Welsh Authority may also provide—

(a) assistance for disabled people in relation to programmes included in the service;

(b) other services which are ancillary to programmes included in the service and which are directly related to their contents; and

(c) any other service (other than one mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b)) which is an ancillary service in relation to so much of the service as is provided in digital form.

(8) A television programme service provided under this section in digital form is a qualifying service for the purposes of the 1996 Act.

(9) In this section “sound service” means a service which would fall to be regulated under section 245 if provided by an S4C company.

Commencement Information

I356 S. 205 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

206 Other activities of Welsh Authority U.K.

(1) The activities that the Welsh Authority are able to carry on include activities which appear to them—

(a) to be activities that it is appropriate for them to carry on in association with the carrying out of their function of providing S4C, S4C Digital or a service the provision of which is approved under section 205; and

(b) to be connected, otherwise than merely in financial terms, with activities undertaken by them for the carrying out of that function.

(2) The approval of the Secretary of State is required for the carrying on by the Welsh Authority of activities authorised only by subsection (1).

(3) The approval of the Secretary of State—

(a) must be contained in an order made by him; and

(b) may be a general approval in relation to a description of activities or a specific approval in relation to particular activities.

(4) The activities capable of being authorised under subsection (1)—

(a) do not include the provision of a licensable service; but

(b) do include activities for securing the provision of such a service by an S4C company and other activities connected with the provision of such a service by such a company.

(5) The activities referred to in subsection (4)(b) include—

(a) the formation of a company to provide a programme service;

(b) the taking of steps by means of which a company that is providing such a service becomes an S4C company.

(6) For sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) of paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 to the 1990 Act (power of Welsh Authority to do things incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions) there shall be substituted—

“(2) The Authority may do anything which appears to them to be incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions.

(3) The powers of the Authority under sub-paragraph (2) include power, to the extent that it appears to them incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions to do so—

(a) to carry on activities (other than those comprised in their duty to carry out their functions under section 204 of the Communications Act 2003) through S4C companies; and

(b) to participate with others in the carrying on of any such activities.”

(7) In this section “licensable service” means a service that would fall to be regulated under section 211 or 245 if provided by an S4C company.

(8) Section 57(1A)(b) and (1B) of the 1990 Act (power of Welsh Authority to establish, acquire an interest in or assist a qualifying company) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I357 S. 206 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

207 Welsh Authority finances U.K.

(1) The Welsh Authority must not, whether directly or indirectly, impose charges on persons—

(a) in respect of their reception or use in Wales of any of the Authority’s public services;

(b) in respect of their reception in Wales of any service consisting in the provision of assistance for disabled people in relation to programmes included in any one or more of those services; or

(c) in respect of their reception in Wales of any service (other than one mentioned in paragraph (b)) which is an ancillary service in relation to any of the Authority’s public services provided in digital form.

(2) It shall be unlawful to impose a charge in contravention of subsection (1).

(3) The power of the Welsh Authority to do anything that appears to them to be conducive or incidental to the carrying out of their functions includes power, subject to subsection (4), to borrow money.

(4) The Welsh Authority are not to borrow money except with the approval of the Secretary of State.

(5) The consent of the Treasury is to be required for the giving of an approval for the purposes of subsection (4).

(6) The Welsh Authority are to be liable to pay OFCOM such sums in respect of the carrying out by OFCOM of their functions in relation to the Authority as may be—

(a) agreed from time to time between the Authority and OFCOM; or

(b) (in default of agreement) fixed by the Secretary of State.

(7) In section 61(4) of the 1990 Act (power of Secretary of State to increase amount of grant to the Welsh Authority), for “transmitting S4C and the service referred to in section 57(1A)(a), by order” there shall be substituted—

“(a) providing services that are public services of the Authority (within the meaning of section 207 of the Communications Act 2003), and

(b) arranging for the broadcasting or distribution of those services,

by order ”.

(8) In section 61A of the 1990 Act (the public service fund)—

(a) in subsection (2) (application of fund), for “their functions under section 57(1) or (1A)(a)” there shall be substituted “ their functions in relation to the provision of the services that are public services of the Authority (within the meaning of section 207 of the Communications Act 2003). ”; and

(b) in subsection (4) (programmes to be broadcast first on S4C or S4C Digital), for the words from “on S4C” onwards there shall be substituted “ on a television programme service that is one of their public services (within the meaning of section 207 of the Communications Act 2003) ”.

(9) In this section references to the Welsh Authority’s public services are references to the following—

(a) S4C;

(b) S4C Digital; and

(c) the services the provision of which by the Authority is authorised by or under section 205.

Commencement Information

I358 S. 207 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

The Gaelic Media Service U.K.

208 The Gaelic Media Service U.K.

(1) The body established for the purposes of section 183 of the 1990 Act (financing of programmes in Gaelic out of the Gaelic Television Fund) is hereby renamed Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (the Gaelic Media Service).

(2) References in any instrument or other document to Comataidh Craolaidh Gaidhlig or to the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee are to be construed accordingly.

(3) For subsection (4) of that section there shall be substituted—

“(3B) The functions of the Service shall be to secure that a wide and diverse range of high quality programmes in Gaelic are broadcast or otherwise transmitted so as to be available to persons in Scotland.

(4) The Service may—

(a) make grants out of the Fund, or

(b) otherwise apply it,

for any of the purposes of carrying out their functions or for any purpose connected with the carrying out of those functions.

(4A) In carrying out their functions, the Service may finance, or engage in, any of the following—

(a) the making of programmes in Gaelic with a view to those programmes being broadcast or otherwise transmitted so as to be available to persons in Scotland;

(b) the provision of training for persons employed, or to be employed, in connection with the making of programmes in Gaelic to be so broadcast or otherwise transmitted;

(c) research into the types of programmes in Gaelic that members of the Gaelic-speaking community would like to be broadcast or otherwise transmitted.

(4B) But the Service are not to be entitled, for the purpose of carrying out their functions, to provide—

(a) a Channel 3 service;

(b) Channel 4;

(c) Channel 5;

(d) a national sound broadcasting service;

(e) a national digital sound programme service; or

(f) a television multiplex service or a radio multiplex service.”

(4) For subsection (9) of that section there shall be substituted—

“(9) In this section, section 183A and Schedule 19—

“Channel 3 service”, “Channel 4” and “Channel 5” each has the same meaning as in Part 1;

“national digital sound programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996;

“national sound broadcasting service” means a sound broadcasting service within the meaning of Part 3 which, under subsection (4)(a) of section 245 of the Communications Act 2003, is a national service for the purposes of that section;

“Gaelic” means the Gaelic language as spoken in Scotland;

“programme” includes any item included in a programme service;

“radio multiplex service” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996;

“the Service” means the body established under subsection (3) and known as Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (the Gaelic Media Service);

“television multiplex service” has the meaning given by section 241(1) of the Communications Act 2003 to a multiplex service within the meaning of Part 1 of the Broadcasting Act 1996;

and a reference to being available to persons in Scotland includes a reference to being available both to persons in Scotland and to others.”

Commencement Information

I359 S. 208 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

209 Membership of the Service U.K.

After section 183 of the 1990 Act there shall be inserted—

“183A Membership of the Gaelic Media Service

(1) The Service shall consist of not more than twelve members.

(2) The members of the Service are to be appointed by OFCOM

(3) OFCOM must appoint one of the members to be the chairman of the Service.

(4) The approval of the Secretary of State is required for the appointment of a person as a member of the Service, and for the appointment of a member as their chairman.

(5) The members of the Service must include—

(a) a member nominated by the BBC;

(b) a member nominated by Highlands and Islands Enterprise; and

(c) a member nominated by Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba (the Gaelic Development Agency).

(6) When appointing members of the Service, OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) the desirability of having members of the Service who are proficient in written and spoken Gaelic; and

(b) any guidance issued by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.

(7) OFCOM must secure, so far as practicable, that the membership of the Service is such that the interests of each of the following are adequately represented—

(a) the holders of licences to provide regional Channel 3 services for areas wholly in Scotland;

(b) the holders of licences to provide regional Channel 3 services in respect of which determinations under section 184(4)(b) are for the time being in force;

(c) the independent television and radio production industries in Scotland;

(d) other persons and bodies concerned with the promotion and use of the Gaelic language, including those concerned with education in Gaelic and in Gaelic culture.

(8) Schedule 19 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Service.

(9) In this section—

• “Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba” means the body of that name formed under section 5 of the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985;

• “regional Channel 3 service” has the same meaning as in Part 1.

(10) The Secretary of State may by order amend the reference in subsection (5) to Bòrd Gàidhlig na h-Alba (the Gaelic Development Agency)—

(a) by substituting a reference to another body formed under section 5 of the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 with functions relating to the promotion of Gaelic; or

(b) for the purpose of giving effect to a change to the name of the body referred to in that subsection.

(11) An order under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

Commencement Information

I360 S. 209 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

210 Supplementary provisions about the Service U.K.

(1) Schedule 19 to the 1990 Act (supplementary provisions about the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 2 (tenure of office and remuneration)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “sub-paragraph (2)” there shall be substituted “ sub-paragraphs (1A) and (2) ”;

(b) after sub-paragraph (1) there shall be inserted—

“(1A) A person is not to be appointed as a member of the Service for a term of more than four years (but a person so appointed shall be eligible for re-appointment at the end of his term of office).”

(3) In paragraph 7 (employees of the Committee), after sub-paragraph (3) there shall be inserted—

“(4) A person who is an employee of the Service is not to be eligible to be appointed as a member of the Service.”

(4) After paragraph 8 (financial provision) there shall be inserted—

“8A (1) The Service must pay all their receipts to OFCOM.

(2) OFCOM must hold amounts received by them under this paragraph to the credit of the Gaelic Broadcasting Fund (and, accordingly, those amounts are not to be regarded as forming part of OFCOM’s revenues).”

(5) In paragraph 12 (annual reports), after sub-paragraph (1) there shall be inserted—

“(1A) The report must include a statement of how the Service are proposing to carry out their functions during the next financial year.”

Commencement Information

I361 S. 210 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F18 F19 Chapter 2 U.K. Regulatory Structure for Independent Television Services

Textual Amendments

F18 Ss. 214-244 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 2003/3197 art. 6 Sch. 2 (31.3.2005) by Communications (Jersey) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/855), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(i)

F19 Ss. 214-244 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 2003/3195 art. 6 Sch. 2 (31.3.2005) by Communications (Bailiwick of Guernsey) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/856), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(i)

Preliminary U.K.

211 Regulation of independent television services U.K.

(1) It shall be a function of OFCOM to regulate the following services in accordance with this Act, the 1990 Act and the 1996 Act—

(a) services falling within subsection (2) that are provided otherwise than by the BBC or the Welsh Authority; and

(b) services falling within subsection (3) that are provided otherwise than by the BBC.

(2) The services referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a) television broadcasting services that are provided from places in the United Kingdom with a view to their being broadcast otherwise than only from a satellite;

(b) television licensable content services that are provided by persons under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom for the purposes of the [F20 Audiovisual Media Services Directive] ;

(c) digital television programme services that are provided by persons under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom for the purposes of that Directive;

(d) restricted television services that are provided from places in the United Kingdom; and

(e) additional television services that are provided from places in the United Kingdom.

(3) The services referred to in subsection (1)(b) are—

(a) television multiplex services that are provided from places in the United Kingdom; and

(b) digital additional television services that are provided by persons under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom for the purposes of the [F21 Audiovisual Media Services Directive] .

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in s. 211(2)(b) substituted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 8(a)

F21 Words in s. 211(3)(b) substituted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 8(a)

Commencement Information

I362 S. 211 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

212 F22 F23 Abolition of function of assigning television frequencies U.K.

The Secretary of State shall cease to have any function under the 1990 Act or the 1996 Act of assigning frequencies for the purposes of any of the following—

(a) services falling to be licensed under Part 1 of the 1990 Act;

(b) S4C; or

(c) television multiplex services falling to be licensed under Part 1 of the 1996 Act.

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 212 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 2003/3197 art. 6 Sch. 2 (31.3.2005) by Communications (Jersey) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/855), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(i)

F23 S. 212 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 2003/3195 art. 6 Sch. 2 (31.3.2005) by Communications (Bailiwick of Guernsey) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/856), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(i)

Commencement Information

I363 S. 212 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

213 Abolition of licensing for local cable systems U.K.

On and after the television transfer date no licence shall be required under Part 2 of the 1990 Act for the provision of a local delivery service.

Commencement Information

I364 S. 213 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Channels 3 and 5 U.K.

214 Digital Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences U.K.

(1) This section applies to the grant by OFCOM, at any time on or after the television transfer date, of a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act to provide a Channel 3 service or to provide Channel 5.

(2) The licence must—

(a) be a licence to provide the licensed service with a view to its being broadcast in digital form; and

(b) contain such condition (if any) requiring the provider of the service to ensure that the whole or a part of the service is also provided for broadcasting in analogue form as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(3) The conditions included in a licence by virtue of subsection (2)(b) must be such as to enable effect to be given to any directions given from time to time by the Secretary of State to OFCOM about the continuance of the provision of services in analogue form.

(4) Where the licence contains a condition falling within subsection (2)(b), it must also contain a condition that—

(a) the programmes (apart from the advertisements) that are included in the service provided in analogue form, and

(b) the times at which they are broadcast,

are to be the same as in the case of, or of the specified part of, the service provided for broadcasting in digital form.

(5) The licence—

(a) must be a licence which continues in force, from the time from which it takes effect, until the end of the licensing period beginning or current at that time; and

(b) shall be renewable, on one or more occasions, under section 216.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5) a licensing period is—

(a) the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the initial expiry date; or

(b) any subsequent period of ten years beginning with the end of the previous licensing period.

(7) The licence must contain the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for the purpose of performing their duty under section 263.

(8) The conditions of the licence must also include conditions prohibiting the imposition, whether directly or indirectly, of the following—

(a) charges on persons in respect of their reception in the United Kingdom of the licensed service;

(b) charges on persons in respect of their reception in the United Kingdom of any service consisting in the provision of assistance for disabled people in relation to programmes included in the licensed service; and

(c) charges on persons in respect of their reception in the United Kingdom of any service (other than one mentioned in paragraph (b)) which is an ancillary service in relation to so much of the licensed service as is provided in digital form.

(9) It shall be unlawful to impose a charge in contravention of a condition imposed under subsection (8).

Commencement Information

I365 S. 214 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

215 Replacement of existing Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to make an offer under this section to every person who, when the offer is made, is the holder of a licence (an “existing licence”)—

(a) to provide a Channel 3 service; or

(b) to provide Channel 5.

(2) The offer made to a person under this section—

(a) must be an offer to exchange his existing licence for a replacement licence; and

(b) must be made as soon as practicable after the television transfer date.

(3) The replacement licence offered must be one granted in accordance with the provisions of—

(a) Part 1 of the 1990 Act; and

(b) section 214 of this Act;

but sections 15 to 17A of the 1990 Act (award of licences) are not to apply in the case of the replacement licence.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), where OFCOM make an offer under this section to a person, the service which they are proposing to license by the replacement licence must be a service which—

(a) is provided with a view to its being broadcast in digital form; but

(b) subject to that and to any requirements of section 214, appears to OFCOM to be a service that is equivalent in all material respects to the service the provision of which in analogue form was authorised by the existing licence.

(5) An offer under this section may, to such extent as OFCOM think fit, propose the grant of a licence to provide a service for an area or at times which, though substantially the same as in the case of the existing licence, are not identical.

(6) The offer must propose the inclusion in the replacement licence of conditions as to the payment of amounts to OFCOM which require the payment of—

(a) the same amount in respect of each complete calendar year falling wholly or partly within the period for which the replacement licence is in force, and

(b) an amount equal to the same percentage of the qualifying revenue for each accounting period of the licence holder falling within that period,

as would have been payable under the existing licence had that licence continued in force until the end of the period for which the replacement licence is granted.

(7) That offer must also propose the conditions for allowing amounts paid for a period under the existing licence to be set off against liabilities for the same period arising under the replacement licence.

(8) An offer under this section must set out—

(a) the terms of the proposed replacement licence;

(b) the conditions on which OFCOM are proposing to grant the replacement licence;

(c) the period for which the offer is open;

(d) the date on which the proposed replacement licence will be granted if the offer is accepted;

(e) the time as from which it is proposed that that licence will take effect if the offer is accepted; and

(f) the time from which the existing licence will cease to have effect if the offer is not accepted.

(9) The times set out under subsection (8) must—

(a) in the case of the time set out under paragraph (e), be in the period of twelve months beginning with the television transfer date; and

(b) in the case of the time set out under paragraph (f), be in the period of eighteen months after the end of the period set out under paragraph (c) of that subsection.

(10) Where a person to whom an offer has been made under this section elects, by notification to OFCOM, to exchange his licence for the replacement licence offered to him—

(a) he is entitled, on the date set out in the offer, to be granted, in accordance with Part 1 of the 1990 Act and section 214 of this Act, a replacement licence under that Part in the terms, and on the conditions, so set out;

(b) the replacement licence shall come into force, and the existing licence cease to have effect, at the time specified in the offer, or such later time as OFCOM may, with the consent of that person, direct; and

(c) the service which he is authorised to provide by the replacement licence, so far as it is provided in digital form, shall be a qualifying service for the purposes of Part 1 of the 1996 Act.

(11) Where the person to whom an offer has been made under this section—

(a) does not elect, during the period for which the offer is open, to exchange the existing licence for the replacement licence, or

(b) rejects the offer before the end of that period,

the existing licence shall have effect as if the period for which it is to continue in force ended with the time specified in the offer for the purposes of subsection (8)(f).

(12) In this section “qualifying revenue” has the same meaning as in section 19 of the 1990 Act.

Commencement Information

I366 S. 215 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

216 Renewal of Channel 3 and 5 licences U.K.

(1) The holder of—

(a) a licence to provide a Channel 3 service, or

(b) a licence to provide Channel 5,

may apply to OFCOM for the renewal of his licence for a period of ten years from the end of the licensing period current at the time of the application.

(2) An application for renewal may only be made in the period which—

(a) begins four years before the end of the current licensing period; and

(b) ends three months before the day that OFCOM have determined to be the day by which they would need to publish a tender notice if they were proposing to grant a fresh licence to take effect from the end of that period.

(3) A determination for the purposes of subsection (2)(b)—

(a) must be made at least one year before the day determined; and

(b) must be notified by OFCOM to every person who, at the time of the determination, holds a licence in respect of which there is right to apply for renewal under this section.

(4) Where OFCOM receive an application under this section for the renewal of a licence, they must—

(a) decide whether they will be renewing the licence;

(b) if they decide that they will be, determine in accordance with section 217 the financial terms on which the licence will be renewed; and

(c) notify the applicant of their decision and determination.

(5) Section 17(5) to (7) of the 1990 Act (suspect sources of funds) apply in relation to an applicant for a renewal under this section as they apply in relation to an applicant mentioned in section 17(5) of that Act, but as if references to the award of a licence were references to its renewal.

(6) OFCOM may decide not to renew the licence if they are not satisfied that the applicant (if his licence were renewed) would provide a service complying with the requirements imposed under Chapter 4 of this Part by conditions relating to—

(a) the public service remit for the licensed service;

(b) programming quotas;

(c) news and current affairs programmes; and

(d) programme production and regional programming.

(7) OFCOM may also decide not to renew the licence if they propose to grant a fresh licence for a service replacing the licensed service which would differ from the licensed service in—

(a) the area for which it would be provided; or

(b) the times of the day, or days of the week, between or on which it would be provided.

(8) In all cases in which—

(a) the applicant notifies OFCOM that he accepts the terms notified to him under subsection (4)(c), and

(b) they are not required or allowed by subsections (5) to (7) to refuse a renewal,

they must grant the renewal as soon as reasonably practicable.

(9) But OFCOM must not grant a renewal under this section more than eighteen months before the end of the licensing period from the end of which the renewal will take effect.

(10) Where a licence is renewed under this section, it must be renewed on the same terms and conditions, subject only to such modifications as are required to give effect, in accordance with the determination under subsection (4)(b), to the requirements imposed by section 217(4).

(11) Nothing in this section requires OFCOM, following the receipt of an application for the renewal of a licence—

(a) to make a decision or determination, or

(b) to take any other step under this section,

at any time after an order under section 230 has come into force preventing the renewal of the licence.

(12) For the purposes of this section a licensing period is—

(a) the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the initial expiry date; or

(b) any subsequent period of ten years beginning with the end of the previous licensing period.

(13) In this section “tender notice” means a notice under section 15 of the 1990 Act.

Commencement Information

I367 S. 216 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

217 Financial terms of licence renewed under s. 216 U.K.

(1) The determination under section 216(4)(b) must comprise—

(a) a determination of the amount which the holder of the renewed licence will be required by the conditions of that licence to pay to OFCOM in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the renewal period; and

(b) a determination of the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period of the licence holder falling within the renewal period which the holder of that licence will be required by those conditions to pay to OFCOM.

(2) The amount determined under subsection (1)(a) must be equal to the amount which, in OFCOM’s opinion, would have been the cash bid of the licence holder were the licence (instead of being renewed) to be granted for the period of the renewal on an application made in accordance with section 15 of the 1990 Act.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)—

(a) different percentages may be determined for different accounting periods; and

(b) the percentages that may be determined for an accounting period include a nil percentage.

(4) The renewed licence is required, as renewed, to include conditions requiring the licence holder to pay to OFCOM—

(a) in addition to any fees required to be paid by virtue of section 4(1)(b) of the 1990 Act, but

(b) instead of the amounts payable under the corresponding provision applicable under the conditions of the licence to the period before the renewal takes effect,

the amounts specified in subsection (5).

(5) Those amounts are—

(a) in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the renewal period, the amount determined under subsection (1)(a);

(b) in respect of each subsequent year falling wholly or partly within the renewal period, that amount increased by the appropriate percentage; and

(c) in respect of each accounting period of the licence holder falling within the renewal period, an amount representing a specified percentage of qualifying revenue for that accounting period.

(6) The percentage specified for the purposes of subsection (5)(c) in respect of an accounting period must be the amount determined for that period under subsection (1)(b).

(7) In this section—

• “the appropriate percentage” and “qualifying revenue” each has the same meaning as in section 19 of the 1990 Act; and

• “renewal period”, in relation to a licence, means the period for which the licence is in force by reason of its renewal.

Commencement Information

I368 S. 217 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

The public teletext service U.K.

218 Duty to secure the provision of a public teletext service U.K.

(1) OFCOM must do all that they can to secure the provision, in accordance with this Chapter and Part 1 of the 1996 Act, of a teletext service that is available nationwide.

(2) The service must consist of—

(a) a single teletext service provided in digital form with a view to its being broadcast by means of a television multiplex service; and

(b) for so long as Channel 4, S4C and one or more Channel 3 services are broadcast in analogue form, an analogue teletext service.

(3) The service, if licensed to do so in accordance with section 219, may continue to include an analogue teletext service after it is no longer required under subsection (2)(b) to include such a service.

(4) The analogue teletext service that must be or may be comprised in the public teletext service is a single additional television service that uses the combined spare capacity available for the provision of additional television services on the frequencies on which Channel 3 services, Channel 4 and S4C (or any of them) are broadcast in analogue form.

(5) For so long as the public teletext service must consist of both a teletext service provided in digital form and an analogue teletext service, OFCOM must secure that both services are provided by the same person.

(6) But nothing in this section—

(a) requires the contents of the two services comprised in the public teletext service to be the same;

(b) prevents the service from including different items for different parts of the United Kingdom or prevents the different items from being made available only in the parts of the United Kingdom for which they are included; or

(c) prevents the licence holder from making arrangements authorised by virtue of section 220 for the provision of the whole or a part of the public teletext service by another.

(7) OFCOM must exercise their powers—

(a) to make frequencies available for the purposes of Channel 3 services, Channel 4 and S4C; and

(b) to make determinations for the purposes of section 48(2)(b) of the 1990 Act (determinations of spare capacity),

in a manner that takes account of their duty under this section.

Commencement Information

I369 S. 218 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

219 Licensing of the public teletext service U.K.

(1) The licence that is required for the purposes of section 13 of the 1990 Act in respect of the public teletext service is a licence under Part 1 of that Act complying with this section.

(2) The licence—

(a) must be a licence which continues in force, from the time from which it takes effect, until the end of the licensing period beginning or current at that time; and

(b) shall be renewable, on one or more occasions, under section 222.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) a licensing period is—

(a) the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the initial expiry date; or

(b) any subsequent period of ten years beginning with the end of the previous licensing period.

(4) The licence must contain the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for the purpose of performing their duty under section 263.

(5) The conditions of the licence must also include conditions prohibiting the imposition, whether directly or indirectly, of any charges on persons in respect of their reception in the United Kingdom of the licensed service.

(6) It shall be unlawful to impose a charge in contravention of a condition imposed under subsection (5).

(7) The service authorised by a licence under this section, so far as it comprises a service provided in digital form, is a qualifying service for the purposes of Part 1 of the 1996 Act.

(8) Schedule 10 (which makes further provision about the award and grant of the licence for the public teletext service and about the conditions and enforcement of that licence) shall have effect.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 219 excluded (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 8(1) (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I370 S. 219 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

220 Delegation of provision of public teletext service U.K.

(1) The licence for the provision of the public teletext service may—

(a) include provision enabling the licence holder to authorise an eligible person to provide the whole or a part of the public teletext service on his behalf; and

(b) impose conditions subject to and in accordance with which the whole or a part of that service may be provided by a person authorised by the licence holder.

(2) The conditions of the licence to provide the public teletext service apply in relation to its provision by a person authorised to do so on the licence holder’s behalf as they apply to its provision by the licence holder.

(3) A contravention of those conditions by a person so authorised shall be treated for the purposes of this Chapter and the 1990 Act as a contravention on the part of the licence holder.

(4) In this section “eligible person” means a person who is not a disqualified person under Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act in relation to the licence for the public teletext service.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 220 excluded (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 8(1) (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I371 S. 220 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

221 Replacement of existing public teletext provider’s licence U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to make an offer under this section to the person who, when the offer is made, is the holder of the licence to provide the existing service (the “existing licence”).

(2) The offer made to a person under this section—

(a) must be an offer to exchange his existing licence for a replacement licence; and

(b) must be made as soon as practicable after the television transfer date.

(3) The replacement licence is to be one which is granted—

(a) for the purposes of section 218 of this Act; and

(b) in accordance with section 219 of this Act and the provisions of Part 1 of the 1990 Act;

but Part 1 of Schedule 10 to this Act is not to apply in the case of the replacement licence.

(4) Where OFCOM make an offer under this section, the service which they are proposing to license by or under the replacement licence must be a service which comprises both—

(a) a service that appears to OFCOM to be equivalent in all material respects to the existing service; and

(b) a service that appears to them to be equivalent in all material respects to the teletext service in digital form which that person is required to provide by virtue of section 30 of the 1996 Act.

(5) The offer must propose the inclusion in the replacement licence of conditions as to the payment of amounts to OFCOM which require the payment of—

(a) the same amount in respect of each complete calendar year falling wholly or partly within the period for which the replacement licence is in force, and

(b) an amount equal to the same percentage of the qualifying revenue for each accounting period of the licence holder falling within that period,

as would have been payable under the existing licence had that licence continued in force until the end of the period for which the replacement licence is granted.

(6) That offer must also propose conditions allowing amounts paid for a period under the existing licence to be set off against liabilities for the same period arising under the replacement licence.

(7) An offer under this section must set out—

(a) the terms of the proposed replacement licence;

(b) the conditions on which OFCOM are proposing to grant the replacement licence;

(c) the period for which the offer is open;

(d) the time as from which it is proposed the replacement licence will take effect if the offer is accepted; and

(e) the time from which the existing licence will cease to have effect if the offer is not accepted.

(8) The times set out under subsection (7) must—

(a) in the case of the time set out under paragraph (d), be in the period of twelve months beginning with the television transfer date; and

(b) in the case of the time set out under paragraph (e), be in the period of eighteen months after the end of the period set out under paragraph (c) of that subsection.

(9) Where the person to whom an offer has been made under this section elects, by notification to OFCOM, to exchange his licence for the replacement licence offered to him—

(a) he is entitled to be granted the replacement licence in the terms, and on the conditions, set out in the offer; and

(b) the replacement licence shall come into force, and the existing licence cease to have effect, at the time specified in the offer, or such later time as OFCOM may, with the consent of that person, direct.

(10) Where the person to whom an offer has been made under this section—

(a) does not elect, during the period for which the offer is open, to exchange the existing licence for the replacement licence, or

(b) rejects the offer before the end of that period,

the existing licence shall have effect as if the period for which it is to continue in force ended with the time specified in the offer for the purposes of subsection (7)(e).

(11) In this section “the existing service” means the teletext service which—

(a) is being provided immediately before the television transfer date on the combined spare capacity available for the provision of additional television services on frequencies on which Channel 3 services and Channel 4 are provided; and

(b) is the service by reference to which the Independent Television Commission have discharged their duty under section 49(2) of the 1990 Act.

(12) In this section “qualifying revenue” means the revenue which would be qualifying revenue (within the meaning of section 52 of the 1990 Act) in relation to the holder of a licence to provide the analogue teletext service comprised in the public teletext service.

Commencement Information

I372 S. 221 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

222 Renewal of public teletext licence U.K.

(1) The holder of the licence to provide the public teletext service may apply to OFCOM for the renewal of his licence for a period of ten years from the end of the licensing period current at the time of the application.

(2) An application for renewal may only be made in the period which—

(a) begins four years before the end of the current licensing period; and

(b) ends three months before the day that OFCOM have determined to be the day by which they would need to publish a tender notice if they were proposing to grant a fresh licence to take effect from the end of that period.

(3) A determination for the purposes of subsection (2)(b)—

(a) must be made at least one year before the day determined; and

(b) must be notified by OFCOM to the holder, at the time of the determination, of the licence to provide the public teletext service.

(4) Where OFCOM receive an application under this section for the renewal of a licence, they must—

(a) decide whether they will be renewing the licence;

(b) if they decide that they will be, determine in accordance with section 223 the financial terms on which the licence will be renewed; and

(c) notify the applicant of their decision and determination.

(5) Section 17(5) to (7) of the 1990 Act (suspect sources of funds) apply in relation to an applicant for a renewal under this section as they apply in relation to an applicant mentioned in section 17(5) of that Act, but as if—

(a) references to the award of a licence were references to its renewal; and

(b) the reference in subsection (7)(a) to section 19(1) of that Act were a reference to paragraph 7 of Schedule 10.

(6) OFCOM may decide not to renew the licence if they are not satisfied that the applicant (if his licence were renewed) would provide a service complying with the requirements imposed under Chapter 4 of this Part by conditions relating to—

(a) the public service remit for the public teletext service;

(b) news; and

(c) regional matters.

(7) OFCOM may also decide not to renew the licence if they propose to grant a fresh licence for the public teletext service which would differ in any material respect from the licensed service.

(8) In all cases in which—

(a) the applicant notifies OFCOM that he accepts the terms notified to him under subsection (4)(c), and

(b) they are not required or allowed by subsections (5) to (7) to refuse a renewal,

they must grant the renewal as soon as reasonably practicable.

(9) But OFCOM must not grant a renewal under this section more than eighteen months before the end of the licensing period from the end of which the renewal will take effect.

(10) Where a licence is renewed under this section, it must be renewed on the same terms and conditions subject only to such modifications as are required to give effect, in accordance with the determination under subsection (4)(b), to paragraph 7 of Schedule 10.

(11) Nothing in this section requires OFCOM, following the receipt of an application for the renewal of a licence—

(a) to make a decision or determination, or

(b) to take any other step under this section,

at any time after an order under section 230 has come into force preventing the renewal of the licence.

(12) For the purposes of this section a licensing period is—

(a) the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the initial expiry date; or

(b) any subsequent period of ten years beginning with the end of the previous licensing period.

(13) In this section “tender notice” means a notice under paragraph 1 of Schedule 10.

Commencement Information

I373 S. 222 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

223 Financial terms of licence renewed under s. 222 U.K.

(1) The determination under section 222(4)(b) must comprise—

(a) a determination of the amount which the holder of the renewed licence will be required by the conditions of that licence to pay to OFCOM in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the renewal period;

(b) a determination of the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period of the licence holder falling within the renewal period which he will be required by those conditions to pay to OFCOM.

(2) The amount determined under subsection (1)(a) must be equal to the amount which, in OFCOM’s opinion, would have been the cash bid of the licence holder were the licence (instead of being renewed) to be granted for the period of the renewal on an application made in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 10.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)—

(a) different percentages may be determined for different accounting periods; and

(b) the percentages that may be determined for an accounting period include a nil percentage.

(4) In this section “renewal period”, in relation to a licence, means the period for which the licence is in force by reason of its renewal.

(5) Part 3 of Schedule 10 applies for construing this section as it applies for construing that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I374 S. 223 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Meaning of initial expiry date U.K.

224 Meaning of “initial expiry date” U.K.

(1) Subject to any postponement under this section, the date which is the initial expiry date for the purposes of this Part is 31st December 2014.

(2) The Secretary of State may (on one or more occasions) by order postpone the initial expiry date.

(3) The Secretary of State’s power to postpone the initial expiry date—

(a) is to be exercisable before 30th June 2013 only if he has fixed a date after 30th June 2013 as the date for digital switchover; and

(b) is not to be exercisable on or after 30th June 2013 if he has fixed 30th June 2013 or an earlier date as the date for digital switchover.

(4) Where the Secretary of State makes an order under this section at a time after he has fixed a date for digital switchover, the date to which the initial expiry date is postponed must be a date not less than eighteen months after the date for digital switchover.

(5) The Secretary of State must exercise his power to postpone the initial expiry date if it at any time appears to him that that date would otherwise fall within the period of eighteen months immediately following the date fixed for digital switchover.

(6) Where an order under this section extends a licensing period for which a licence has been granted in accordance with section 214 or 219, the 1990 Act and this Part shall have effect (subject to subsection (7)) as if the licence had originally been granted for the extended period.

(7) Where an order under this section extends the period for which a licence is to continue in force—

(a) that order shall not affect the earliest time at which an application for the renewal of that licence may be made in accordance with section 216(2)(a) or 222(2)(a);

(b) as soon as reasonably practicable after making the order, OFCOM must make such modification of any determination made by them in the case of that licence for the purposes of section 216(2)(b) or 222(2)(b) as they consider appropriate in consequence of the extension; and

(c) neither section 216(3)(a) nor section 222(3)(a) applies to the making of that modification.

(8) In this section a reference to the date for digital switchover is a reference to the date fixed by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section as the date which appears to him, in consequence of directions given by him for the purposes of the conditions of the licences for the relevant public broadcasting services, to be the date after which none of those services will be broadcast to any significant extent in analogue form.

(9) In this section “the relevant public broadcasting service” means any of the following—

(a) the services comprised in Channel 3; and

(b) Channel 5.

Commencement Information

I375 S. 224 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Reviews relating to licensing of Channels 3 & 5 and teletext U.K.

225 Application for review of financial terms of replacement licences U.K.

(1) The holder of a replacement licence granted under section 215 or 221 may apply to OFCOM, at any time in the first or any subsequent review period, for a review of the financial terms on which that licence is held.

(2) For the purposes of this section the first review period is the period which—

(a) begins four years before the first notional expiry date; and

(b) ends with the day before the day that OFCOM have determined to be the one by which they would need to publish a tender notice if they were proposing to grant a fresh licence to take effect from the first notional expiry date.

(3) For the purposes of this section a subsequent review period in the case of a replacement licence is so much (if any) of the following period as falls before the end of the initial expiry date, namely, the period which—

(a) begins four years before a subsequent notional expiry date; and

(b) ends with the day before the day that OFCOM have determined to be the one by which they would need to publish a tender notice if they were proposing to grant a fresh licence to take effect from that notional expiry date.

(4) A determination for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) or (3)(b) in respect of a replacement licence—

(a) must be made at least one year before the day determined; and

(b) must be notified by OFCOM to the person who, at the time of the determination, holds the licence in question.

(5) No application under this section for a review of the financial terms on which a replacement licence is held is to be made—

(a) at any time when an application under section 226 for a review of those terms is pending; or

(b) at any time in the period of twelve months following the day on which a determination by OFCOM on such an application is notified to the licence holder.

(6) For the purposes of this section an application for a review under section 226 is pending from the time when the application is made until the end of the day on which OFCOM’s determination on the review is notified to the licence holder.

(7) In this section—

• “the first notional expiry date”, in relation to a replacement licence, means the date with which (apart from this Act) the existing licence would have expired if not renewed;

• “subsequent notional expiry date”, in relation to a replacement licence, means—

  (a)

  in a case in which an application by the licence holder for a review under this section was made during the review period beginning four years before the last notional expiry date, the tenth anniversary of the date on which OFCOM’s determination on that review was notified to the licence holder; and

  (b)

  in any other case, the tenth anniversary of the last notional expiry date;

• “tender notice” means a notice under section 15(1) of the 1990 Act or (as the case may be) paragraph 1 of Schedule 10.

(8) In subsection (7) “existing licence” has the same meaning as in section 215 or (as the case may be) 221.

Commencement Information

I376 S. 225 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

226 Application for review of financial terms in consequence of new obligations U.K.

(1) This section applies where an order is made under section 411 that brings section 272, 273 or 274 (or any two or more of them) into force for the purpose of including conditions in the regulatory regime for—

(a) a Channel 3 service;

(b) Channel 5; or

(c) the public teletext service.

(2) The holder of a licence in which conditions mentioned in section 272, 273 or 274 will fall to be included when the order comes into force may apply to OFCOM, at any time in the review period, for a review of the financial terms on which the licence is held.

(3) For the purposes of this section the review period in the case of an order under section 411 is the period which—

(a) begins with the day on which the order is made; and

(b) ends with the time at which, by virtue of the order, one or more of sections 272, 273 and 274 come into force in the case of the licence in question.

(4) If in the case of the same order there is more than one time falling within subsection (3)(b), the review period ends with the later or latest of them.

Commencement Information

I377 S. 226 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

227 Reviews under ss. 225 and 226 U.K.

(1) This section applies where an application is made under section 225 or 226 for a review of the financial terms on which a licence is held.

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the application, OFCOM must—

(a) determine the amount to be paid to them under the conditions of the licence for the first calendar year falling wholly or partly within the period under review to begin after the application date; and

(b) determine the percentage to be used for computing the payments to be made to them under those conditions in respect of each accounting period falling within the period under review to begin after that date.

(3) The amount determined under subsection (2)(a) must be equal to the amount which, in OFCOM’s opinion, would have been the cash bid of the licence holder were the licence being granted afresh on an application made in accordance with—

(a) section 15 of the 1990 Act (licences for Channel 3 service or Channel 5); or

(b) paragraph 3 of Schedule 10 to this Act.

(4) The determination required by subsection (2)(b) is a determination of the percentage of qualifying revenue for each accounting period that is to be paid to OFCOM.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (2)(b)—

(a) different percentages may be determined for different accounting periods; and

(b) the percentages that may be determined for an accounting period include a nil percentage.

(6) In making their determinations on an application under section 226 OFCOM are to have regard, in particular, to any additional costs that are likely to be incurred by the licence holder in consequence of the commencement of so much of section 272, 273 or 274 (or any two or more of them) as is brought into force by the commencement order in question.

(7) References in this section to qualifying revenue for an accounting period are to be construed—

(a) in the case of the holder of a licence to provide a Channel 3 service or Channel 5, in accordance with section 19 of and Part 1 of Schedule 7 to the 1990 Act; and

(b) in the case of the holder of the licence to provide the public teletext service, in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 10 to this Act.

(8) In this section—

• “the application date”, in relation to a review, means the date of the making under section 225 or 226 of the application for the review; and

• “the period under review”, in relation to a review of the financial terms of a licence, means so much of the period for which the licence will (if not renewed) continue in force after the application date.

Commencement Information

I378 S. 227 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

228 Giving effect to reviews under ss. 225 and 226 U.K.

(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after making a determination under section 227 on an application under section 225 or 226, OFCOM must give a notification of their determination to the applicant.

(2) The notification must set out—

(a) the determination made by OFCOM;

(b) the modifications of the applicant’s licence that are required to give effect to the determination;

(c) a date by which the applicant must notify OFCOM whether or not he accepts the determination and modifications; and

(d) a subsequent date by which the applicant’s licence will cease to have effect if he does not.

(3) The modifications set out in accordance with subsection (2)(b) must secure that the amount falling to be paid under the conditions of the applicant’s licence for each calendar year subsequent to that for which an amount has been determined in accordance with section 227(2)(a) is the amount so determined as increased by the appropriate percentage.

(4) In the case of a determination on an application under section 225, the date specified in accordance with subsection (2)(d) must not fall before whichever is the earlier of —

(a) the next notional expiry date after the application for the review; and

(b) the end of the licensing period in which that application was made.

(5) Where the applicant notifies OFCOM that he accepts the determination—

(a) his licence is to have effect with the modifications set out in OFCOM’s notification; and

(b) all such adjustments by way of payment or repayment as may be necessary for giving effect to the modifications are to be made in respect of any payments already made for years or periods affected by the modifications.

(6) Where the applicant does not, before the date specified in accordance with paragraph (c) of subsection (2), notify OFCOM that he accepts the determination, his licence shall have effect as if the period for which it is to continue in force ended with the time specified in accordance with paragraph (d) of that subsection.

(7) Where the time at which a licence would cease to have effect in accordance with subsection (6) is the end of a licensing period, that subsection does not affect any rights of the licence holder with respect to the renewal of his licence from the end of that period.

(8) In this section—

• “the appropriate percentage” has the same meaning as in section 19 of the 1990 Act;

• “licensing period” means—

  (a)

  the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the initial expiry date; or

  (b)

  any subsequent period of ten years beginning with the end of the previous licensing period;

• “notional expiry date” means a first or subsequent notional expiry date within the meaning of section 225.

Commencement Information

I379 S. 228 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

229 Report in anticipation of new licensing round U.K.

(1) OFCOM must, in anticipation of the end of each licensing period—

(a) prepare a report under this section; and

(b) submit it to the Secretary of State no later than thirty months before the end of that period.

(2) A report under this section must set out OFCOM’s opinion on the effect of each of the matters mentioned in subsection (3) on the capacity of the holders of relevant licences to contribute, in the next licensing period, to the fulfilment of the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom at a cost to the licence holders that is commercially sustainable.

(3) Those matters are—

(a) the arrangements that (but for an order under section 230) would allow for the renewal of relevant licences from the end of the current licensing period; and

(b) the conditions included in the regulatory regimes for the services provided under relevant licences.

(4) A report under this section must also include the recommendations (if any) which OFCOM consider, in the light of the opinion set out in the report, should be made to the Secretary of State for the exercise by him of—

(a) his power under section 230; or

(b) any of the powers to make statutory instruments that are conferred on him by Chapter 4 of this Part.

(5) Where the Secretary of State makes an order under section 224 after receiving a report under this section in anticipation of the end of the licensing period that is extended by the order—

(a) he may require OFCOM to prepare a supplementary report in the light of the postponement of the beginning of the next licensing period; and

(b) it shall be the duty of OFCOM, within such period as may be specified by the Secretary of State, to prepare the required supplementary report and to submit it to him.

(6) In this section—

• “licensing period” means—

  (a)

  the period beginning with the commencement of this section and ending with the initial expiry date; or

  (b)

  any subsequent period of ten years beginning with the end of the previous licensing period;

• “relevant licence” means—

  (a)

  a licence to provide a Channel 3 service;

  (b)

  a licence to provide Channel 5; or

  (c)

  the licence to provide the public teletext service.

Commencement Information

I380 S. 229 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

230 Orders suspending rights of renewal U.K.

(1) This section applies where the Secretary of State has received and considered a report submitted to him by OFCOM under section 229.

(2) If—

(a) the report contains a recommendation by OFCOM for the making of an order under this section, or

(b) the Secretary of State considers, notwithstanding the absence of such a recommendation, that it would be appropriate to do so,

he may by order provide that licences for the time being in force that are of the description specified in the order are not to be renewable under section 216 or 222 from the end of the licensing period in which he received the report.

(3) An order under this section preventing the renewal of licences from the end of a licensing period must be made at least eighteen months before the end of that period.

(4) The Secretary of State is not to make an order under this section preventing the renewal of licences from the end of the initial licensing period unless he has fixed a date before the end of that period as the date for digital switchover.

(5) Where the Secretary of State postpones the date for digital switchover after making an order under this section preventing the renewal of licences from the end of the initial licensing period, the order shall have effect only if the date to which digital switchover is postponed falls before the end of that period.

(6) Subsection (5) does not affect the power of the Secretary of State to make another order under this section after postponing the date for digital switchover.

(7) An order under this section with respect to Channel 3 licences must be an order of one of the following descriptions—

(a) an order applying to every licence to provide a Channel 3 service;

(b) an order applying to every licence to provide a national Channel 3 service; or

(c) an order applying to every licence to provide a regional Channel 3 service.

(8) An order under this section does not affect—

(a) the person to whom a licence may be granted on an application made under section 15 of the 1990 Act or under paragraph 3 of Schedule 10 to this Act; or

(b) rights of renewal in respect of licences first granted so as to take effect from the beginning of a licensing period beginning after the making of the order, or from a subsequent time.

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

(10) Subsection (8) of section 224 applies for construing references in this section to the date for digital switchover as it applies for the purposes of that section.

(11) In this section—

• “initial licensing period” means the licensing period ending with the initial expiry date; and

• “licensing period” has the same meaning as in section 229.

Commencement Information

I381 S. 230 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Replacement of Channel 4 licence U.K.

231 Replacement of Channel 4 licence U.K.

(1) On the commencement of this subsection—

(a) Channel 4 shall cease to be licensed under the licence in force for the purposes of section 24(3) of the 1990 Act immediately before the commencement of this subsection; and

(b) a licence granted for those purposes in accordance with the following provisions of this section shall come into force as the licence under which Channel 4 is licensed.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, as soon as practicable after the television transfer date—

(a) to prepare a draft of a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act to replace the licence that is likely to be in force for the purposes of section 24(3) of the 1990 Act when subsection (1) of this section comes into force;

(b) to notify C4C of the terms and conditions of the replacement licence they propose; and

(c) after considering any representations made by C4C, to grant such a replacement licence to C4C so that it takes effect in accordance with paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section.

(3) A replacement licence proposed or granted under this section—

(a) must be a licence to provide a service with a view to its being broadcast in digital form; and

(b) must contain such conditions (if any) requiring C4C to ensure that the whole or a part of Channel 4 is also provided for broadcasting in analogue form as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(4) The conditions included in a licence by virtue of subsection (3)(b) must be such as to enable effect to be given to any directions given from time to time by the Secretary of State to OFCOM about the continuance of the provision of services in analogue form.

(5) Where a replacement licence proposed or granted under this section contains a condition falling within subsection (3)(b), it must also contain a condition that—

(a) the programmes (apart from the advertisements) that are included in the service provided in analogue form, and

(b) the times at which they are broadcast,

are to be the same as in the case of, or of the specified part of, the service provided for broadcasting in digital form.

(6) The terms of a replacement licence proposed or granted under this section must provide for it to continue in force until the end of 2014.

(7) But—

(a) such a licence may be renewed, on one or more occasions, for such period as OFCOM may think fit in relation to the occasion in question; and

(b) the provisions of this section (apart from subsections (1), (2) and (6)) are to apply in the case of a licence granted by way of a renewal of a licence granted under this section as they apply in the case of the replacement licence.

(8) The conditions of a replacement licence proposed or granted under this section must include the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for the purpose of performing their duty under section 263.

(9) The conditions of such a licence must also include a condition prohibiting the imposition, whether directly or indirectly, of the following—

(a) charges on persons in respect of their reception in the United Kingdom of Channel 4;

(b) charges on persons in respect of their reception in the United Kingdom of any service consisting in the provision of assistance for disabled people in relation to programmes included in Channel 4; and

(c) charges on persons in respect of their reception in the United Kingdom of any service (other than one mentioned in paragraph (b)) which is an ancillary service in relation to so much of Channel 4 as is provided in digital form.

(10) It shall be unlawful to impose a charge in contravention of a condition falling within subsection (9).

Commencement Information

I382 S. 231(1) in force at 28.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 3

I383 S. 231(2)(a) (b) (3)-(10) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I384 S. 231(2)(c) in force at 10.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 2

Television licensable content services U.K.

232 Meaning of “television licensable content service” U.K.

(1) In this Part “television licensable content service” means (subject to section 233) any service falling within subsection (2) in so far as it is provided with a view to its availability for reception by members of the public being secured by one or [F24 more] of the following means—

(a) the broadcasting of the service (whether by the person providing it or by another) from a satellite; F25 ...

[F26 (aa) the broadcasting of the service (whether by that person or by another) by means of a radio multiplex service; or]

(b) the distribution of the service (whether by that person or by another) by any means involving the use of an electronic communications network.

(2) A service falls within this subsection if it—

(a) is provided (whether in digital or in analogue form) as a service that is to be made available for reception by members of the public; and

(b) consists of [F27 or has as its principal purpose the provision of] television programmes or electronic programme guides, or both.

(3) Where—

(a) a service consisting of television programmes, an electronic programme guide or both (“the main service”) is provided by a person as a service to be made available for reception by members of the public, and

(b) that person provides the main service with other services or facilities that are ancillary to, or otherwise relate to, the main service and are also provided so as to be so available or in order to make a service so available,

subsection (1) has effect as if the main service and such of the other services or facilities as are relevant ancillary services and are not two-way services constituted a single service falling within subsection (2).

(4) Where a person providing the main service provides it with a facility giving access to another service, the other service shall also be taken for the purposes of this section as provided by that person with the main service only if what is comprised in the other service is something over which that person has general control.

(5) A service is a two-way service for the purposes of this section if it is provided by means of an electronic communications network and an essential feature of the service is that the purposes for which it is provided involve the use of that network, or a part of it, both—

(a) for the transmission of visual images or sounds (or both) by the person providing the service to users of the service; and

(b) for the transmission of visual images or sounds (or both) by those users for reception by the person providing the service or by other users of the service.

(6) In this section—

• “electronic programme guide” means a service which consists of—

  (a)

  the listing or promotion, or both the listing and the promotion, of some or all of the programmes included in any one or more programme services the providers of which are or include persons other than the provider of the guide; and

  (b)

  a facility for obtaining access, in whole or in part, to the programme service or services listed or promoted in the guide;

• “relevant ancillary service”, in relation to the main service, means a service or facility provided or made available by the provider of the main service that consists of or gives access to—

  (a)

  assistance for disabled people in relation to some or all of the programmes included in the main service;

  (b)

  a service (apart from advertising) which is not an electronic programme guide but relates to the promotion or listing of programmes so included; or

  (c)

  any other service (apart from advertising) which is ancillary to one or more programmes so included and relates directly to their contents.

Textual Amendments

F24 Word in s. 232(1) substituted (25.7.2006) by Television Licensable Content Services Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2131), arts. 1(1), 2(1)(a)

F25 Word in s. 232(1)(a) omitted (25.7.2006) by virtue of Television Licensable Content Services Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2131), arts. 1(1), 2(1)(b)

F26 S. 232(1)(aa) inserted (25.7.2006) by Television Licensable Content Services Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2131), arts. 1(1), 2(1)(c)

F27 Words in s. 232(2)(b) inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 6(1)

Commencement Information

I385 S. 232 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

233 Services that are not television licensable content services U.K.

(1) A service is not a television licensable content service to the extent that it is provided with a view to its being broadcast by means of a [F28 television multiplex service or a general multiplex service] .

(2) A service is not a television licensable content service to the extent that it consists of a service the provision of which is authorised by—

(a) a licence to provide a television broadcasting service;

(b) the licence to provide the public teletext service; or

(c) a licence to provide additional television services.

F29 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) A service is not a television licensable content service if it is a two-way service (within the meaning of section 232).

(5) A service is not a television licensable content service if—

(a) it is distributed by means of an electronic communications network only to persons all of whom are on a single set of premises; and

(b) that network is wholly within those premises and is not connected to an electronic communications network any part of which is outside those premises.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5)—

(a) a set of premises is a single set of premises if, and only if, the same person is the occupier of all the premises; and

(b) two or more vehicles are capable of constituting a single set of premises if, and only if, they are coupled together.

(7) A service is not a television licensable content service if it is provided for the purpose only of being received by persons who have qualified as users of the service by reason of being—

(a) persons who have a business interest in the programmes included in the service; or

(b) persons who are to receive the programmes for the purpose only of showing them to persons falling within sub-paragraph (a) or to persons all of whom are on the business premises of the person receiving them.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7) a person has a business interest in programmes if he has an interest in receiving or watching them—

(a) for the purposes of a business carried on by him; or

(b) for the purposes of his employment.

(9) In this section—

• “business premises”, in relation to a person, means premises at or from which any business of that person is carried on;

• F30 ...

• “premises” includes a vehicle;

• “vehicle” includes a vessel, aircraft or hovercraft.

(10) References in this section, in relation to a person, to a business include references to—

(a) any business or other activities carried on by a body of which he is a member and the affairs of which are managed by its members; and

(b) the carrying out of any functions conferred on that person, or on any such body, by or under any enactment.

Textual Amendments

F28 Words in s. 233(1) substituted (25.7.2006) by Television Licensable Content Services Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2131), arts. 1(1), 2(2)(a)

F29 S. 233(3) omitted (19.12.2009) by virtue of Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 6(2)

F30 Words in s. 233(9) omitted (25.7.2006) by virtue of Television Licensable Content Services Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2131), arts. 1(1), 2(2)(b)

Commencement Information

I386 S. 233 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

234 Modification of ss. 232 and 233 U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order modify any of the provisions of section 232 or 233 if it appears to him appropriate to do so having regard to any one or more of the following—

(a) the protection which, taking account of the means by which the programmes and services are received or may be accessed, is expected by members of the public as respects the contents of television programmes;

(b) the extent to which members of the public are able, before television programmes are watched or accessed, to make use of facilities for exercising control, by reference to the contents of the programmes, over what is watched or accessed;

(c) the practicability of applying different levels of regulation in relation to different services;

(d) the financial impact for providers of particular services of any modification of the provisions of that section; and

(e) technological developments that have occurred or are likely to occur.

(2) The Secretary of State may also by order provide, in cases where it otherwise appears to him appropriate to do so, that a description of service specified in the order is not to be treated as a television licensable content service for the purposes of the provisions of this Act that are so specified.

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

Commencement Information

I387 S. 234 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

235 Licensing of television licensable content services U.K.

(1) The licence that is required for the purposes of section 13 of the 1990 Act in respect of a television licensable content service is a licence granted under Part 1 of that Act on an application complying with this section.

(2) An application for a licence to provide a television licensable content service—

(a) must be made in such manner,

(b) must contain such information about the applicant, his business and the service he proposes to provide, and

(c) must be accompanied by such fee (if any),

as OFCOM may determine.

(3) Where an application is made to OFCOM in accordance with subsection (2) for a licence to provide a television licensable content service, OFCOM are entitled to refuse the application only if—

(a) they are required to do so by section 3(3) of the 1990 Act (licences to be held only by fit and proper persons);

(b) they are required to do so by section 5 of the 1990 Act (restrictions on the holding of licences); or

(c) they are satisfied that, if the application were to be granted, the provision of the service would be likely to involve contraventions of—

(i) standards set under section 319 of this Act; or

(ii) the provisions of a code of practice in force under Part 5 of the 1996 Act (fairness).

(4) The provision of more than one television licensable content service shall require a separate licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act to be granted and held in respect of each service.

(5) A single licence to provide a television licensable content service may authorise the provision of a service which consists (to any extent) of different programmes to be broadcast simultaneously, or virtually so.

(6) A licence to provide a television licensable content service shall continue in force until such time as it is surrendered or is revoked in accordance with any of the provisions of this Chapter or of the 1990 Act.

[F31 (7) A licence to provide a television licensable content service must contain such conditions as OFCOM consider appropriate for requiring the licence holder—

(a) on entering into any agreement with the provider of a radio multiplex service for the provision of a television licensable content service to be broadcast by means of that multiplex service, to notify OFCOM—

(i) of the identity of the radio multiplex service;

(ii) of the period during which the service will be provided; and

(iii) where under the agreement he will be entitled to the use of a specified amount of digital capacity, of that amount;

(b) when any such agreement is varied so far as it relates to any of the matters mentioned in paragraph (a)(i), (ii) or (iii), to notify OFCOM of the variation so far as relating to those matters; and

(c) where he is providing a television licensable content service to the provider of a radio multiplex service in accordance with such an agreement as is mentioned in paragraph (a) but intends to cease doing so, to notify OFCOM of that fact.]

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 235(7) inserted (25.7.2006) by Television Licensable Content Services Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2131), arts. 1(1), 3

Commencement Information

I388 S. 235 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

236 Direction to licensee to take remedial action U.K.

(1) This section applies if OFCOM are satisfied—

(a) that the holder of a licence to provide a television licensable content service has contravened a condition of the licence; and

(b) that the contravention can be appropriately remedied by the inclusion in the licensed service of a correction or a statement of findings (or both).

(2) OFCOM may direct the licence holder to include a correction or a statement of findings (or both) in the licensed service.

(3) A direction may require the correction or statement of findings to be in such form, and to be included in programmes at such time or times, as OFCOM may determine.

(4) OFCOM are not to give a person a direction under this section unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters appearing to them to provide grounds for the giving of the direction.

(5) Where the holder of a licence includes a correction or a statement of findings in the licensed service in pursuance of a direction under this section, he may announce that he is doing so in pursuance of such a direction.

(6) If OFCOM are satisfied that the inclusion of a programme in a television licensable content service involved a contravention of a condition of the licence to provide that service, they may direct the holder of the licence not to include that programme in that service on any future occasion.

(7) Where OFCOM—

(a) give a direction to a BBC company under subsection (2), or

(b) receive representations from a BBC company by virtue of subsection (4),

they must send a copy of the direction or representations to the Secretary of State.

(8) For the purposes of this section a statement of findings, in relation to a case in which OFCOM are satisfied that the holder of a licence has contravened the conditions of his licence, is a statement of OFCOM’s findings in relation to that contravention.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 236(2) modified (20.7.2004) by Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1975), art. 1, Sch. para. 2(c) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I389 S. 236 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

237 Penalties for contravention of licence condition or direction U.K.

(1) If OFCOM are satisfied that the holder of a licence to provide a television licensable content service—

(a) has contravened a condition of the licence, or

(b) has failed to comply with a direction given by OFCOM under or by virtue of a provision of this Part, Part 1 of the 1990 Act or Part 5 of the 1996 Act,

they may serve on him a notice requiring him to pay them, within a specified period, a specified penalty.

(2) The amount of the penalty under this section must not exceed the maximum penalty given by subsection (3).

(3) The maximum penalty is whichever is the greater of—

(a) £250,000; and

(b) 5 per cent. of the qualifying revenue for the licence holder’s last complete accounting period falling within the period for which his licence has been in force (“the relevant period”).

(4) In relation to a person whose first complete accounting period falling within the relevant period has not ended when the penalty is imposed, subsection (3) is to be construed as referring to 5 per cent of the amount which OFCOM estimate will be the qualifying revenue for that accounting period.

(5) Section 19(2) to (6) of the 1990 Act and Part 1 of Schedule 7 to that Act (calculation of qualifying revenue), with any necessary modifications, are to apply for the purposes of subsection (3) as they apply for the purposes of Part 1 of that Act.

(6) OFCOM are not to serve a notice on a person under subsection (1) unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters appearing to them to provide grounds for the service of the notice.

(7) Where OFCOM—

(a) serve a notice on a BBC company under subsection (1), or

(b) receive representations from a BBC company by virtue of subsection (6),

they must send a copy of the notice or representations to the Secretary of State.

(8) An exercise by OFCOM of their powers under subsection (1) does not preclude any exercise by them of their powers under section 236 in respect of the same contravention.

(9) The Secretary of State may by order substitute a different sum for the sum for the time being specified in subsection (3)(a).

(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.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 237 restricted (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 9 (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I390 S. 237 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

238 Revocation of television licensable content service licence U.K.

(1) OFCOM must serve a notice under subsection (2) on the holder of a licence to provide a television licensable content service if they are satisfied—

(a) that the holder of the licence is in contravention of a condition of the licence or is failing to comply with a direction given by them under or by virtue of any provision of this Part, Part 1 of the 1990 Act or Part 5 of the 1996 Act; and

(b) that the contravention or failure, if not remedied, would justify the revocation of the licence.

(2) A notice under this subsection must—

(a) state that OFCOM are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1);

(b) specify the respects in which, in their opinion, the licence holder is contravening the condition or failing to comply with the direction; and

(c) state that OFCOM will revoke the licence unless the licence holder takes, within such period as is specified in the notice, such steps to remedy the failure as are so specified.

(3) If, at the end of the period specified in a notice under subsection (2), OFCOM are satisfied—

(a) that the person on whom the notice was served has failed to take the steps specified in it, and

(b) that it is necessary in the public interest to revoke his licence,

they shall serve a notice on him revoking his licence.

(4) If OFCOM are satisfied in the case of a licence to provide a television licensable content service—

(a) that the holder of the licence has ceased to provide the licensed service, and

(b) that it is appropriate for them to do so,

they shall serve a notice on him revoking his licence.

(5) If OFCOM are satisfied—

(a) that the holder of a licence to provide a television licensable content service has provided them, in connection with his application for the licence, with information which was false in a material particular, or

(b) that, in connection with his application for the licence, the holder of such a licence withheld any material information with the intention of causing them to be misled,

they may serve a notice on him revoking his licence.

(6) A notice under this section revoking a licence to provide a television licensable content service takes effect as from the time when it is served on the licence holder.

(7) OFCOM are not to serve a notice on a person under this section unless they have given him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about the matters in respect of which it is served.

(8) Where OFCOM—

(a) serve a notice on a BBC company under this section, or

(b) receive representations from a BBC company by virtue of subsection (7),

they must send a copy of the notice or representations to the Secretary of State.

(9) Nothing in this section applies to the revocation of a licence in exercise of the power conferred by section 239.

Commencement Information

I391 S. 238 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

239 Action against licence holders who incite crime or disorder U.K.

(1) OFCOM must serve a notice under subsection (2) on the holder of a licence to provide a television licensable content service if they are satisfied—

(a) that the holder of the licence has included in the service one or more programmes containing material likely to encourage or to incite the commission of crime, or to lead to disorder;

(b) that, in doing so, he has contravened conditions contained by virtue of Chapter 4 of this Part in the licence to provide that service; and

(c) that the contravention is such as to justify the revocation of the licence.

(2) A notice under this subsection must—

(a) state that OFCOM are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1);

(b) specify the respects in which, in their opinion, the licence holder has contravened the condition mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection;

(c) state that OFCOM may revoke the licence after the end of the period of twenty-one days beginning with the day on which the notice is served on the licence holder; and

(d) inform the licence holder of his right to make representations to OFCOM within that period about the matters appearing to OFCOM to provide grounds for revoking the licence.

(3) The effect of a notice under subsection (2) shall be to suspend the licence as from the time when the notice is served on the licence holder until either—

(a) the revocation of the licence takes effect; or

(b) OFCOM decide not to revoke the licence.

(4) If, after considering any representations made to them by the licence holder within the period specified for the purposes of subsection (2)(c), OFCOM are satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest to revoke the licence, they shall serve a notice of revocation on the licence holder.

(5) The revocation of a licence by a notice under subsection (4) takes effect from such time as may be specified in the notice.

(6) A notice of revocation under subsection (4) must not specify a time for it to take effect that falls before the end of the period of twenty-eight days beginning with the day on which the notice is served on the licence holder.

Commencement Information

I392 S. 239 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

240 Abolition of separate licences for certain television services U.K.

(1) The authorisations that are to be capable of being granted on or after the television transfer date by or under a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act do not include the authorisation of the provision, as such, of—

(a) any satellite television service (as defined, disregarding its repeal by this Act, in section 43(1) of the 1990 Act); or

(b) any licensable programme service (as defined, disregarding its repeal by this Act, in section 46(1) of that Act).

(2) Subsection (1) does not affect OFCOM’s power, by means of a licence authorising the provision of a service falling within section 211(1), to authorise the provision of so much of any formerly regulated television service as is comprised in the licensed service.

(3) So much of any relevant existing licence as authorises the provision of a service which consists in or includes a television licensable content service—

(a) shall have effect, on and after the television transfer date, as a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act authorising the provision of the television licensable content service comprised in the licensed service;

(b) shall so have effect as a licence which, notwithstanding its terms and conditions, is to continue in force until such time as it is surrendered or is revoked in accordance with provisions of this Chapter or of the 1990 Act; and

(c) shall otherwise have effect as a licence on the same terms and conditions as those on which it had effect immediately before the television transfer date.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to exercise their power under section 3 of the 1990 Act to make such variations of any licence having effect in accordance with subsection (3) of this section as (after complying with subsection (4)(b) of that section) they consider appropriate for the purpose of performing their duty under section 263 of this Act.

(5) In this section—

• “formerly regulated television service” means a service mentioned in subsection (1); and

• “relevant existing licence”, means any licence which—

  (a)

  was granted by the Independent Television Commission under Part 1 of the 1990 Act before the television transfer date; and

  (b)

  is in force immediately before the television transfer date as a licence authorising the provision of a formerly regulated service.

Commencement Information

I393 S. 240 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Television multiplex services U.K.

241 Television multiplex services U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, references in Part 1 of the 1996 Act to a multiplex service, other than those comprised in express references to a general multiplex service, shall have effect as references to any service (“a television multiplex service”) which—

(a) falls within subsection (2); and

(b) is provided for broadcasting for general reception but otherwise than from a satellite.

(2) A service falls within this subsection if—

(a) it consists in the packaging together of two or more services which include at least one relevant television service and are provided for inclusion together in the service by a combination of the relevant information in digital form; or

(b) it is a service provided with a view to its being a service falling within paragraph (a) but is one in the case of which only one service is for the time being comprised in digital form in what is provided.

(3) The provision, at a time after the commencement of this section, of a television multiplex service the provision of which is not authorised by or under a licence under Part 1 of the 1996 Act is not to be an offence under section 13 of the 1990 Act.

(4) Accordingly, after the commencement of this section, a licence under Part 1 of the 1996 Act shall be required for the provision of a television multiplex service only in so far as it is required for the purposes of a limitation falling within subsection (5) that is contained in a wireless telegraphy licence, or is deemed to be so contained.

(5) A limitation falls within this subsection, in relation to a wireless telegraphy licence, if it provides that the only television multiplex services that are authorised to be broadcast using the station or apparatus to which the licence relates are those that are licensed under Part 1 of the 1996 Act.

(6) Where immediately before the coming into force of this section—

(a) a television multiplex service is licensed under Part 1 of the 1996 Act; and

(b) that service is one broadcast using a station or apparatus the use of which is authorised by a wireless telegraphy licence,

that wireless telegraphy licence shall be deemed to contain a limitation falling within subsection (5).

(7) In any case where a wireless telegraphy licence is deemed by virtue of subsection (6) to contain a limitation falling within subsection (5) and the person providing the television multiplex service in question—

(a) ceases to be licensed under Part 1 of the 1996 Act in respect of that service, or

(b) ceases to exist,

OFCOM may revoke the wireless telegraphy licence.

(8) Subsection (7) is not to be construed as restricting the powers of revocation exercisable apart from this section.

(9) In subsection (2) “relevant television service” means any of the following—

(a) any Channel 3 service in digital form;

(b) Channel 4 in digital form;

(c) Channel 5 in digital form;

(d) S4C Digital;

(e) any digital television programme service;

(f) the digital public teletext service.

Commencement Information

I394 S. 241 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

242 Composition of services in television multiplexes U.K.

(1) In subsection (1) of section 12 of the 1996 Act—

(a) in paragraph (c), (digital programmes services included in multiplex must be provided by a licence holder or EEA broadcaster), after “section 18” there shall be inserted “ , by the BBC ”;

(b) in paragraph (d), (digital additional services included in multiplex must be provided by a licence holder or EEA broadcaster), after “section 25” there shall be inserted “ , by the BBC ”;

(c) after that paragraph there shall be inserted—

“(da) that the only digital sound programme services broadcast under the licence are services provided by the holder of a national digital sound programme licence (within the meaning of section 60) or by the BBC;”

(d) in paragraph (e), after “digital programme services” there shall be inserted “ , digital sound programme services ”;

(e) in paragraph (f), after “digital programme service” there shall be inserted “ , a digital sound programme service ”; and

(f) for paragraph (h) (conditions as to composition of multiplex service), there shall be substituted—

“(h) that, while the licence is in force, at least the required percentage of the digital capacity on the frequency or frequencies on which the service is broadcast is used, or left available to be used, for the broadcasting of services falling within subsection (1A).”

(2) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(1A) The services falling within this subsection are—

(a) qualifying services;

(b) digital programme services licensed under this Part or provided by the BBC;

(c) digital sound programme services provided by the BBC;

(d) programme-related services; and

(e) relevant technical services.”

(3) In subsection (3) of that section—

(a) after the words “digital programme services”, in the first place where they occur, there shall be inserted “ or digital sound programme services ”; and

(b) for “digital programme services broadcast under the licence” there shall be substituted “ so much of what is broadcast under the licence as consists of digital programme services, or of such services together with digital sound programme services, ”.

(4) In subsection (4) of that section (interpretation of subsection (1)(h))—

(a) for “(1)(h)” there shall be substituted “ (1A) ”;

(b) in paragraph (a), for “the qualifying teletext service” there shall be substituted “ the digital public teletext service ”;

(c) in paragraph (b)(i), after “the 1990 Act)” there shall be inserted “ , or in one or more digital sound programme services provided by the BBC, ”

(d) in paragraph (c), for “digital programme services” there shall be substituted “ services falling within subsection (1A) which are comprised in the multiplex in question ”.

(5) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(4A) In subsection (1)(h), the reference to the required percentage is a reference to such percentage equal to or more than 90 per cent. as OFCOM—

(a) consider appropriate; and

(b) specify in the condition.”

(6) In subsection (5) of that section (power to change percentage in subsection (1)(h)), for “(1)(h)” there shall be substituted “ (4A) ”.

Commencement Information

I395 S. 242 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

243 Powers where frequencies reserved for qualifying services U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide, in relation to the matters mentioned in subsection (2)—

(a) for any or all of the provisions of sections 7 to 16 and of sections 18 and 19 of the 1996 Act to have effect with the modifications specified in the order; and

(b) for provision made by the order to have effect in place of any or all of those provisions.

(2) Those matters are—

(a) licences under Part 1 of the 1996 Act, and

(b) the awarding and grant of such licences,

in a case in which the licence is, or is to be, a licence to provide a service for broadcasting on any one or more reserved frequencies.

(3) An order under this section may require OFCOM to include conditions falling within subsection (4) in any Broadcasting Act licence to provide a television multiplex service to be broadcast on a reserved frequency.

(4) Conditions falling within this subsection are conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that, in consideration for the making by any relevant public service broadcaster of such payments as are from time to time—

(a) agreed between the broadcaster and the holder of the licence to provide the television multiplex service, or

(b) in default of agreement, determined by OFCOM in accordance with the order,

the holder of that licence will use digital capacity reserved in accordance with conditions imposed under section 12 of the 1996 Act or any order under this section for the broadcasting of services provided by that broadcaster.

(5) Subsection (3) is not to be construed as restricting the provision that may be made under subsection (1).

(6) A frequency is a reserved frequency for the purposes of this section if it is one as respects which OFCOM have made a determination, in exercise of their functions under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum, that the frequency should be reserved for the broadcasting of television multiplex services.

(7) In this section “relevant public service broadcaster” means any of the following—

(a) the holder of a licence to provide a Channel 3 service;

(b) C4C;

(c) the holder of a licence to provide Channel 5;

(d) the Welsh Authority;

(e) the public teletext provider.

Commencement Information

I396 S. 243 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Local digital television services U.K.

244 Local digital television services U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for—

(a) any of the provisions of this Part (apart from this section and the provisions relating exclusively to sound services), or

(b) any provision of Part 1 of the 1990 Act or of Part 1 of the 1996 Act (regulation of television services),

to have effect, in relation to services of such descriptions as may be set out in an order under this section, with such modifications as he considers necessary or appropriate for services of that description.

(2) The Secretary of State is not to make an order under this section in relation to a description of services except where—

(a) the description is of services to be provided in digital form with a view to their being included in a television multiplex service;

(b) the description is confined to services falling within one or both of subsections (3) and (4); and

(c) the Secretary of State is satisfied that the making of an order under this section in relation to that description of services will make possible, facilitate or encourage the provision of services so falling.

(3) Services fall within this subsection if they are—

(a) intended for reception only at a particular establishment or otherwise on particular premises; or

(b) provided for the purposes only of a particular event.

(4) Services fall within this subsection if the Secretary of State considers that they are services in relation to which all the following conditions are satisfied—

(a) they are intended for reception only within a particular area or locality;

(b) their provision meets, or would meet, the needs of the area or locality where they are received;

(c) their provision is or would be likely to broaden the range of television programmes available for viewing by persons living or working in that area or locality; and

(d) their provision is or would be likely to increase the number and range of the programmes about that area or locality that are available for such viewing, or to increase the number of programmes made in that area or locality that would be so available.

(5) Services shall be taken for the purposes of subsection (4) to meet the needs of an area or locality if, and only if—

(a) their provision brings social or economic benefits to the area or locality, or to different categories of persons living or working in that area or locality; or

(b) they cater for the tastes, interests and needs of some or all of the different descriptions of people living or working in the area or locality (including, in particular, tastes, interests and needs that are of special relevance in the light of the descriptions of people who do so live and work).

(6) In subsections (4) and (5), the references to persons living or working in an area or locality include references to persons undergoing education or training in that area or locality.

(7) An order under this section in relation to a description of services may, in particular, impose prohibitions or limitations on the inclusion of advertisements in services of that description and on the sponsorship of programmes included in the services.

(8) The power, by an order under this section, to make incidental, supplemental or consequential provision in connection with provision authorised by subsection (1) includes power to make incidental, supplemental or consequential provision modifying provisions of the 1990 Act, the 1996 Act or this Act that are not mentioned in that subsection.

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

Commencement Information

I397 S. 244 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Chapter 3 U.K. Regulatory Structure for Independent Radio Services

Preliminary U.K.

245 Regulation of independent radio services U.K.

(1) It shall be a function of OFCOM to regulate the following services in accordance with this Act, the 1990 Act and the 1996 Act—

(a) services specified in subsection (2) that are provided from places in the United Kingdom and otherwise than by the BBC;

(b) services so specified that do not fall within paragraph (a) but are provided by a person, other than the BBC, whose principal place of business is in the United Kingdom.

(2) The services referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—

(a) sound broadcasting services to which subsection (3) applies;

(b) radio licensable content services;

(c) additional radio services;

(d) radio multiplex services;

(e) digital sound programme services;

(f) digital additional sound services.

(3) This subsection applies to a sound broadcasting service which—

(a) is provided with a view to its being broadcast otherwise than only from a satellite; and

(b) is a national service, local service or restricted service.

(4) For the purposes of this section—

(a) a service is a national service if it is a sound broadcasting service provided as mentioned in subsection (3)(a) with a view to its being broadcast for reception in any such minimum area of the United Kingdom as may be determined in accordance with section 98(2) of the 1990 Act;

(b) a service is a local service if it is a sound broadcasting service which (without being a national service) is provided as mentioned in subsection (3)(a) with a view to its being broadcast for reception in a particular area or locality in the United Kingdom; and

(c) a service is a restricted service if it is a sound broadcasting service provided as mentioned in subsection (3)(a) with a view to its being broadcast for reception—

(i) within a particular establishment in the United Kingdom or at another defined location in the United Kingdom; or

(ii) for the purposes of a particular event taking place within the United Kingdom.

(5) The services that are to be treated for the purposes of this section as provided from places in the United Kingdom include every radio licensable content service which would not fall to be so treated apart from this subsection but which—

(a) is provided with a view to its being broadcast from a satellite;

(b) is a service the broadcasting of which involves its transmission to the satellite by means of an electronic communications network from a place in the United Kingdom; and

(c) is not a service the provision of which is licensed or otherwise authorised under the laws of another EEA State.

(6) The services that are to be treated as so provided also include every service provided by a BBC company, a C4 company or an S4C company.

(7) A reference in subsection (4)(b) to an area of the United Kingdom does not include an area which comprises or includes the whole of England.

Commencement Information

I398 S. 245 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

246 Abolition of function of assigning radio frequencies U.K.

The Secretary of State shall cease to have any function under the 1990 Act or the 1996 Act of assigning frequencies—

(a) for any of the purposes of Part 3 of the 1990 Act (regulation of radio services); or

(b) for the purposes of the provision of any radio multiplex services.

Commencement Information

I399 S. 246 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Radio licensable content services U.K.

247 Meaning of “radio licensable content services” U.K.

(1) In this Part “radio licensable content service” means (subject to section 248) any service falling within subsection (2) in so far as it is provided with a view to its availability for reception by members of the public being secured by one or both of the following means—

(a) the broadcasting of the service (whether by the person providing it or by another) from a satellite; or

(b) the distribution of the service (whether by that person or by another) by any means involving the use of an electronic communications network.

(2) A service falls within this subsection if it—

(a) consists of sound programmes; and

(b) is provided (whether in digital or in analogue form) as a service that is to be made available for reception by members of the public.

Commencement Information

I400 S. 247 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

248 Services that are not radio licensable content services U.K.

(1) A service is not a radio licensable content service to the extent that—

(a) it is provided with a view to its being broadcast by means of a multiplex service;

(b) it is a sound broadcasting service to which subsection (3) of section 245 applies; or

(c) it is comprised in a television licensable content service.

(2) A service is not a radio licensable content service to the extent that it is provided by means of an electronic communications service if—

(a) it forms part only of a service provided by means of that electronic communications service or is one of a number of services access to which is made available by means of a service so provided; and

(b) the service of which it forms part, or by which it may be accessed, is provided for purposes that do not consist wholly or mainly in making available services of radio programmes or television programmes (or both) for reception by members of the public.

(3) A service is not a radio licensable content service if it is a two-way service.

(4) A service is a two-way service for the purposes of subsection (3) if it is provided by means of an electronic communications network and an essential feature of the service is that the purposes for which it is provided involve the use of that network, or a part of it, both—

(a) for the transmission of sounds by the person providing the service to users of the service; and

(b) for the transmission of sounds by those users for reception by the person providing the service or by other users of the service.

(5) A service is not a radio licensable content service if—

(a) it is distributed by means of an electronic communications network only to persons all of whom are on a single set of premises; and

(b) that network is wholly within those premises and is not connected to an electronic communications network any part of which is outside those premises.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5)—

(a) a set of premises is a single set of premises if, and only if, the same person is the occupier of all the premises; and

(b) two or more vehicles are capable of constituting a single set of premises if, and only if, they are coupled together.

(7) A service is not a radio licensable content service if it is provided for the purpose only of being received by persons who have qualified as users of the service by reason of being—

(a) persons who have a business interest in the programmes included in the service; or

(b) persons who are to receive the programmes for the purpose only of allowing them to be listened to by persons falling within sub-paragraph (a) or by persons all of whom are on the business premises of the person receiving them.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7) a person has a business interest in programmes if he has an interest in receiving or listening to them—

(a) for the purposes of a business carried on by him; or

(b) for the purposes of his employment.

(9) In this section—

• “business premises”, in relation to a person, means premises at or from which any business of that person is carried on;

• “multiplex service” means a television multiplex service, a radio multiplex service or a general multiplex service;

• “premises” includes a vehicle;

• “vehicle” includes a vessel, aircraft or hovercraft.

(10) References in this section, in relation to a person, to a business include references to—

(a) any business or other activities carried on by a body of which he is a member and the affairs of which are managed by its members; and

(b) the carrying out of any functions conferred on that person, or on any such body, by or under any enactment.

Commencement Information

I401 S. 248 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

249 Modification of ss. 247 and 248 U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order modify any of the provisions of section 247 or 248 if it appears to him appropriate to do so having regard to any one or more of the following—

(a) the protection which is expected by members of the public as respects the contents of sound programmes;

(b) the practicability of applying different levels of regulation in relation to different services;

(c) the financial impact for providers of particular services of any modification of the provisions of that section; and

(d) technological developments that have occurred or are likely to occur.

(2) The Secretary of State may also by order provide, in cases where it otherwise appears to him appropriate to do so, that a description of service specified in the order is not to be treated as a radio licensable content service for the purposes of the provisions of this Act that are so specified.

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

Commencement Information

I402 S. 249 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

250 Licensing of radio licensable content services U.K.

(1) The licence that is required for the purposes of section 97 of the 1990 Act in respect of a radio licensable content service is a licence granted under Part 3 of that Act on an application complying with this section.

(2) An application for a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act to provide a radio licensable content service—

(a) must be made in such manner,

(b) must contain such information about the applicant, his business and the service he proposes to provide, and

(c) must be accompanied by such fee (if any),

as OFCOM may determine.

(3) Sections 109 to 111A of the 1990 Act (enforcement of licences) apply in relation to licences for radio licensable content services as they apply in relation to licences under Chapter 2 of Part 3 of the 1990 Act but with—

(a) the substitution of the word “ or ” for paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 110 (power to shorten licence period); and

(b) the omission of “(b)” in subsection (4) of that section and of subsection (5) of that section (which refer to the power disapplied by paragraph (a) of this subsection).

Commencement Information

I403 S. 250 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

251 Abolition of separate licences for certain sound services U.K.

(1) The authorisations that are to be capable of being granted on or after the radio transfer date by or under a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act do not include the authorisation of the provision, as such, of—

(a) any satellite service (as defined, disregarding its repeal by this Act, in section 84(2)(b) of the 1990 Act); or

(b) any licensable sound programme service (as defined, disregarding its repeal by this Act, in section 112(1) of that Act).

(2) Subsection (1) does not affect OFCOM’s power, by means of a licence authorising the provision of a service falling within section 245(1), to authorise the provision of so much of any formerly regulated radio service as is comprised in the licensed service.

(3) So much of any relevant existing licence as authorises the provision of a service which consists in or includes a radio licensable content service—

(a) shall have effect, on and after the radio transfer date, as a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act authorising the provision of the radio licensable content service comprised in the licensed service;

(b) shall so have effect as a licence which, notwithstanding its terms and conditions, is to continue in force until such time as it is surrendered or is revoked in accordance with provisions of the 1990 Act; and

(c) shall otherwise have effect as a licence on the same terms and conditions as those on which it had effect immediately before the radio transfer date.

(4) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to exercise their power under section 86 of the 1990 Act to make such variations of any licence having effect in accordance with subsection (3) of this section as (after complying with subsection (5)(b) of that section) they consider appropriate for the purpose of performing their duty under section 263 of this Act.

(5) In this section—

• “formerly regulated radio service” means a service mentioned in subsection (1); and

• “relevant existing licence” means any licence which—

  (a)

  was granted by the Radio Authority under Part 3 of the 1990 Act before the radio transfer date; and

  (b)

  is in force immediately before the radio transfer date as a licence authorising the provision of a formerly regulated service.

Commencement Information

I404 S. 251 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Licence periods etc. U.K.

252 Extension of licence periods U.K.

(1) In subsection (1) of section 86 of the 1990 Act (period of licences), for the words from “for such period” onwards there shall be substituted “(subject to a suspension of the licence under section 111B)—

(a) in the case of a licence to provide radio licensable content services, until such time as it is surrendered or is revoked in accordance with any of the following provisions of this Part; and

(b) in any other case, until whichever is the earlier of any such time or the end of the period specified in the licence.”

(2) For subsection (3) of that section there shall be substituted—

“(3) A licence to provide a local or national service or to provide an additional service must specify a period of no more than twelve years as the period for which it is to be in force.”

Commencement Information

I405 S. 252 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

253 Extension and modification of existing licences U.K.

(1) A person who immediately before the radio transfer date holds a pre-transfer national licence or a pre-transfer local licence is entitled, in accordance with the following provisions of this section, to apply to OFCOM for an extension of the licence.

(2) The period for which a licence may be extended on such an application is a period ending not more than four years after the end of the period for which it was granted originally or (if it has been renewed) for which it was last renewed.

(3) An application under subsection (1) may only be made in the period which—

(a) begins three years before the date on which the licence would otherwise expire; and

(b) ends three months before the day that OFCOM have determined to be the day by which they would need to publish a notice under section 98(1) or 104(1) of the 1990 Act if they were proposing to grant a fresh licence to take effect from that date.

(4) A determination for the purposes of subsection (3)(b)—

(a) must be made at least one year before the day determined; and

(b) must be notified by OFCOM to the person who holds the licence in question.

(5) An application under subsection (1)—

(a) must be made in such manner,

(b) must contain such information about the applicant, his business and the service he proposes to provide, and

(c) must be accompanied by such fee (if any),

as OFCOM may determine.

(6) If, on an application for an extension under subsection (1), OFCOM are satisfied as to the matters mentioned in subsection (7), they shall—

(a) modify the licence by extending the period for which the licence is to be in force by such period authorised by subsection (2) as they think fit; and

(b) make such other modifications as appear to them to be necessary for the purpose of securing that the provisions of the licence correspond to those that would be contained in a national sound broadcasting licence or (as the case may be) a local sound broadcasting licence granted after the radio transfer date.

(7) Those matters are—

(a) the ability of the licence holder to maintain the service for the period of the extension; and

(b) the likelihood of a contravention by the licence holder of a requirement imposed by—

(i) a condition included in the licence by virtue of section 106 of the 1990 Act; or

(ii) a condition of the licence varied in accordance with subsection (8).

(8) For the purposes of the modification under this section of a national licence, OFCOM—

(a) shall determine an amount which is to be payable to OFCOM by the licence holder in respect of the first complete calendar year falling within the period for which the licence is extended; and

(b) may, in relation to any accounting period of the licence holder during the period of the extension, modify a condition included in the licence in pursuance of section 102(1)(c) of the 1990 Act (additional payments to be made in respect of national licences) by specifying a different percentage of the qualifying revenue for that accounting period from that which was previously specified in the condition.

(9) The amount determined by OFCOM under subsection (8)(a) must be the amount which, in OFCOM’s opinion, would have been the cash bid of the licence holder were the licence (instead of being extended) being granted afresh on an application made in accordance with section 98 of the 1990 Act.

(10) For the purposes of subsection (8)(b)—

(a) different percentages may be specified for different accounting periods; and

(b) the percentages that may be specified for an accounting period include a nil percentage.

(11) The modifications set out in accordance with subsection (6)(b) must secure—

(a) that the amount falling to be paid under the conditions of the licence for each calendar year subsequent to that for which an amount has been determined in accordance with subsection (8)(a) is the amount so determined as increased by the appropriate percentage; and

(b) that such adjustments as are appropriate are made as respects sums already paid in respect of any year or accounting period to which a modification under subsection (8) applies.

(12) Where OFCOM have granted a person’s application under this section, the extensions and modifications take effect only if that person—

(a) has been notified by OFCOM of their proposals for modifications by virtue of subsection (6)(b) or (8)(b), and for the making of a determination under subsection (8)(a); and

(b) has consented to the extension on the terms proposed.

(13) In this section—

• “the appropriate percentage” has the same meaning as in section 102 of the 1990 Act;

• “national sound broadcasting licence” means a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act to provide a sound broadcasting service which, under subsection (4)(a) of section 245 is a national service for the purposes of that section;

• “pre-transfer licence” means a licence which was granted under Part 3 of the 1990 Act before the radio transfer date and has not been modified under this section or renewed at any time on or after that date;

• “pre-transfer local licence” means a pre-transfer licence which was granted as a local licence (within the meaning of Part 3 of the 1990 Act, as it had effect without the amendments made by this Act);

• “pre-transfer national licence” means a pre-transfer licence granted or last renewed as a national licence (within the meaning of Part 3 of the 1990 Act, as it had effect without the amendments made by this Act).

Commencement Information

I406 S. 253 in force at 2.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(1) (with art. 11)

254 Renewal of local licences U.K.

In section 104A(5) of the 1990 Act (conditions of renewal of local licence), after paragraph (b) there shall be inserted—

“(c) they are satisfied that the period for which the nominated local digital sound programme service will be available for reception and the times at which it will be available will not be significantly different, week by week, from those for which and at which the licensed local service will be broadcast;”.

Commencement Information

I407 S. 254 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

255 Extension of special application procedure for local licences U.K.

In section 104B(1) of the 1990 Act (special application procedure for local licences for areas with 4.5 million residents or fewer)—

(a) the word “ and ” shall be inserted at the end of paragraph (a); and

(b) paragraph (b) (which excludes areas with more than 4.5 million residents) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I408 S. 255 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Provision of simulcast radio services U.K.

256 Definition of simulcast radio services U.K.

(1) In section 41 of the 1996 Act (meaning of simulcast radio service), for subsection (2) there shall be substituted—

“(2) In this Part, a “simulcast radio service” means a service provided by a person for broadcasting in digital form and corresponding to a service which is a national service within the meaning of Part 3 of the 1990 Act and is provided by that person.”

(2) In subsection (1) of section 126 of the 1990 Act (interpretation of Part 3), before the definition of “sound broadcasting service” there shall be inserted—

““simulcast radio service” means a simulcast radio service within the meaning given by section 41(2) of the Broadcasting Act 1996 for the purposes of Part 2 of that Act;”.

(3) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(1A) For the purposes of this Part a simulcast radio service corresponds to a national service if, in accordance with section 41(3) of the Broadcasting Act 1996, it falls to be treated as so corresponding for the purposes of Part 2 of that Act.”

Commencement Information

I409 S. 256 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

257 Promotion of simulcast radio services U.K.

(1) Chapter 2 of Part 3 of the 1990 Act (sound broadcasting services) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In section 98(1) (notices of proposals to grant national licences), after paragraph (b)(ii) there shall be inserted—

“(iia) the digital capacity that is likely, in their opinion, to be available from the holders of national radio multiplex licences for the broadcasting of a simulcast radio service corresponding to the service;”.

(3) In section 98(3) (applications for national licences), after paragraph (a) there shall be inserted—

“(aa) the applicant’s proposals (if any) for providing a simulcast radio service corresponding to the service;”.

(4) In section 98(7) (construction of section), after “this section” there shall be inserted—

““national radio multiplex licence” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996; and”.

(5) In section 100 (award of national licence to person submitting highest cash bid), for subsection (2) there shall be substituted—

“(1A) If, in a case in which one or more of the applicants has made a proposal to provide a simulcast radio service corresponding to the service to be licensed (a “simulcast applicant”), the highest cash bid is made by an applicant who is not a simulcast applicant, OFCOM may—

(a) disregard the requirement imposed by subsection (1); and

(b) award the licence to the simulcast applicant whose cash bid is the highest of the bids submitted by simulcast applicants.

(2) Where—

(a) two or more applicants for a licence have submitted cash bids specifying an identical amount and that amount is higher than the amount of every other bid, or

(b) two or more simulcast applicants have submitted cash bids specifying an identical amount and that amount is higher than the amount of every other bid submitted by a simulcast applicant,

OFCOM must invite those applicants and (in a case falling within paragraph (b)) every applicant who has made a higher bid to submit further cash bids in respect of that licence.

(2A) OFCOM may decide not to invite an applicant to submit a further cash bid under subsection (2) if—

(a) the applicant is not a simulcast applicant and they propose to exercise their power under subsection (1A); or

(b) they propose to exercise their power under subsection (3).

(2B) Subsection (2A) is not to be construed as preventing OFCOM from making a decision to exercise their power under subsection (1A) or (3) after they have received further bids in response to invitations under subsection (2).

(2C) In this Part references to a person’s cash bid, in relation to a person who has submitted a further cash bid in pursuance of subsection (2), have effect as references to his further bid.”

(6) After section 100 there shall be inserted—

“100A Licence conditions relating to simulcast radio services

Where OFCOM award a national licence to a person whose application for that licence included proposals to provide a simulcast radio service, that licence must include a condition requiring the licence holder—

(a) to provide, from a date specified in the licence, a simulcast radio service corresponding to the licensed service; and

(b) to do all that he can to secure the broadcasting of that service.”

Commencement Information

I410 S. 257 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Multiplexes broadcasting sound programmes U.K.

258 Radio multiplex services U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, references in Part 2 of the 1996 Act to a radio multiplex service shall have effect as references to any service which—

(a) falls within subsection (2);

(b) is provided for broadcasting for general reception but otherwise than from a satellite; and

(c) is not a television multiplex service.

(2) A service falls within this subsection if—

(a) it consists in the packaging together (with or without other services) of two or more relevant sound services which are provided for inclusion together in that service by a combination of the relevant information in digital form; or

(b) it is a service provided with a view to its being a service falling within paragraph (a) but is one in the case of which only one relevant sound service is for the time being comprised in digital form in what is provided.

(3) The provision, at a time after the commencement of this section, of a radio multiplex service the provision of which is not authorised by or under a licence under Part 2 of the 1996 Act is not to be an offence under section 97 of the 1990 Act.

(4) Accordingly, after the commencement of this section, a licence under Part 2 of the 1996 Act shall be required for the provision of a radio multiplex service only in so far as it is required for the purposes of a limitation falling within subsection (5) which is contained in a wireless telegraphy licence, or is deemed to be so contained.

(5) A limitation falls within this subsection, in relation to a wireless telegraphy licence, if it provides that the only radio multiplex services that are authorised to be broadcast using the station or apparatus to which the licence relates are those that are licensed under Part 2 of the 1996 Act.

(6) Where immediately before the coming into force of this section—

(a) a radio multiplex service is licensed under Part 2 of the 1996 Act; and

(b) that service is one broadcast using a station or apparatus the use of which is authorised by a wireless telegraphy licence,

that wireless telegraphy licence shall be deemed to contain a limitation falling within subsection (5).

(7) In any case where a wireless telegraphy licence is deemed by virtue of subsection (6) to contain a limitation falling within subsection (5) and the person providing the radio multiplex service in question—

(a) ceases to be licensed under Part 2 of the 1996 Act in respect of that service, or

(b) ceases to exist,

OFCOM may revoke the wireless telegraphy licence.

(8) Subsection (7) is not to be construed as restricting the powers of revocation exercisable apart from this section.

(9) In subsection (2) “relevant sound service” means any of the following—

(a) a digital sound programme service;

(b) a simulcast radio service; and

(c) a digital additional sound service.

Commencement Information

I411 S. 258 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

259 Composition of services in radio multiplexes U.K.

(1) Section 54 of the 1996 Act (conditions attached to radio multiplex licences) shall be amended as follows.

(2) For paragraph (h) of subsection (1) (conditions as to composition of service) there shall be substituted—

“(h) that, while the licence is in force, at least the required percentage of the digital capacity on the frequency or frequencies on which the service is broadcast is used, or left available to be used, for the broadcasting of services falling within subsection (1A).”

(3) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(1A) The services falling within this subsection are—

(a) digital sound programme services;

(b) simulcast radio services;

(c) programme-related services; and

(d) relevant technical services.”

(4) In subsection (2) (meaning of services referred to in paragraph (h) of subsection (1))—

(a) for “paragraph (1)(h)” there shall be substituted “ subsection (1A) ”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (i), for the words from “(within” to “1990 Act” there shall be substituted “ (within the meaning of section 245 of the Communications Act 2003) ”.

(5) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(2A) In subsection (1)(h), the reference to the required percentage is a reference to such percentage equal to or more than 80 per cent. as OFCOM—

(a) consider appropriate; and

(b) specify in the condition.”

(6) In subsection (3) (power to vary percentage in subsection (1)(h))—

(a) for “subsection (1)” there shall be substituted “ subsection (2A) ”; and

(b) for “paragraph (h) of that subsection” there shall be substituted “ that subsection ”.

Commencement Information

I412 S. 259 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

260 Digital sound services for inclusion in non-radio multiplexes U.K.

(1) In section 60(1)(a) of the 1996 Act (national digital sound programme services defined as services broadcast with a view to being broadcast by means of a national radio multiplex service), after “national radio multiplex service” there shall be inserted “ , by means of a television multiplex service or by means of a general multiplex service ”.

(2) In section 63(1) of the 1996 Act (meaning of digital additional sound service), for paragraph (a) there shall be substituted—

“(a) is provided by a person with a view to its being broadcast in digital form (whether by him or some other person) so as to be available for reception by members of the public;

(aa) is so provided with a view to the broadcasting being by means of a radio multiplex service or by means of a general multiplex service; and”.

(3) After subsection (3) of section 63 of the 1996 Act there shall be inserted—

“(3A) In this section “available for reception by members of the public” shall be construed in accordance with section 361 of the Communications Act 2003.”

(4) In section 72(1) of the 1996 Act (interpretation of Part 2)—

(a) after the definitions of “digital sound programme service” and “digital sound programme licence” there shall be inserted—

““general multiplex service” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003;”

(b) after the definition of “technical service” there shall be inserted—

““television multiplex service” has the meaning given by section 241 of the Communications Act 2003.”

Commencement Information

I413 S. 260 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

261 Renewal of radio multiplex licences U.K.

In section 58(2) of the 1996 Act (renewal for twelve years of radio multiplex licences granted within six years of commencement)—

(a) for “which is granted within six years” there shall be substituted “ granted within ten years ”; and

(b) for the words from “for a period” onwards there shall be substituted—

“(a) in the case of a licence granted within six years of that commencement, for a period of twelve years beginning with the date on which it would otherwise expire; and

(b) in any other case, for a period of eight years beginning with that date.”

Commencement Information

I414 S. 261 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Community radio U.K.

262 Community radio U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for—

(a) any of the provisions of this Part (apart from this section and the provisions relating exclusively to television), or

(b) any provision of Part 3 of the 1990 Act or of Part 2 of the 1996 Act (regulation of radio services),

to have effect, in relation to services of such descriptions as may be set out in an order under this section, with such modifications as he considers necessary or appropriate for services of that description.

(2) The Secretary of State is not to make an order under this section in relation to a description of services unless—

(a) the description is of services to be provided primarily for the good of members of the public or of a particular community, rather than for commercial reasons; and

(b) he considers that the provision of services of that description confer, or would confer, significant benefits on the public or on the communities for which they are provided.

(3) An order under this section in relation to a description of services may, in particular, impose prohibitions or limitations on the inclusion of advertisements in services of that description and on the sponsorship of programmes included in the services.

(4) The power, by an order under this section, to make incidental, supplemental or consequential provision in connection with provision authorised by subsection (1) includes power to make incidental, supplemental or consequential provision modifying provisions of the 1990 Act, the 1996 Act or this Act that are not mentioned in that subsection.

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

Commencement Information

I415 S. 262 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

F32 F33 Chapter 4 U.K. Regulatory provisions

Textual Amendments

F32 Ss. 263-271 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 2003/3197 art. 6 Sch. 2 (31.3.2005) by Communications (Jersey) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/855), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(ii)

F33 Ss. 263-271 amendment to earlier affecting provision SI 2003/3195 art. 6 Sch. 2 (31.3.2005) by Communications (Bailiwick of Guernsey) (Amendment) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/856), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(ii)

Application of regulatory regimes U.K.

263 Application of regulatory regimes U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, by exercising—

(a) their powers under the 1990 Act and the 1996 Act, and

(b) their powers under this Part,

to secure that the holder of every Broadcasting Act licence at all times holds his licence on the conditions which are for the time being included, under this Chapter and Chapter 5 of this Part, in the regulatory regime for the licensed service.

(2) It shall also be the duty of OFCOM to do all that they can to secure that the holder of every such licence complies, in relation to the licensed service, with the conditions so included in the regulatory regime for that service.

(3) Where—

(a) the licence for a Channel 3 service, for Channel 4, for Channel 5 or for the public teletext service (“the main service”) authorises or requires a corresponding or additional service to be provided in analogue form, and

(b) the regulatory regime for the main service imposes obligations in relation to programmes and other items included in that service,

those obligations are to apply equally to programmes that are included in the analogue service without being included in the main service.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order provide for conditions which are included by virtue of a provision of this Act in the regulatory regime for any service to cease to be so included.

(5) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (4) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(6) This section does not restrict OFCOM’s powers and duties apart from this section to impose obligations by means of the inclusion of conditions in a Broadcasting Act licence.

Commencement Information

I416 S. 263 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

The public service remit for television U.K.

264 OFCOM reports on the fulfilment of the public service remit U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) as soon as practicable after the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the commencement of this section, and

(b) as soon as practicable after the end of each such subsequent period as may be selected by OFCOM for the purposes of this section,

to satisfy, for that period, the review and reporting obligations of subsection (3).

(2) The period selected by OFCOM for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) must be a period of not more than five years beginning with the end of the previous period for which OFCOM have satisfied those review and reporting obligations.

(3) The review and reporting obligations for a period are—

(a) an obligation to carry out a review of the extent to which the public service broadcasters have, during that period, provided relevant television services which (taking them all together over the period as a whole) fulfil the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom; and

(b) an obligation, with a view to maintaining and strengthening the quality of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom, to prepare a report on the matters found on the review.

(4) The purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom are—

(a) the provision of relevant television services which secure that programmes dealing with a wide range of subject-matters are made available for viewing;

(b) the provision of relevant television services in a manner which (having regard to the days on which they are shown and the times of day at which they are shown) is likely to meet the needs and satisfy the interests of as many different audiences as practicable;

(c) the provision of relevant television services which (taken together and having regard to the same matters) are properly balanced, so far as their nature and subject-matters are concerned, for meeting the needs and satisfying the interests of the available audiences; and

(d) the provision of relevant television services which (taken together) maintain high general standards with respect to the programmes included in them, and, in particular with respect to—

(i) the contents of the programmes;

(ii) the quality of the programme making; and

(iii) the professional skill and editorial integrity applied in the making of the programmes.

(5) When—

(a) determining the extent to which any of the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom are fulfilled, and

(b) reviewing and reporting on that matter,

OFCOM must have regard to the desirability of those purposes being fulfilled in a manner that is compatible with subsection (6).

(6) A manner of fulfilling the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom is compatible with this subsection if it ensures—

(a) that the relevant television services (taken together) comprise a public service for the dissemination of information and for the provision of education and entertainment;

(b) that cultural activity in the United Kingdom, and its diversity, are reflected, supported and stimulated by the representation in those services (taken together) of drama, comedy and music, by the inclusion of feature films in those services and by the treatment of other visual and performing arts;

(c) that those services (taken together) provide, to the extent that is appropriate for facilitating civic understanding and fair and well-informed debate on news and current affairs, a comprehensive and authoritative coverage of news and current affairs in, and in the different parts of, the United Kingdom and from around the world;

(d) that those services (taken together) satisfy a wide range of different sporting and other leisure interests;

(e) that those services (taken together) include what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable quantity and range of programmes on educational matters, of programmes of an educational nature and of other programmes of educative value;

(f) that those services (taken together) include what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable quantity and range of programmes dealing with each of the following, science, religion and other beliefs, social issues, matters of international significance or interest and matters of specialist interest;

(g) that the programmes included in those services that deal with religion and other beliefs include—

(i) programmes providing news and other information about different religions and other beliefs;

(ii) programmes about the history of different religions and other beliefs; and

(iii) programmes showing acts of worship and other ceremonies and practices (including some showing acts of worship and other ceremonies in their entirety);

(h) that those services (taken together) include what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable quantity and range of high quality and original programmes for children and young people;

(i) that those services (taken together) include what appears to OFCOM to be a sufficient quantity of programmes that reflect the lives and concerns of different communities and cultural interests and traditions within the United Kingdom, and locally in different parts of the United Kingdom;

(j) that those services (taken together), so far as they include programmes made in the United Kingdom, include what appears to OFCOM to be an appropriate range and proportion of programmes made outside the M25 area.

(7) In carrying out a review under this section OFCOM must consider—

(a) the costs to persons providing relevant television services of the fulfilment of the purposes of public service television broadcasting in a manner compatible with subsection (6); and

(b) the sources of income available to each of them for meeting those costs.

(8) Every report under this section must—

(a) specify, and comment on, whatever changes appear to OFCOM to have occurred, during the period to which the report relates, in the extent to which the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom have been satisfied;

(b) specify, and comment on, whatever changes appear to OFCOM to have occurred, during that period, in the manner in which those purposes are fulfilled;

(c) set out the findings of OFCOM on their consideration of the matters mentioned in subsection (7) and any conclusions they have arrived at in relation to those findings; and

(d) set out OFCOM’s conclusions on the current state of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom.

(9) In performing their duties under this section, OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to—

(a) every statement of programme or service policy which has been made by virtue of this Chapter by a public service broadcaster, or which is treated as such a statement;

(b) every equivalent statement of policy made by the BBC in pursuance of the BBC Charter and Agreement; and

(c) such matters arising at times before the coming into force of this section as OFCOM consider material.

(10) Every report prepared by OFCOM under this section must be published by them—

(a) as soon as practicable after its preparation is complete; and

(b) in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(11) The following are relevant television services for the purposes of this section—

(a) the television broadcasting services provided by the BBC;

(b) the television programme services that are public services of the Welsh Authority (within the meaning of section 207);

(c) every Channel 3 service;

(d) Channel 4;

(e) Channel 5;

(f) the public teletext service.

(12) The following are public service broadcasters for the purposes of this section—

(a) the BBC;

(b) the Welsh Authority;

(c) the providers of the licensed public service channels; and

(d) the public teletext provider.

(13) In this section—

• “belief” means a collective belief in, or other adherence to, a systemised set of ethical or philosophical principles or of mystical or transcendental doctrines; and

• “drama” includes contemporary and other drama in a variety of different formats.

Commencement Information

I417 S. 264 in force at 25.7.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 4)

265 Public service remits of licensed providers U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel, and for the public teletext service, includes a condition requiring the provider of the channel or service to fulfil the public service remit for that channel or service.

(2) The public service remit—

(a) for every Channel 3 service, and

(b) for Channel 5,

is the provision of a range of high quality and diverse programming.

(3) The public service remit for Channel 4 is the provision of a broad range of high quality and diverse programming which, in particular—

(a) demonstrates innovation, experiment and creativity in the form and content of programmes;

(b) appeals to the tastes and interests of a culturally diverse society;

(c) makes a significant contribution to meeting the need for the licensed public service channels to include programmes of an educational nature and other programmes of educative value; and

(d) exhibits a distinctive character.

(4) The public service remit for the public teletext service is the provision of a range of high quality and diverse text material.

(5) For so long as the public teletext service comprises both—

(a) an analogue teletext service, and

(b) a teletext service provided in digital form,

the conditions imposed under this section must require the public service remit of the public teletext service to be fulfilled separately in the case of each of those services.

Commencement Information

I418 S. 265 in force at 28.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 3

266 Statements of programme policy U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel includes a condition requiring the provider of the channel—

(a) as soon as practicable after the coming into force of this section and subsequently at annual intervals, to prepare a statement of programme policy; and

(b) to monitor his own performance in the carrying out of the proposals contained in the statements made in pursuance of the condition.

(2) The condition must require every statement of programme policy prepared in accordance with the condition to set out the proposals of the provider of the channel for securing that, during the following year—

(a) the public service remit for the channel will be fulfilled; and

(b) the duties imposed on the provider by virtue of sections 277 to 296 will be performed.

(3) The condition must also require every such statement to contain a report on the performance of the provider of the channel in the carrying out, during the period since the previous statement, of the proposals contained in that statement.

(4) The condition must also provide that every such statement—

(a) must be prepared having regard to guidance given by OFCOM;

(b) must be prepared taking account of the reports previously published by OFCOM under sections 264 and 358;

(c) must take special account of the most recent such reports;

(d) must be published by the provider of the channel in question as soon as practicable after its preparation is complete; and

(e) must be published in such manner as, having regard to any guidance given by OFCOM, the provider considers appropriate.

(5) In preparing guidance about the preparation of such a statement, OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to the matters which, in the light of the provisions of section 264(4) and (6), they consider should be included in statements of programme policy.

(6) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) from time to time to review the guidance for the time being in force for the purposes of this section; and

(b) to make such revisions of that guidance as they think fit.

(7) The conditions of a licence to provide a licensed public service channel may provide that a previous statement of policy made by the provider of the channel is to be treated for the purposes of this Part—

(a) as if it were a statement made in relation to such period as may be so specified; and

(b) were a statement of programme policy for the purposes of a condition imposed under this section.

(8) The reference in subsection (7) to a previous statement of policy is a reference to any statement made by the provider of the channel—

(a) whether before or after the commencement of this section, for the purposes of his application for a Broadcasting Act licence for the channel; or

(b) at any time before the commencement of this section, for any other purpose.

(9) A condition under subsection (7) cannot contain provision the effect of which is to postpone the time at which a licence holder is required to make the first statement of programme policy which (apart from that subsection) he is required to make in pursuance of a condition imposed under this section.

Commencement Information

I419 S. 266 in force at 28.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 3

267 Changes of programme policy U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel includes a condition requiring compliance with subsection (2) in the case of a statement of programme policy containing proposals for a significant change.

(2) This subsection requires the provider of the channel—

(a) to consult OFCOM before preparing the statement; and

(b) to take account, in the preparation of the statement, of any opinions expressed to the provider of the channel by OFCOM.

(3) A condition imposed under this section must further provide that, if it appears to OFCOM that a statement of programme policy has been prepared by the provider of the channel in contravention of a condition imposed under subsection (1), the provider is—

(a) to revise that statement in accordance with any directions given to him by OFCOM; and

(b) to publish a revision of the statement in accordance with any such directions only after the revision has been approved by OFCOM.

(4) A change is a significant change for the purposes of this section if it is a change as a result of which the channel would in any year be materially different in character from in previous years.

(5) In determining for the purposes of any condition under this section whether a change is a significant change—

(a) regard must be had to any guidance issued by OFCOM;

(b) the changes to be considered include any changes that, together with any proposed change for a particular year, would constitute a change occurring gradually over a period of not more than three years; and

(c) the previous years with which a comparison is to be made must be those immediately preceding the year in which the change is made, or in which the changes comprised in it began to occur.

(6) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) from time to time to review the guidance for the time being in force for the purposes of this section; and

(b) to make such revisions of that guidance as they think fit.

Commencement Information

I420 S. 267 in force at 28.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 3

268 Statements of service policy by the public teletext provider U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for the public teletext service includes a condition requiring the public teletext provider—

(a) as soon as practicable after the coming into force of this section and subsequently at annual intervals, to prepare a statement of service policy; and

(b) to monitor his own performance in the carrying out of the proposals contained in statements made in pursuance of the condition.

(2) The condition must require every statement of service policy prepared in accordance with the condition to set out the proposals of the public teletext provider for securing that, during the following year, the public service remit for the public teletext service will be fulfilled.

(3) The condition must also require every such statement to contain a report on the performance of the public teletext provider in the carrying out, during the period since the previous statement, of the proposals contained in that statement.

(4) The condition must provide that the proposals or report for a period in the course of which the public teletext service will comprise or has comprised both—

(a) an analogue teletext service, and

(b) a teletext service provided in digital form,

must deal separately with each of those services.

(5) The condition must also provide that every statement in pursuance of the condition—

(a) must be prepared having regard to guidance given by OFCOM;

(b) must be prepared taking account of the reports previously published by OFCOM under sections 264 and 358;

(c) must take special account of the most recent such reports;

(d) must be published by the public teletext provider as soon as practicable after its preparation is complete; and

(e) must be published in such manner as, having regard to any guidance given by OFCOM, that provider considers appropriate.

(6) In preparing guidance about the preparation of such a statement, OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to the matters which, in the light of the provisions of section 264(4) and (6), they consider should be included in statements of service policy by the public teletext provider.

(7) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) from time to time to review the guidance for the time being in force for the purposes of this section; and

(b) to make such revisions of that guidance as they think fit.

(8) The conditions of the licence to provide the public teletext service may provide that a previous statement of policy made by the public teletext provider is to be treated for the purposes of this Part—

(a) as if it were a statement made in relation to such period as may be so specified; and

(b) were a statement of service policy for the purposes of a condition imposed under this section.

(9) The reference in subsection (8) to a previous statement of policy is a reference to any statement made by the public teletext provider—

(a) whether before or after the commencement of this section, for the purposes of his application for a Broadcasting Act licence for the public teletext service or for the existing service (within the meaning of section 221); or

(b) at any time before the commencement of this section, for any other purpose.

(10) A condition under subsection (8) cannot contain provision the effect of which is to postpone the time at which a licence holder is required to make the first statement of service policy which (apart from that subsection) he is required to make in pursuance of a condition imposed under this section.

Commencement Information

I421 S. 268 in force at 28.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 3

269 Changes of service policy U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for the public teletext service includes a condition requiring compliance with subsection (2) in the case of a statement of service policy containing proposals for a significant change.

(2) This subsection requires the provider of the service—

(a) to consult OFCOM before preparing the statement; and

(b) to take account, in the preparation of the statement, of any opinions expressed to the provider of the service by OFCOM.

(3) A condition imposed under this section must further provide that, if it appears to OFCOM that a statement of service policy has been prepared by the public teletext provider in contravention of a condition imposed under subsection (1), that provider is—

(a) to revise that statement in accordance with any directions given to him by OFCOM; and

(b) to publish a revision of the statement in accordance with any such directions only after the revision has been approved by OFCOM.

(4) A change is a significant change for the purposes of this section if it is a change as a result of which the service would in any year be materially different in character from in previous years.

(5) In determining for the purposes of any condition under this section whether a change is a significant change—

(a) regard must be had to any guidance issued by OFCOM;

(b) the changes to be considered include any changes that, together with any proposed change for a particular year, would constitute a change occurring gradually over a period of not more than three years;

(c) the previous years with which a comparison is to be made must be those immediately preceding the year in which the change is made, or in which the changes comprised in it began to occur; and

(d) any change that is a significant change in relation to so much of the public teletext service as is provided in digital form or in relation to so much of it as is provided in analogue form is to be regarded as a significant change in relation to the whole service.

(6) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) from time to time to review the guidance for the time being in force for the purposes of this section; and

(b) to make such revisions of that guidance as they think fit.

Commencement Information

I422 S. 269 in force at 28.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 3

270 Enforcement of public service remits U.K.

(1) This section applies if OFCOM are of the opinion that the provider of a licensed public service channel or the public teletext provider—

(a) has failed to fulfil the public service remit for that channel or the public teletext service; or

(b) has failed, in any respect, to make an adequate contribution towards the fulfilment of the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom.

(2) This section does not apply unless—

(a) OFCOM are of the opinion that the failure of the provider is serious and is not excused by economic or market conditions; and

(b) OFCOM determine that the situation requires the exercise of their powers under this section.

(3) In making a determination under subsection (2)(b), OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to—

(a) the public service remit of that provider;

(b) the statements of programme policy or statements of service policy made (or treated as made) by the provider under section 266 or 268;

(c) the record generally of the provider in relation to the carrying out of obligations imposed by conditions of licences under the 1990 Act and the 1996 Act (including past obligations);

(d) the effectiveness and efficiency of the provider in monitoring his own performance; and

(e) general economic and market conditions affecting generally the providers of television programme services or the providers of television multiplex services, or both of them.

(4) OFCOM shall have power to give directions to the provider to do one or both of the following—

(a) to revise the provider’s latest statement of programme policy, or statement of service policy, in accordance with the directions; and

(b) to take such steps for remedying the provider’s failure as OFCOM may specify in the direction as necessary for that purpose.

(5) A direction given under this section must set out—

(a) a reasonable timetable for complying with it; and

(b) the factors that will be taken into account by OFCOM in determining—

(i) whether or not a failure of the provider has been remedied; and

(ii) whether or not to exercise their powers under subsection (6).

(6) If OFCOM are satisfied—

(a) that the provider of a public service channel or the public teletext provider has failed to comply with a direction under this section,

(b) that that provider is still failing to fulfil the public service remit for that channel or service or adequately to contribute to the fulfilment of the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom, and

(c) that it would be both reasonable and proportionate to the seriousness of that failure to vary the provider’s licence in accordance with this subsection,

OFCOM may, by notice to the provider, vary that licence so as to replace self-regulation with detailed regulation.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) a variation replacing self-regulation with detailed regulation is a variation which—

(a) omits the conditions imposed by virtue of sections 265 to 269; and

(b) replaces those conditions with such specific conditions as OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the provider—

(i) fulfils the public service remit for his service; and

(ii) makes an adequate contribution towards the fulfilment of the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom.

(8) If, at any time following a variation in accordance with subsection (6) of a provider’s licence, OFCOM consider that detailed regulation is no longer necessary, they may again vary the licence so as, with effect from such time as they may determine—

(a) to provide for the conditions required by virtue of sections 265 to 269 again to be included in the regulatory regime for the service provided by that provider; and

(b) to remove or modify some or all of the specific conditions inserted under that subsection.

(9) Before giving a direction under this section to a provider or exercising their power under this section to vary a provider’s licence, OFCOM must consult that provider.

(10) In accordance with section 265(5), the reference in subsection (1) to a failure to fulfil the public service remit for the public teletext service includes a failure to fulfil that remit as respects only one of the services comprised in that service.

Commencement Information

I423 S. 270 in force at 28.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3309, art. 3

271 Power to amend public service remits U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order modify any one or more of the following—

(a) the public service remit for any licensed public service channel or for the public teletext service;

(b) the purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom (within the meaning given by subsection (4) of section 264);

(c) the matters to which OFCOM are to have regard under subsections (5) and (6) of that section.

(2) The Secretary of State is not to make an order under this section except where—

(a) OFCOM have made a recommendation for the making of such an order in their most recent report under section 229 or 264; or

(b) subsection (3) applies to the order.

(3) This subsection applies to an order if—

(a) it is made by the Secretary of State less than twelve months after the date on which he has received a report under section 229;

(b) he has considered that report; and

(c) he is satisfied that the making of the order is required, notwithstanding the absence of a recommendation by OFCOM, by circumstances or other matters which are dealt with in that report or which (in his opinion) should have been.

(4) Before including a recommendation for the making of an order under this section in a report under section 229 or 264, OFCOM must consult—

(a) members of the public in the United Kingdom;

(b) such public service broadcasters as they consider are likely to be affected if the Secretary of State gives effect to the recommendation they are proposing to make; and

(c) such of the other persons providing television and radio services as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(5) Before making an order under this section, the Secretary of State must consult the persons mentioned in subsection (6) about its terms (even if the order is the one recommended by OFCOM).

(6) Those persons are—

(a) OFCOM;

(b) such public service broadcasters as they consider are likely to be affected by the order; and

(c) such of the other persons providing television and radio services as he considers appropriate.

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

(8) In this section “public service broadcaster” means any of the persons who are public service broadcasters for the purposes of section 264.

Commencement Information

I424 S. 271 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Must-offer obligations etc. affecting public service television U.K.

Prospective

272 Must-offer obligations in relation to networks U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for—

(a) every licensed public service channel,

F34 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and

(c) every licensed television service added by order under section 64 to the list of must-carry services,

includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing the three objectives set out in this section (so far as they are not secured by provision made under section 243).

(2) The first objective is that the channel or other service, so far as it is provided in digital form, is at all times offered as available (subject to the need to agree terms) to be broadcast or distributed by means of every appropriate network.

(3) The second objective is that the person providing the channel or other service does his best to secure that arrangements are entered into, and kept in force, that ensure—

(a) that the channel or other service, so far as it is provided in digital form, is broadcast or distributed on appropriate networks; and

(b) that the broadcasting and distribution of the channel or other service, in accordance with those arrangements, result in its being available for reception, by means of appropriate networks, by as many members of its intended audience as practicable.

(4) The third objective is that the arrangements entered into and kept in force for the purpose of securing the second objective prohibit the imposition, for or in connection with the provision of an appropriate network, of any charge that is attributable (whether directly or indirectly) to the conferring of an entitlement to receive the channel or other service in question in an intelligible form by means of that network.

(5) The three objectives apply only in relation to times when the channel or other service in its digital form is included in the list of must-carry services in section 64.

(6) Conditions imposed under this section in relation to a channel or other service must, to such extent as OFCOM consider appropriate—

(a) require arrangements made or kept in force for the purpose of securing the second objective to apply in the case of every service which is an ancillary service by reference to the channel or other service in question as they apply to the channel or other service itself; and

(b) provide for the channel or other service to which the conditions apply to be treated, in relation to particular appropriate networks, as constituting such services comprised in or provided with that channel or other service as may be determined by OFCOM.

(7) In this section—

• “appropriate network” means (subject to subsection (8)) an electronic communications network by means of which public electronic communications services are provided that are used by a significant number of end-users as their principal means of receiving television programmes;

• “intended audience”, in relation to a channel or other service, means—

  (a)

  if the channel or other service is one provided only for a particular area or locality of the United Kingdom, members of the public in that area or locality;

  (b)

  if the channel or other service is one provided for members of a particular community, members of that community; and

  (c)

  in any other case, members of the public in the United Kingdom;

• “licensed television service” means a service falling to be licensed under Part 1 of the 1990 Act or Part 1 of the 1996 Act.

(8) For the purposes of this section an electronic communications network is not an appropriate network in relation to so much of a channel or other service as is provided only for a particular area or locality of the United Kingdom unless it is a network by means of which electronic communications services are provided to persons in that area or locality

(9) In subsection (7) “public electronic communications service” and “end-user” each has the same meaning as in Part 2.

(10) An order under section 411 must not appoint a day for provisions of this section to come into force that falls less than six months after the day on which the order is made.

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 272(1)(b) omitted (23.8.2024) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 43; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(v)

Prospective

273 Must-offer obligations in relation to satellite services U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for—

(a) every licensed public service channel,

F35 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and

(c) every other licensed television service specified for the purposes of this section in an order made by the Secretary of State,

includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing the three objectives set out in this section (so far as they are not secured by conditions imposed under section 272).

(2) The first objective is that the channel or other service, so far as it is provided in digital form, is at all times offered as available (subject to the need to agree terms) to be broadcast by means of every satellite television service that is available for reception by members of the public in the whole or a part of the United Kingdom.

(3) The second objective is that the person providing the channel or other service does his best to secure that arrangements are entered into, and kept in force, that ensure—

(a) that the channel or other service, so far as it is provided in digital form, is broadcast by means of satellite television services that are broadcast so as to be available for reception by members of the public in the United Kingdom; and

(b) that the broadcasting, in accordance with those arrangements, of the channel or other service by means of those satellite television services results in its being available for reception in an intelligible form and by means of those services by as many members of its intended audience as practicable.

(4) The third objective is that the arrangements entered into and kept in force for the purpose of securing the second objective prohibit the imposition, for or in connection with the provision of a satellite television service, of any charge that is attributable (whether directly or indirectly) to the conferring of an entitlement to receive the channel or other service in question in an intelligible form by means of that service.

(5) The three objectives apply only in relation to a time when the channel or service is included, in its digital form, in the list of services that are must-provide services for the purposes of section 274.

(6) Conditions imposed under this section in relation to a channel or other service must, to such extent as OFCOM consider appropriate—

(a) require arrangements made or kept in force for the purpose of securing the second objective to apply in the case of every service which is an ancillary service by reference to the channel or other service in question as they apply to the channel or other service itself; and

(b) provide for the channel or other service to which the conditions apply to be treated, in relation to particular satellite television services, as constituting such services comprised in or provided with the channel or other service as may be determined by OFCOM.

(7) In this section—

• “intended audience”, in relation to a channel or other service, means—

  (a)

  if the channel or other service is one provided only for a particular area or locality of the United Kingdom, members of the public in that area or locality;

  (b)

  if the channel or other service is one provided for members of a particular community, members of that community; and

  (c)

  in any other case, members of the public in the United Kingdom;

• “licensed television service” means a service falling to be licensed under Part 1 of the 1990 Act or Part 1 of the 1996 Act; and

• “satellite television service” means a service which—

  (a)

  consists in or involves the broadcasting of television programme services from a satellite; and

  (b)

  is used by a significant number of the persons by whom the broadcasts are received in an intelligible form as their principal means of receiving television programmes.

(8) An order under section 411 must not appoint a day for provisions of this section to come into force that falls less than six months after the day on which the order is made.

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 273(1)(b) omitted (23.8.2024) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 44; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(v)

Prospective

274 Securing reception of must-provide services in certain areas U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for—

(a) every licensed public service channel,

F36 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and

(c) every licensed television service added by order under section 275 to the list of must-provide services,

includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that arrangements satisfying the requirements of this section are entered into and maintained by all the persons who provide must-provide services.

(2) The conditions imposed on a person under this section may include the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing, in a case where—

(a) the persons providing must-provide services fail to enter into or maintain arrangements satisfying the requirements of this section, and

(b) OFCOM make and impose arrangements of their own instead,

that the person bound by the conditions is required to act in accordance with arrangements imposed by OFCOM.

(3) The arrangements that are to be entered into, or may be imposed, are arrangements that secure—

(a) that a facility for receiving each must-provide service is made available to every member of the intended audience for that service who is unable, without the use of that facility, to receive it in an intelligible form and free of charge;

(b) that the facility is one under which every such member of the intended audience for a must-provide service is entitled, free of charge, to receive in an intelligible form so much of a service broadcast from a satellite as includes that must-provide service;

(c) that the cost of making that facility available is shared, in appropriate proportions, by all the persons providing must-provide services;

(d) that procedures are established and maintained for dealing with complaints from persons claiming to be entitled, in accordance with the arrangements, to receive a service free of charge, and for resolving disputes about the existence or extent of such an entitlement;

(e) that the availability of those procedures is adequately publicised in accordance with guidance given from time to time by OFCOM.

(4) Arrangements entered into by the providers of must-provide services for the purposes of subsection (3), and any modifications of such arrangements made by the parties to them, are to have effect only if approved by OFCOM.

(5) Before imposing any arrangements for the purposes of a condition under subsection (2), OFCOM must consult all the persons who provide must-provide services.

(6) For the purposes of this section the reception of a service is not free of charge—

(a) if reception of the service is made conditional on the acceptance of an entitlement to receive another service in relation to which a charge is imposed (whether directly or indirectly);

(b) if a charge is made for or in connection with the provision of a service which is an ancillary service in relation to the service in question;

(c) if any consideration is required from the persons to whom it is made available for the provision of assistance for disabled people in respect of programmes included in the service; or

(d) if any other consideration is required to be given, by the person entitled to receive it, for or in connection with its provision or availability.

(7) A service is not prevented from being free of charge by a requirement to pay sums in accordance with regulations under section 365.

(8) The quality of reception that is required before someone is to be treated for the purposes of any conditions imposed under this section as able to receive a service in an intelligible form is to be determined by OFCOM.

(9) References in this section to a facility for receiving a must-provide service include references to—

(a) software to be used in giving effect to the entitlement to receive a must-provide service in an intelligible form, and

(b) apparatus to be used in associating apparatus capable of being used for receiving such a service, or for putting it into an intelligible form, with a person having such an entitlement,

but do not otherwise include references to apparatus.

(10) In this section—

• “intended audience”, in relation to a must-provide service, means—

  (a)

  if the service is one provided only for a particular area or locality of the United Kingdom, members of the public in that area or locality;

  (b)

  if the service is one provided for members of a particular community, members of that community; and

  (c)

  in any other case, members of the public in the United Kingdom;

• “licensed television service” means a service falling to be licensed under Part 1 of the 1990 Act or Part 1 of the 1996 Act;

• “must-provide service” means a service for the time being included in the list of must-provide services in section 275.

(11) An order under section 411 must not appoint a day for provisions of this section to come into force that falls less than six months after the day on which the order is made.

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 274(1)(b) omitted (23.8.2024) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 45; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(v)

275 Must-provide services for the purposes of s. 274 U.K.

(1) For the purposes of section 274 the list of must-provide services is as follows—

(a) every service of television programmes provided by the BBC so far as it is provided in digital form and is a service in relation to which OFCOM have functions;

(b) the Channel 3 services so far as provided in digital form;

(c) Channel 4 so far as provided in digital form;

(d) Channel 5 so far as provided in digital form;

(e) S4C Digital;

(f) the digital public teletext service.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order modify the list of must-provide services in subsection (1).

(3) In determining whether it is appropriate, by an order under subsection (2), to add a service to the list of must-provide services or to remove a service from that list, the Secretary of State must have regard, in particular, to—

(a) the public benefit to be secured by the addition of the service to the list, or by its retention in the list;

(b) the likely effect of the proposed modification as respects the costs to be borne, under arrangements entered into or imposed under section 274, by the persons who, after the coming into force of the modification, would have to be parties to those arrangements; and

(c) the extent to which that effect is proportionate to the benefit mentioned in paragraph (a).

Commencement Information

I425 S. 275 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

276 Co-operation with the public teletext provider U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every Channel 3 service and for Channel 4 includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the provider of the service or channel grants access to the facilities mentioned in subsection (2)—

(a) to the public teletext provider; and

(b) to any person authorised by virtue of section 220 to provide the whole or a part of the public teletext service on his behalf.

(2) Those facilities are the facilities that are reasonably required by the public teletext provider or the authorised person for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provision of the public teletext service.

(3) A licence holder granting access to facilities in pursuance of a condition imposed under this section may require the public teletext provider or authorised person to pay a reasonable charge in respect of the facilities.

(4) In the event of a dispute, the amount of the charge is to be determined by OFCOM.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 276 excluded (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 8(2) (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I426 S. 276 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Programming quotas for public service television U.K.

277 Programming quotas for independent productions U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that, in each year, not less than 25 per cent. of the total amount of time allocated to the broadcasting of qualifying programmes included in the channel is allocated to the broadcasting of a range and diversity of independent productions.

(2) In this section—

(a) a reference to qualifying programmes is a reference to programmes of such description as the Secretary of State may by order specify as describing the programmes that are to be qualifying programmes for the purposes of this section;

(b) a reference to independent productions is a reference to programmes of such description as the Secretary of State may by order specify as describing the programmes that are to be independent productions for the purposes of this section; and

(c) a reference to a range of independent productions is a reference to a range of such productions in terms of cost of acquisition as well as in terms of the types of programme involved.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (1) by substituting a different percentage for the percentage for the time being specified in that subsection.

(4) The Secretary of State may also by order provide for the regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel to include conditions falling within subsection (5), either instead of or as well as those falling within subsection (1).

(5) The conditions falling within this subsection are those that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that, in each year, not less than the percentage specified in the order of the programming budget for that year for that channel is applied in the acquisition of independent productions.

(6) The power to make an order under subsection (4) includes power to provide that conditions that have previously ceased under such an order to be included in the regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel are again so included, in addition to or instead of the conditions already so included (apart from the exercise of that power) by virtue of this section.

(7) The Secretary of State is not to make an order for the regulatory regime of every licensed public service channel to include or exclude conditions falling within subsection (1) or conditions falling within subsection (5) unless—

(a) OFCOM have made a recommendation to him for those conditions to be included or excluded; and

(b) the order gives effect to that recommendation.

(8) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel also includes a condition requiring the provider of the channel to comply with directions given to him by OFCOM for the purpose of—

(a) carrying forward to one or more subsequent years determined in accordance with the direction any shortfall for any year in his compliance with the requirements of conditions imposed by virtue of subsection (1) or (4); and

(b) thereby increasing the percentage applicable for the purposes of those conditions to the subsequent year or years.

(9) For the purposes of conditions imposed by virtue of this section—

(a) the amount of the programming budget for a licensed public service channel for a year, and

(b) the means of determining the amount of that budget that is applied for any purpose,

are to be computed in accordance with such provision as may be set out in an order made by the Secretary of State, or as may be determined by OFCOM in accordance with such an order.

(10) The powers of the Secretary of State to make orders under this section do not include—

(a) power to specify different percentages for the purposes of subsection (1), or of a condition falling within subsection (5), for different regional Channel 3 services or for different national Channel 3 services; or

(b) power to make different provision for different licensed public service channels as to whether conditions falling within subsection (1) or conditions falling within subsection (5), or both, are included in the regulatory regimes for those services.

(11) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM, the BBC and the Welsh Authority.

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

(13) In this section—

• “acquisition”, in relation to a programme, includes commissioning and the acquisition of a right to include it in a service or to have it broadcast;

• “programme” does not include an advertisement; and

• “programming budget” means the budget for the production and acquisition of qualifying programmes.

Commencement Information

I427 S. 277 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

278 Programming quotas for original productions U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that the time allocated, in each year, to the broadcasting of original productions included in that channel is no less than what appears to them to be an appropriate proportion of the total amount of time allocated to the broadcasting of all the programmes included in the channel; and

(b) that the time allocated to the broadcasting of original productions is split in what appears to them to be an appropriate manner between peak viewing times and other times.

(2) The proportion determined by OFCOM for the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a) must, in the case of each licensed public service channel, be such proportion as OFCOM consider appropriate for ensuring that the channel is consistently of a high quality; and

(b) may, for the purposes of paragraph (b) of that subsection, be expressed as the cumulative effect of two different minimum proportions, one applying to peak viewing times and the other to other times.

(3) A condition contained in a licence by virtue of this section may provide—

(a) that specified descriptions of programmes are to be excluded in determining the programmes a proportion of which is to consist of original productions;

(b) that, in determining for the purposes of the condition whether a programme is of a description of programmes excluded by virtue of paragraph (a), regard is to be had to any guidance prepared and published, and from to time revised, by OFCOM.

(4) Before imposing a condition under this section, OFCOM must consult the person on whom it is to be imposed.

(5) The requirement to consult is satisfied, in the case of the imposition of a condition by way of a variation of a licence, by compliance with section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (obligation to give opportunity to make representations about variation).

(6) References in this section, in relation to a licensed public service channel, to original productions are references to programmes of such description as the Secretary of State may by order specify as describing the programmes that are to be original productions for the purposes of this section.

(7) The power to specify descriptions of programmes by order under subsection (6) includes power to confer such discretions on OFCOM as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

(8) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM, the BBC and the Welsh Authority.

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

(10) In this section—

• “peak viewing time”, in relation to a licensed public service channel, means a time that appears to OFCOM to be, or to be likely to be, a peak viewing time for that channel; and

• “programme” does not include an advertisement.

(11) Before determining for the purposes of this section what constitutes a peak viewing time for a channel, OFCOM must consult the provider of the channel.

Commencement Information

I428 S. 278 in force at 1.7.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(4)(a) (with art. 11) (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/545, art. 2(2)(3)(b))

News provision etc. on public service television U.K.

279 News and current affairs programmes U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that the programmes included in the channel include news programmes and current affairs programmes;

(b) that the news programmes and current affairs programmes included in the service are of high quality and deal with both national and international matters; and

(c) that the news programmes so included are broadcast for viewing at intervals throughout the period for which the channel is provided.

(2) That regime also includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that, in each year—

(a) the time allocated to the broadcasting of news programmes included in the service, and

(b) the time allocated to the broadcasting of current affairs programmes so included,

each constitutes no less than what appears to OFCOM to be an appropriate proportion of the time allocated to the broadcasting of all the programmes included in the channel.

(3) It further includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the time allocated—

(a) to the broadcasting of news programmes included in the service, and

(b) to the broadcasting of current affairs programmes so included,

is, in each case, split in what appears to OFCOM to be an appropriate manner between peak viewing times and other times.

(4) The proportion determined by OFCOM for the purposes of subsection (2) may, for the purposes of subsection (3), be expressed as the cumulative effect of two different minimum proportions, one applying to peak viewing times and the other to other times.

(5) In this section “peak viewing time”, in relation to a licensed public service channel, means a time determined by OFCOM to be, or to be likely to be, a peak viewing time for that channel.

(6) Before determining for the purposes of this section—

(a) the proportion of time to be allocated to the broadcasting of news programmes or current affairs programmes; or

(b) what constitutes a peak viewing time for a channel,

OFCOM must consult the provider of the channel or (as the case may be) the person who is proposing to provide it.

(7) The requirement to consult is satisfied, in the case of the imposition of a condition by way of a variation of a licence, by compliance with section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (obligation to give opportunity to make representations about variation).

Commencement Information

I429 S. 279 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

280 Appointed news providers for Channel 3 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every regional Channel 3 service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing the nationwide broadcasting, on the regional Channel 3 services (taken together), of news programmes that are able to compete effectively with other television news programmes broadcast nationwide in the United Kingdom.

(2) The conditions imposed under this section must include a condition requiring the holder of a regional Channel 3 licence to do all that he can to ensure—

(a) that arrangements for the appointment of a single body corporate as the appointed news provider are maintained between all the holders of regional Channel 3 licences; and

(b) that, at all times while he is providing a regional Channel 3 service, there is in force an appointment made in accordance with those arrangements.

(3) The arrangements that are required to be maintained by virtue of conditions imposed under subsection (2) must provide—

(a) for the terms on which a body is appointed as the appointed news provider to include the terms appearing to OFCOM to be appropriate for securing that the body’s finances are adequate, throughout the period of its appointment, to ensure that the Channel 3 news obligations are capable of being met; and

(b) for the approval of OFCOM to be required for the purposes of paragraph (a) to the terms on which an appointment is made.

(4) The conditions imposed under this section must include the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that arrangements maintained between—

(a) the holders of regional Channel 3 licences, and

(b) the body which is the appointed news provider,

ensure that that body is subject to an obligation, enforceable by OFCOM, to provide OFCOM with all such information as they may require for the purpose of carrying out their functions.

(5) The conditions imposed under this section must include a condition requiring the news programmes included in a regional Channel 3 service—

(a) to be programmes provided by the body which is for the time being the appointed news provider for the purposes of this section; and

(b) to be so included in that service as to be broadcast simultaneously with the broadcasting of news programmes included, in accordance with conditions imposed under this subsection, in other regional Channel 3 services.

(6) Those conditions must also require the news programmes provided by the appointed news provider which, in accordance with a condition imposed under subsection (5), are included in a regional Channel 3 service to be programmes that are presented live.

(7) OFCOM—

(a) may issue guidance as to the terms that will satisfy requirements imposed by virtue of subsection (3)(a); and

(b) must have regard to guidance for the time being in force under this subsection when considering whether to give an approval for the purposes of provision made by virtue of subsection (3)(b).

(8) For the purposes of this section the Channel 3 news obligations are—

(a) the requirements of any conditions imposed in relation to regional Channel 3 services under section 279; and

(b) the nationwide broadcasting on the regional Channel 3 services (taken together) of news programmes that are able to compete effectively with other television news programmes broadcast nationwide in the United Kingdom.

(9) Conditions imposed under this section are not to require arrangements to make provision falling within subsection (3)(a) or (b) or (4) in relation to appointments made before the commencement of this section.

(10) Section 32 of the 1990 Act (nomination of bodies eligible for appointment as news providers) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I430 S. 280 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

281 Disqualification from appointment as news provider U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every regional Channel 3 service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that a body is not appointed as the appointed news provider if it falls within subsection (2); and

(b) that the appointment of a body as the appointed news provider ceases to have effect if it becomes a body falling within that subsection.

(2) A body falls within this subsection if—

(a) it is a disqualified person under Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act in relation to a Channel 3 licence; or

(b) there would be a contravention of Part 1 of Schedule 14 to this Act (whether by that body or by another person) if that body held a licence to provide a Channel 3 service, or held a licence to provide such a service for a particular area for which such a service is provided.

[F37 (3) The reference in subsection (2)(a) to a body which is a disqualified person under Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act in relation to a Channel 3 licence includes a reference to a person who is disqualified by virtue of a disqualification order under section 145 of the 1996 Act.]

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 281(3) added (29.12.2003) by Media Ownership (Local Radio and Appointed News Provider) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3299), arts. 1(2), 13(1)

Commencement Information

I431 S. 281 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

282 Power to repeal or modify Channel 3 news provider provisions U.K.

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State appropriate to do so, he may by order repeal or otherwise modify any of the provisions of section 280 or 281.

(2) Except in a case to which subsection (3) applies, the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM before making an order under this section.

(3) Consultation with OFCOM is not required if the order is confined to giving effect to recommendations by OFCOM that are contained in a report of a review under section 391.

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

Commencement Information

I432 S. 282 in force at 12.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 2 (with art. 11)

283 News providers for Channel 5 U.K.

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State appropriate to do so, he may by order make provision requiring news programmes included in Channel 5 to be provided by a person appointed as a news provider in accordance with the order.

(2) An order under this section may make provision in relation to Channel 5 that corresponds, with such modifications as the Secretary of State thinks fit, to any provision made in relation to regional Channel 3 services by section 280 or 281.

(3) Subsection (2) applies irrespective of any repeal or other modification by an order under this Act of section 280 or 281.

(4) An order under this section may include provision for section 194A of the 1990 Act (application of Competition Act 1998 to Channel 3 news provision) to have effect (with such modifications as may be specified in the order) in relation to the appointment of a person as a news provider for Channel 5 as it has effect in relation to the appointment of a body as a news provider for Channel 3.

(5) The Secretary of State is not to make an order under this section for the imposition of obligations in relation to Channel 5 unless he is satisfied that Channel 5’s share of the audience for television broadcasting services is broadly equivalent to that of the services comprising Channel 3.

(6) An order under this section must require a licence holder to have a reasonable opportunity of making representations to OFCOM before his licence is varied in pursuance of the order.

(7) Except in a case to which subsection (8) applies, the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM before making an order under this section.

(8) Consultation with OFCOM is not required if the order is confined to giving effect to recommendations by OFCOM that are contained in a report of a review under section 391.

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

Commencement Information

I433 S. 283 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

284 News provision on the public teletext service U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for the public teletext service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that the service includes what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable quantity and variety of news items; and

(b) that the news items included in the service are up to date and regularly revised.

(2) Conditions imposed under this section in relation to a time when the public teletext service comprises both—

(a) an analogue teletext service, and

(b) a teletext service provided in digital form,

must apply to both services but may make different provision for each of them.

Commencement Information

I434 S. 284 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Independent and regional productions and programmes for public service television U.K.

285 Code relating to programme commissioning U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the provider of the channel draws up and from time to time revises a code of practice setting out the principles he will apply when agreeing terms for the commissioning of independent productions.

(2) That regime also includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the provider of every licensed public service channel—

(a) at all times complies with a code of practice which has been drawn up by him by virtue of this section and is for the time being in force; and

(b) exercises his power to revise his code to take account of revisions from time to time of the guidance issued by OFCOM for the purposes of this section.

(3) The conditions imposed under this section must ensure that the code for the time being in force in the case of every licensed public service channel secures, in the manner described in guidance issued by OFCOM—

(a) that a reasonable timetable is applied to negotiations for the commissioning of an independent production and for the conclusion of a binding agreement;

(b) that there is what appears to OFCOM to be sufficient clarity, when an independent production is commissioned, about the different categories of rights to broadcast or otherwise to make use of or exploit the commissioned production that are being disposed of;

(c) that there is what appears to OFCOM to be sufficient transparency about the amounts to be paid in respect of each category of rights;

(d) that what appear to OFCOM to be satisfactory arrangements are made about the duration and exclusivity of those rights;

(e) that procedures exist for reviewing the arrangements adopted in accordance with the code and for demonstrating compliance with it;

(f) that those procedures include requirements for the monitoring of the application of the code and for the making of reports to OFCOM;

(g) that provision is made for resolving disputes arising in respect of the provisions of the code (by independent arbitration or otherwise) in a manner that appears to OFCOM to be appropriate.

(4) The conditions imposed under this section must also ensure that the drawing up or revision of a code by virtue of this section is in accordance with guidance issued by OFCOM as to—

(a) the times when the code is to be drawn up or reviewed with a view to revision;

(b) the consultation to be undertaken before a code is drawn up or revised; and

(c) the publication of every code or revised code.

(5) The provision that may be included in a condition imposed under this section includes—

(a) provision requiring a draft of a code or of any revision of a code to be submitted to OFCOM for approval;

(b) provision for the code or revision to have effect only if approved by OFCOM; and

(c) provision for a code or revision that is approved by OFCOM subject to modifications to have effect with those modifications.

(6) OFCOM—

(a) must issue and may from time to time revise guidance for the purposes of this section;

(b) must ensure that there is always guidance for those purposes in force;

(c) must, before issuing their guidance or revised guidance, consult the providers of licensed public service channels, persons who make independent productions (or persons appearing to OFCOM to represent them), the BBC and the Welsh Authority; and

(d) must publish their guidance or revised guidance in such manner as they think appropriate.

(7) Guidance issued by OFCOM for the purposes of this section must be general guidance and is not to specify particular terms to be included in agreements to which the guidance relates.

(8) Conditions imposed under this section requiring a code to be drawn up or approved may include transitional provision for treating a code drawn up before the imposition of the condition —

(a) as satisfying the requirements of that condition; and

(b) as a code approved by OFCOM for the purposes of conditions so imposed.

(9) In this section “independent production” has the same meaning as in section 277.

Commencement Information

I435 S. 285 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

286 Regional programme-making for Channels 3 and 5 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every Channel 3 service includes the conditions (if any) that OFCOM consider appropriate in the case of that service for securing—

(a) that what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable proportion of Channel 3 programmes made in the United Kingdom are programmes made in the United Kingdom outside the M25 area;

(b) that the Channel 3 programmes that are made in the United Kingdom outside the M25 area (taken together) constitute what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable range of programmes;

(c) that what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable proportion of the expenditure of the providers of Channel 3 services on Channel 3 programmes made in the United Kingdom is referable to programme production at different production centres outside the M25 area; and

(d) that the different programme production centres to which that expenditure is referable constitute what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable range of such production centres.

(2) In the case of a national Channel 3 service, subsection (1) requires the inclusion of conditions in the licence for the service only where OFCOM consider, having regard to the nature of the service, that it would be appropriate for conditions falling within that subsection to be so included.

(3) The regulatory regime for Channel 5 includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable proportion of the programmes made in the United Kingdom for viewing on that Channel are programmes made in the United Kingdom outside the M25 area;

(b) that the programmes for such viewing that are made in the United Kingdom outside the M25 area (taken together) constitute what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable range of programmes;

(c) that what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable proportion of the expenditure of the provider of Channel 5 on programmes made in the United Kingdom for viewing on that Channel is referable to programme production at different production centres outside the M25 area; and

(d) that the different programme production centres to which that expenditure is referable constitute what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable range of such production centres.

(4) Before imposing a condition under this section, OFCOM must consult the person on whom it is to be imposed.

(5) The requirement to consult is satisfied, in the case of the imposition of a condition by way of a variation of a licence, by compliance with section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (obligation to give opportunity to make representations about variation).

(6) A proportion is not to be regarded by OFCOM as suitable for the purposes of a provision of this section if it constitutes less than a significant proportion of the programmes or expenditure in question.

(7) In this section—

• “Channel 3 programmes” means programmes made for viewing on Channel 3 in more than one area for which regional Channel 3 services are provided, including any programme made for viewing on a national Channel 3 service other than a regional programme;

• “expenditure”, in relation to a programme, means—

  (a)

  expenditure which constitutes an investment in or is otherwise attributable to the making of the programme; or

  (b)

  expenditure on the commissioning or other acquisition of the programme or on the acquisition of a right to include it in a service or to have it broadcast;

• “programme” does not include an advertisement; and

• “regional programme” means a programme made with a view to its inclusion in a national Channel 3 service as a programme of particular interest to persons living within a particular area of the United Kingdom.

Commencement Information

I436 S. 286 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

287 Regional programmes on Channel 3 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every regional Channel 3 service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a sufficient amount of time is given in the programmes included in the service to what appears to them to be a suitable range of programmes (including regional news programmes) which are of particular interest to persons living within the area for which the service is provided;

(b) that the regional programmes included in the service are of high quality;

(c) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a suitable proportion of the regional programmes included in the service consists of programmes made in that area;

(d) that the regional news programmes included in the service are broadcast for viewing at intervals throughout the period for which the service is provided and, in particular, at peak viewing times;

(e) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a suitable proportion of the other regional programmes that are included in the service consists of programmes broadcast for viewing—

(i) at peak viewing times; and

(ii) at times immediately preceding or following those times.

(2) The regulatory regime for every local Channel 3 service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a sufficient amount of time is given in the programmes included in the service to what appears to them to be a suitable range of local programmes;

(b) that, in the case of each part of an area or each community for which the service is provided, the range of local programmes is a range of programmes (including news programmes) which are of particular interest to persons living within that part of that area or to that community;

(c) that the local programmes included in the service are of high quality;

(d) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a suitable proportion of the local programmes included in the service consists of programmes made in the area for which the service is provided;

(e) that the local news programmes included in the service are broadcast for viewing at intervals throughout the period for which the service is provided and, in particular, at peak viewing times;

(f) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a suitable proportion of the other local programmes that are included in the service consists of programmes broadcast for viewing—

(i) at peak viewing times; and

(ii) at times immediately preceding or following those times.

(3) In the case of a local Channel 3 service, the conditions included in the regulatory regime for the service include conditions falling within subsection (1) to the extent only that it appears to OFCOM that the requirements of subsection (1) are not adequately met by conditions falling within subsection (2).

(4) In the case of a national Channel 3 service in the case of which OFCOM consider that it would be appropriate to impose conditions under this subsection, the regulatory regime for the service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a sufficient amount of time is given in the programmes included in the service to what appears to them to be a suitable range of programmes (including regional news programmes) which are of particular interest to persons living within particular areas of the United Kingdom;

(b) that the regional programmes included in the service are of high quality;

(c) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a suitable proportion of the regional programmes included in the service consists of programmes made in the area by reference to which they are regional programmes;

(d) that the regional news programmes included in the service are broadcast for viewing at intervals throughout the period for which the service is provided and, in particular, at peak viewing times;

(e) that what appears to OFCOM, in the case of that service, to be a suitable proportion of the other regional programmes that are included in the service consists of programmes broadcast for viewing—

(i) at peak viewing times; and

(ii) at times immediately preceding or following those times.

(5) Before imposing a condition under this section, OFCOM must consult the person on whom it is to be imposed.

(6) The requirement to consult is satisfied, in the case of the imposition of a condition by way of a variation of a licence, by compliance with section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (obligation to give opportunity to make representations about variation).

(7) A proportion is not to be regarded by OFCOM as suitable for the purposes of a provision of this section if it constitutes less than a significant proportion of the programmes in question.

(8) In this section—

• “local Channel 3 service” means a regional Channel 3 service the provision of which includes the provision (in pursuance of a determination under section 14(3) of the 1990 Act) of different programmes for different parts of an area or for different communities living within an area;

• “local programme”, in relation to a service provided for different parts of an area or for different communities, means a programme included in that service for any of the parts of that area or for any of those communities, and “local news programme” is to be construed accordingly;

• “peak viewing time”, in relation to a service, means a time determined by OFCOM to be, or to be likely to be, a peak viewing time for that service;

• “programme” does not include an advertisement;

• “regional programme”—

  (a)

  in relation to a regional Channel 3 service, means a programme included in that service with a view to its being of particular interest to persons living within the area for which the service is provided;

  (b)

  in relation to a national Channel 3 service, means a programme included in that service with a view to its being of particular interest to persons living within a particular area of the United Kingdom;

  and “regional news programme” is to be construed accordingly.

Commencement Information

I437 S. 287 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

288 Regional programme-making for Channel 4 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for Channel 4 includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing—

(a) that what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable proportion of programmes made in the United Kingdom for viewing on Channel 4 are programmes made in the United Kingdom outside the M25 area;

(b) that the programmes for such viewing that are made in the United Kingdom outside the M25 area (taken together) constitute what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable range of programmes;

(c) that what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable proportion of the expenditure of C4C on programmes made in the United Kingdom for viewing on Channel 4 is referable to programme production at different production centres outside the M25 area; and

(d) that the different programme production centres to which that expenditure is referable constitute what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable range of such production centres.

(2) Before imposing a condition under this section, OFCOM must consult C4C.

(3) The requirement to consult is satisfied, in the case of the imposition of a condition by way of a variation of a licence, by compliance with section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (obligation to give opportunity to make representations about variation).

(4) A proportion is not to be regarded by OFCOM as suitable for the purposes of a provision of this section if it constitutes less than a significant proportion of the programmes or expenditure in question.

(5) In this section—

• “expenditure”, in relation to a programme, means—

  (a)

  expenditure which constitutes an investment in or is otherwise attributable to the making of the programme; or

  (b)

  expenditure on the commissioning or other acquisition of the programme or on the acquisition of a right to include it in a service or to have it broadcast; and

• “programme” does not include an advertisement.

Commencement Information

I438 S. 288 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

289 Regional matters in the public teletext service U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for the public teletext service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the service includes what appears to them to be an appropriate proportion of material that is of particular interest to persons living in different parts of the United Kingdom.

(2) Conditions imposed under this section in relation to a time when the public teletext service comprises both—

(a) an analogue teletext service, and

(b) a teletext service provided in digital form,

must apply to both services but may make different provision for each of them.

Commencement Information

I439 S. 289 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Networking arrangements for Channel 3 U.K.

290 Proposals for arrangements U.K.

(1) An application for a regional Channel 3 licence, in addition to being accompanied by the proposals mentioned in section 15(3)(b) of the 1990 Act, must be accompanied by the applicant’s proposals for participating in networking arrangements.

(2) OFCOM may publish general guidance to applicants for regional Channel 3 licences as to the kinds of proposals which they are likely to consider satisfactory.

(3) The publication of guidance under subsection (2) is to be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate.

(4) Arrangements are networking arrangements for the purposes of this Part if they—

(a) apply to all the holders of regional Channel 3 licences;

(b) provide for programmes made, commissioned or acquired by or on behalf of one or more of the holders of such licences to be available for broadcasting in all regional Channel 3 services; and

(c) are made for the purpose of enabling regional Channel 3 services (taken as a whole) to be a nationwide system of services which is able to compete effectively with other television programme services provided in the United Kingdom.

Commencement Information

I440 S. 290 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

291 Obligation as to making and continuance of approved arrangements U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every regional Channel 3 service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the licence holder does all that he can to ensure that approved networking arrangements are in force whenever—

(a) the licence holder is providing the licensed service; and

(b) no networking arrangements imposed by OFCOM under section 292 are in force.

(2) In this section “approved networking arrangements” means networking arrangements which are for the time being approved by OFCOM in accordance with Schedule 11.

(3) In paragraph 5 of Schedule 2 to the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41) (exclusion of networking arrangements from Chapter I prohibition), for sub-paragraph (1) there shall be substituted—

“(1) The Chapter I prohibition does not apply in respect of any networking arrangements to the extent that they—

(a) have been approved for the purposes of licence conditions imposed under section 291 of the Communications Act 2003; or

(b) are arrangements that have been considered under Schedule 4 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 and fall to be treated as so approved;

nor does that prohibition apply in respect of things done with a view to arrangements being entered into or approved to the extent that those things have effect for purposes that are directly related to, and necessary for compliance with, conditions so imposed.”

(4) For sub-paragraph (4) of that paragraph there shall be substituted—

“(4) In this paragraph “networking arrangements” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003.”

Commencement Information

I441 S. 291 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

292 OFCOM’s power to impose arrangements U.K.

(1) This section applies on each occasion on which OFCOM—

(a) are proposing to award one or more regional Channel 3 licences; and

(b) for that purpose publish a notice under section 15(1) of the 1990 Act.

(2) OFCOM must—

(a) determine the date by which the holders of the licences awarded and all other regional Channel 3 providers (if any) must have entered into networking arrangements (the “networking date”); and

(b) set out that date in that notice.

(3) The networking date must be the date by which, in OFCOM’s opinion, the networking arrangements must have been entered into if approved networking arrangements are to be fully in force before the persons awarded licences begin to provide their licensed services.

(4) If—

(a) no suitable networking arrangements exist by the networking date, or

(b) the suitable networking arrangements that exist at that date cease to apply to all regional Channel 3 providers on or after that date,

OFCOM may impose on all regional Channel 3 providers the networking arrangements that OFCOM consider appropriate.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4) arrangements are suitable networking arrangements if it appears to OFCOM that they—

(a) have been submitted to them for approval or have been approved by them; and

(b) will be in force as approved networking arrangements when the persons awarded licences begin to provide their licensed services.

(6) Arrangements imposed under this section come into force on the date determined by OFCOM.

(7) The regulatory regime for every regional Channel 3 service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the licence holder complies with the provisions of any networking arrangements imposed under this section.

(8) Where—

(a) networking arrangements are imposed under this section,

(b) other networking arrangements are entered into between the licence holders bound by the imposed arrangements, and

(c) the other arrangements entered into are approved by OFCOM,

the imposed arrangements shall cease to have effect on the coming into force of the other arrangements as approved networking arrangements.

(9) In this section—

• “approved networking arrangements” has the same meaning as in section 291; and

• “regional Channel 3 providers” means persons who will be licensed to provide regional Channel 3 services and will be providing such services when the licences to be awarded come into force.

Commencement Information

I442 S. 292 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

293 Review of approved networking arrangements etc. U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM from time to time to carry out general reviews of the networking arrangements (whether approved or imposed by OFCOM) that are in force.

(2) The first such review must be carried out no later than six months after the date on which the offers made under section 215(1) close or (if those offers close on different dates) the latest of those dates.

(3) Every subsequent review must be carried out no more than one year after the previous one.

(4) OFCOM may also, at any other time, carry out a review of whether those arrangements continue to satisfy one of the two competition tests set out in paragraph 6 of Schedule 11.

(5) If, on a review under this section, OFCOM are satisfied that modifications are required of the networking arrangements for the time being in force, they may—

(a) require the holders of regional Channel 3 licences to give effect to the modifications proposed by OFCOM; or

(b) in the case of arrangements imposed by OFCOM, make those modifications themselves.

(6) OFCOM must not exercise any of their powers under this Act or the 1990 Act so as to modify the requirements imposed on the holder of a regional Channel 3 licence by approved networking arrangements that are already in force except—

(a) following a review under this section; or

(b) with the consent of the licence holder.

(7) The regulatory regime for every Channel 3 service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the licence holder does all that he can to ensure that modifications proposed by OFCOM under this section are given effect to.

(8) In this section “approved networking arrangements” has the same meaning as in section 291.

Commencement Information

I443 S. 293 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

294 Supplemental provision about networking arrangements U.K.

(1) Schedule 11 (which makes provision about the approval of networking arrangements and the imposition or modification of such arrangements) shall have effect.

(2) The obligations arising under conditions imposed in accordance with sections 291 to 293 are subject to the rights of appeal conferred by that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I444 S. 294 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Special obligations for Channel 4 U.K.

295 Involvement of C4 Corporation in programme-making U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for Channel 4 includes a condition requiring C4C not to be involved, except to such extent as OFCOM may allow, in the making of programmes to be broadcast on Channel 4.

(2) In this section “programme” does not include an advertisement.

Commencement Information

I445 S. 295 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

296 Schools programmes on Channel 4 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for Channel 4 includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that what appears to them to be a suitable proportion of the programmes which are included in Channel 4 are schools programmes.

(2) A licence under the 1990 Act to provide Channel 4 may also include conditions authorised by the following provisions of this section.

(3) The conditions authorised by this section include conditions requiring C4C—

(a) to finance the production of schools programmes; and

(b) to acquire schools programmes provided by other persons.

(4) The conditions authorised by this section include conditions requiring C4C to ensure that schools programmes on Channel 4—

(a) are of high quality; and

(b) are suitable to meet the needs of schools throughout the United Kingdom.

(5) The conditions authorised by this section include conditions specifying the minimum number of hours in term time, or within normal school hours, that are to be allocated to the broadcasting of schools programmes on Channel 4.

(6) The conditions authorised by this section include conditions requiring C4C to provide such material for use in connection with the schools programmes broadcast by them as may be necessary to secure that effective use is made of those programmes in schools.

(7) The conditions authorised by this section include conditions requiring C4C from time to time to consult such persons who—

(a) are concerned with schools or with the production of schools programmes, or

(b) have an interest in schools or in the production of schools programmes,

as OFCOM think fit.

(8) Before imposing a condition under this section, OFCOM must consult C4C.

(9) The requirement to consult is satisfied, in the case of the imposition of a condition by way of a variation of a licence, by compliance with section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (obligation to give opportunity to make representations about variation).

(10) In determining for the purposes of subsection (1) what proportion of the programmes included in Channel 4 should be schools programmes, OFCOM must take into account services, facilities and materials which C4C provide to schools, or make available for schools, otherwise than by the inclusion of programmes in Channel 4.

(11) Section 34 of the 1990 Act (requirement as to schools programmes in relation to all licensed public service channels taken together) shall cease to have effect.

(12) In this section “schools programmes” means programmes which are intended for use in schools.

Commencement Information

I446 S. 296 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

297 Channel 4 contribution towards national television archive U.K.

(1) Section 185 of the 1990 Act (contributions towards maintenance of the national television archive) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsections (1) and (3), after “Channel 3” there shall be inserted “ , Channel 4 ”.

(3) In subsection (5), at the end there shall be inserted—

““Channel 4 licence” means—

(a) the licence referred to in section 231(1)(b) of the Communications Act 2003; and

(b) a licence renewing that licence on the first or any subsequent occasion.”

(4) This section has effect in relation only to financial years beginning after the television transfer date.

Commencement Information

I447 S. 297 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Special obligation for the public teletext provider U.K.

298 Conditions prohibiting interference with other services U.K.

The regulatory regime for the public teletext service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the provision of so much of the public teletext service as is provided in analogue form does not cause interference with—

(a) the television broadcasting service or services on whose frequency or frequencies it is provided; or

(b) any other wireless telegraphy transmissions.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 298 excluded (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 8(1) (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I448 S. 298 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Sporting and other events of national interest U.K.

299 Categorisation of listed events U.K.

(1) For subsections (1) and (2) of section 97 of the 1996 Act (listed events), there shall be substituted—

“(1) The Secretary of State may, for the purposes of this Part, maintain a list of sporting and other events of national interest, and an event for the time being included in the list is referred to in this Part as a “listed event”.

(1A) A list maintained under subsection (1) must be divided into two categories, and those categories are referred to in this Part as “Group A” and “Group B”.

(1B) Each listed event must be allocated either to Group A or to Group B.

(2) Before drawing up such a list, or revising or ceasing to maintain it, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) OFCOM,

(b) the BBC,

(c) the Welsh Authority, and

(d) in relation to a relevant event, the person from whom the rights to televise that event may be acquired.

(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2)(d), a relevant event is an event which the Secretary of State proposes—

(a) to include in a list maintained under subsection (1),

(b) to omit from such a list, or

(c) to move from one category in such a list to the other.”

(2) In subsection (3)(b) of that section, the words “by the Commission” and “by them” shall be omitted.

(3) In subsection (5) of that section—

(a) for the words “addition of any relevant event to” there shall be substituted “ inclusion of any event in ”; and

(b) in paragraph (a), for “addition” there shall be substituted “ inclusion ”.

(4) After that subsection, there shall be inserted—

“(5A) The allocation or transfer of an event to group A does not affect the validity of a contract entered into before the day on which the Secretary of State consulted the persons mentioned in subsection (2) in relation to the proposed allocation or transfer.

(5B) The Secretary of State may direct that, for the transitional purposes set out in the direction, the transfer of a Group B event to Group A is not to affect the application to that event of provisions of this Part relating to a Group B event.”

Commencement Information

I449 S. 299(2) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Prospective

F38 300 Effects of categorisation of listed events U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 300 omitted (23.8.2024) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 51; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(v)

301 Code relating to listed events U.K.

(1) For subsection (1) of section 104 of the 1996 Act (code in relation to listed events) there shall be substituted—

“(1) OFCOM shall draw up, and may from time to time revise, a code giving guidance—

(a) as to the matters which they will take into account in determining whether to give or to revoke their consent for the purposes of section 101(1B) or section 101B(1); and

(b) as to the matters which they will take into account in determining for the purposes of section 102(1) or 103(1), whether in all the circumstances it is unreasonable to expect a television programme provider to comply with section 101(1) or section 101B(1).”

(2) Where OFCOM are required to draw up a code by virtue of this section—

(a) they shall do so as soon as practicable after the commencement of this section; but

(b) the code shall have no effect in relation to any time before the commencement of section 300 of this Act.

Commencement Information

I450 S. 301 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

302 Regulations about coverage of listed events U.K.

(1) After section 104 of the 1996 Act there shall be inserted—

“104ZA Regulations about coverage of listed events

(1) OFCOM may make regulations for determining for the purposes of this Part—

(a) the circumstances in which the televising of listed events generally, or of a particular listed event, is or is not to be treated as live;

(b) what (whether generally or in relation to particular circumstances) is to be taken to represent the provision of adequate alternative coverage; and

(c) the requirements that must be satisfied for the purposes of section 101(1C)(d) by persons who have acquired rights to provide adequate alternative coverage.

(2) The power conferred by subsection (1)(a) does not include power to define “live” for the purposes of section 101B.

(3) Section 403 of the Communications Act 2003 (procedure for regulations and orders made by OFCOM) applies to the power of OFCOM to make regulations under this section.”

(2) In section 105(1) (interpretation of Part 4), before the definition of “Channel 4” there shall be inserted—

““adequate alternative coverage” and “live” are to be construed in accordance with any regulations under section 104ZA;”.

Commencement Information

I451 S. 302 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Television services for the deaf and visually impaired U.K.

303 Code relating to provision for the deaf and visually impaired U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to draw up, and from time to time to review and revise, a code giving guidance as to—

(a) the extent to which the services to which this section applies should promote the understanding and enjoyment by—

(i) persons who are deaf or hard of hearing,

(ii) persons who are blind or partially-sighted, and

(iii) persons with a dual sensory impairment,

of the programmes to be included in such services; and

(b) the means by which such understanding and enjoyment should be promoted.

(2) The code must include provision for securing that every provider of a service to which this section applies ensures that adequate information about the assistance for disabled people that is provided in relation to that service is made available to those who are likely to want to make use of it.

(3) The code must also require that, from the fifth and tenth anniversaries of the relevant date, the obligations in subsections (4) and (5), respectively, must be fulfilled by reference to averages computed over each of the following—

(a) the twelve month period beginning with the anniversary in question; and

(b) every twelve month period ending one week after the end of the previous period for which an average fell to be computed.

(4) The obligation to be fulfilled from the fifth anniversary of the relevant date is that at least 60 per cent. of so much of every service which—

(a) is a service to which this section applies, and

(b) has a relevant date after the passing of this Act,

as consists of programmes that are not excluded programmes must be accompanied by subtitling.

(5) The obligations to be fulfilled from the tenth anniversary of the relevant date are—

(a) that at least 90 per cent. of so much of a Channel 3 service or of Channel 4 as consists of programmes that are not excluded programmes must be accompanied by subtitling;

(b) that at least 80 per cent. of so much of every other service to which this section applies as consists of programmes that are not excluded programmes must be accompanied by subtitling;

(c) that at least 10 per cent. of so much of every service to which this section applies as consists of programmes that are not excluded programmes must be accompanied by audio-description for the blind; and

(d) that at least 5 per cent. of so much of every service to which this section applies as consists of programmes that are not excluded programmes must be presented in, or translated into, sign language.

(6) A reference in subsection (4) or in any paragraph of subsection (5) to excluded programmes is a reference to programmes of the description for the time being set out under subsection (7) in relation to that subsection or paragraph and also in relation to the service in question.

(7) The code must set out, in relation to subsection (4) and each of the paragraphs of subsection (5), the descriptions of programmes that OFCOM consider should be excluded programmes for the purposes of the requirement contained in that subsection or paragraph.

(8) In complying with subsection (7), OFCOM must have regard, in particular, to—

(a) the extent of the benefit which would be conferred by the provision of assistance for disabled people in relation to the programmes;

(b) the size of the intended audience for the programmes;

(c) the number of persons who would be likely to benefit from the assistance and the extent of the likely benefit in each case;

(d) the extent to which members of the intended audience for the programmes are resident in places outside the United Kingdom;

(e) the technical difficulty of providing the assistance; and

(f) the cost, in the context of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e), of providing the assistance.

(9) The exclusions that may be set out in the code under subsection (7)—

(a) may include different descriptions of programmes in relation to different services to which this section applies; and

(b) in the case of a service which OFCOM are satisfied (having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (8)) is a special case, may include all the programmes included in the service.

(10) The requirements that may be imposed by the code include, in particular—

(a) requirements on persons providing services to which this section applies to meet interim targets falling within subsection (11), from dates falling before an anniversary mentioned in subsection (3);

(b) requirements on persons providing such services to meet further targets from dates falling after the anniversary mentioned in subsection (5); and

(c) requirements with respect to the provision of assistance for disabled people in relation to excluded programmes, or in relation to a particular description of them.

(11) The interim targets mentioned in subsection (10)(a) are the targets with respect to the provision of assistance for disabled people which OFCOM consider it appropriate to impose as targets on the way to meeting the targets imposed in pursuance of subsection (3).

(12) This section applies to the following services—

(a) S4C Digital or any other television programme service provided by the Welsh Authority for broadcasting in digital form so as to be available for reception by members of the public;

(b) any licensed public service channel;

(c) a digital television programme service but not an electronic programme guide;

(d) a television licensable content service but not an electronic programme guide;

(e) a restricted television service.

(13) In this section—

• “electronic programme guide” means a service which—

  (a)

  is or is included in a television licensable content service or a digital television programme service; and

  (b)

  consists of—

  (i)

  the listing or promotion, or both the listing and the promotion, of some or all of the programmes included in any one or more programme services the providers of which are or include persons other than the provider of the guide; and

  (ii)

  a facility for obtaining access, in whole or in part, to the programme service or services listed or promoted in the guide;

• “programme” does not include an advertisement.

Commencement Information

I452 S. 303 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

304 Procedure for issuing and revising code under s. 303 U.K.

(1) Before drawing up a code under section 303 or reviewing or revising it in pursuance of that section, OFCOM must consult—

(a) such persons appearing to them to represent the interests of persons falling within subsection (1)(a)(i), (ii) or (iii) of that section as OFCOM think fit; and

(b) such persons providing services to which that section applies as OFCOM think fit.

(2) OFCOM must publish the code drawn up under section 303, and every revision of it, in such manner as, having regard to the need to make the code or revision accessible to—

(a) persons who are deaf or hard of hearing,

(b) persons who are blind or partially sighted, and

(c) persons with a dual sensory impairment,

they consider appropriate.

Commencement Information

I453 S. 304 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

305 Meaning of “relevant date” in s. 303 U.K.

(1) In relation to a service, the relevant date for the purposes of section 303 is—

(a) in a case to which any of subsections (2) to (4) applies, the date given by that subsection; and

(b) in any other case, the date (whether before or after the passing of this Act) when the provision of that service began or begins.

(2) In the case of a service the provision of which began before the television transfer date but which is not—

(a) a service provided by the Welsh Authority,

(b) a licensed public service channel, or

(c) a digital television programme service,

the relevant date is the date of the coming into force of this section.

(3) In the case of—

(a) a Channel 3 service the provision of which began before the date of the passing of this Act, and

(b) Channel 4 and S4C Digital,

the relevant date is 1st January 2000.

(4) In the case of Channel 5, so far as it consists of a service the provision of which began before the date of the passing of this Act, the relevant date is 1st January 1998.

(5) OFCOM may determine that a service provided by a person is to be treated for the purposes of section 303 and this section as a continuation of a service previously provided by him.

Commencement Information

I454 S. 305 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

306 Power to modify targets in s. 303 U.K.

(1) Where it appears to the Secretary of State, in the case of services of a particular description, that the obligation specified in section 303(4) has been or is likely to be fulfilled in their case before the anniversary so specified, he may by order modify section 303 so as to do one or both of the following—

(a) increase the percentage so specified in relation to services of that description;

(b) substitute a different anniversary for the anniversary by which that obligation must be fulfilled in the case of such services.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order modify section 303 so as to do one or both of the following—

(a) substitute a later anniversary for the anniversary by which the obligations specified in subsection (5) of that section must be fulfilled;

(b) substitute a higher percentage for the percentage for the time being specified in any paragraph of that subsection.

(3) The provision that may be made by an order under this section includes—

(a) modifications for requiring the code to set out additional obligations to be fulfilled once the obligations previously required to be set out in the code have been fulfilled; and

(b) savings for the obligations previously set out in the code.

(4) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM.

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

Commencement Information

I455 S. 306 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

307 Observance of code under s. 303 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every service to which this section applies includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the code maintained by them under section 303 is observed in the provision of those services.

(2) This section applies to every service to which section 303 applies which is licensed by a Broadcasting Act licence.

Commencement Information

I456 S. 307 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

308 Assistance for the visually impaired with the public teletext service U.K.

The regulatory regime for the public teletext service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing, so far as it is reasonable and practicable, by the inclusion of features in that service, to do so, that persons with disabilities affecting their sight are able to make use of the service.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 308 excluded (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 8(2) (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I457 S. 308 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Programming quotas for digital television programme services U.K.

309 Quotas for independent programmes U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every digital television programme service that is not comprised in a licensed public service channel includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that, in each year, not less than 10 per cent. of the total amount of time allocated to the broadcasting of qualifying programmes included in the service is allocated to the broadcasting of a range and diversity of independent productions.

(2) In subsection (1)—

(a) the reference to qualifying programmes is a reference to programmes of such description as the Secretary of State may by order specify as describing the programmes that are to be qualifying programmes for the purposes of that subsection;

(b) the reference to independent productions is a reference to programmes of such description as the Secretary of State may by order specify as describing the programmes that are to be independent productions for the purposes of that subsection; and

(c) the reference to a range of independent productions is a reference to a range of such productions in terms of cost of acquisition as well as in terms of the types of programme involved.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (1) by substituting a different percentage for the percentage for the time being specified in that subsection.

(4) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM.

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

(6) In this section “programme” does not include an advertisement.

Commencement Information

I458 S. 309 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Regulation of electronic programme guides U.K.

310 Code of practice for electronic programme guides U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to draw up, and from time to time to review and revise, a code giving guidance as to the practices to be followed in the provision of electronic programme guides.

(2) The practices required by the code must include the giving, in the manner provided for in the code, of such degree of prominence as OFCOM consider appropriate to—

(a) the listing or promotion, or both the listing and promotion, for members of its intended audience, of the programmes included in each public service channel; and

(b) the facilities, in the case of each such channel, for members of its intended audience to select or access the programmes included in it.

(3) The practices required by the code must also include the incorporation of such features in electronic programme guides as OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that persons with disabilities affecting their sight or hearing or both —

(a) are able, so far as practicable, to make use of such guides for all the same purposes as persons without such disabilities; and

(b) are informed about, and are able to make use of, whatever assistance for disabled people is provided in relation to the programmes listed or promoted.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), in subsection (2) the reference to the public service channels is a reference to any of the following—

(a) any service of television programmes provided by the BBC in digital form so as to be available for reception by members of the public;

(b) any Channel 3 service in digital form;

(c) Channel 4 in digital form;

(d) Channel 5 in digital form;

(e) S4C Digital;

(f) the digital public teletext service.

(5) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) add any programme service to the services for the time being specified in subsection (4) as public service channels; or

(b) delete a service from that subsection.

(6) Before making an order under subsection (5) the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM.

(7) In this section “intended audience”, in relation to a service of any description, means—

(a) if the service is provided only for a particular area or locality of the United Kingdom, members of the public in that area or locality;

(b) if it is provided for members of a particular community, members of that community; and

(c) in any other case, members of the public in the United Kingdom.

(8) In this section “electronic programme guide” means a service which consists of—

(a) the listing or promotion, or both the listing and the promotion, of some or all of the programmes included in any one or more programme services the providers of which are or include persons other than the provider of the guide; and

(b) a facility for obtaining access, in whole or in part, to the programme service or services listed or promoted in the guide.

Commencement Information

I459 S. 310 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

311 Conditions to comply with code under s. 310 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every service consisting in or including an electronic programme guide includes whatever conditions (if any) OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the code maintained by them under section 310 is observed in the provision of those services.

(2) In this section “electronic programme guide” has the same meaning as in section 310.

Commencement Information

I460 S. 311 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Character and coverage of radio services U.K.

312 Character and coverage of sound broadcasting services U.K.

(1) Section 106 of the 1990 Act (requirements as to character and coverage of local and national radio services) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), the words from “except” onwards shall be omitted.

(3) After subsection (1) (duty to ensure character preserved subject to departures that do not restrict service) there shall be inserted—

“(1A) Conditions included in a licence for the purposes of subsection (1) may provide that OFCOM may consent to a departure from the character of the licensed service if, and only if, they are satisfied—

(a) that the departure would not substantially alter the character of the service;

(b) that the departure would not narrow the range of programmes available by way of relevant independent radio services to persons living in the area or locality for which the service is licensed to be provided;

(c) that, in the case of a local licence, the departure would be conducive to the maintenance or promotion of fair and effective competition in that area or locality; or

(d) that, in the case of a local licence, there is evidence that, amongst persons living in that area or locality, there is a significant demand for, or significant support for, the change that would result from the departure.

(1B) The matters to which OFCOM must have regard in determining for the purposes of this section the character of a service provided under a local licence include, in particular, the selection of spoken material and music in programmes included in the service.”

(4) For subsection (5) (restriction on power to extend licence to new area or locality) there shall be substituted—

“(5) OFCOM shall only exercise the power conferred on them by subsection (4) if it appears to them—

(a) that to do so would not result in a significant increase of the area or locality for which the service in question is licensed to be provided; or

(b) that the increase that would result is justifiable in the exceptional circumstances of the case.”

(5) After subsection (6) of that section there shall be inserted—

“(7) In this section “relevant independent radio services” means the following services so far as they are services falling to be regulated under section 245 of the Communications Act 2003—

(a) sound broadcasting services;

(b) radio licensable content services;

(c) additional services;

but, in relation to a departure from the character of a service provided under a local licence, does not include a service that is provided otherwise than wholly or mainly for reception by persons living and working in the area or locality in question.”

Commencement Information

I461 S. 312 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

313 Consultation about change of character of local services U.K.

After section 106 of the 1990 Act there shall be inserted—

“106ZA Consultation about change of character of local services

(1) Before deciding for the purposes of a condition imposed under subsection (1A) of section 106 whether to consent to a departure from the character of a service provided under a local licence on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraphs (b) to (d) of that subsection, OFCOM must publish a notice specifying—

(a) the proposed departure; and

(b) the period in which representations may be made to OFCOM about the proposal.

(2) That period must end not less than 28 days after the date of publication of the notice.

(3) The notice must be published in such manner as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by the departure.

(4) OFCOM—

(a) are not required to publish a notice under this section, and

(b) may specify a period of less than 28 days in such a notice as the period for representations,

if they consider that the publication of the notice, or allowing a longer period for representations, would result in a delay that would be likely prejudicially to affect the interests of the licence holder.

(5) OFCOM are not required under this section—

(a) to publish any matter that is confidential in accordance with subsection (6) or (7); or

(b) to publish anything that it would not be reasonably practicable to publish without disclosing such a matter.

(6) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates specifically to the affairs of a particular body; and

(b) its publication would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that body.

(7) A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

(a) it relates specifically to the private affairs of an individual; and

(b) its publication would or might, in OFCOM’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual.”

Commencement Information

I462 S. 313 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

314 Local content and character of local sound broadcasting services U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to carry out their functions in relation to local sound broadcasting services in the manner that they consider is best calculated to secure—

(a) that programmes consisting of or including local material are included in such services but, in the case of each such service, only if and to the extent (if any) that OFCOM consider appropriate in that case; and

(b) that, where such programmes are included in such a service, what appears to OFCOM to be a suitable proportion of them consists of locally-made programmes.

(2) OFCOM must—

(a) draw up guidance as to how they consider the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) should be satisfied; and

(b) have regard to that guidance in carrying out their functions in relation to local sound broadcasting services.

(3) The guidance may be different for different descriptions of services.

(4) OFCOM may revise the guidance from time to time.

(5) Before drawing up or revising the guidance, OFCOM must consult—

(a) such persons as appear to them to represent the interests of persons for whom local sound broadcasting services are or would be provided;

(b) persons holding licences to provide local sound broadcasting services or persons appearing to represent such persons, or both; and

(c) such other persons as they consider appropriate.

(6) OFCOM must publish the guidance and every revision of it in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(7) In this section—

• “ local material”, in relation to a local sound broadcasting service, means material which is of particular interest—

  (a)

  to persons living or working within the area or locality for which the service is provided;

  (b)

  to persons living or working within a part of that area or locality; or

  (c)

  to particular communities living or working within that area or locality or a part of it;

• “locally-made”, in relation to programmes included in a local sound broadcasting service, means made wholly or partly at premises in the area or locality for which that service is provided;

• “material” includes news, information and other spoken material and music; and

• “programme” does not include an advertisement.

(8) References in this section to persons living or working within an area or locality include references to persons undergoing education or training in that area or locality.

Commencement Information

I463 S. 314 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

315 Variations of radio multiplex licences affecting service characteristics U.K.

For subsection (6) of section 54 of the 1996 Act (variations of radio multiplex licence affecting service characteristics) there shall be substituted—

“(6) Where the licence holder applies to OFCOM for the variation of a condition which—

(a) was imposed under subsection (1)(b), and

(b) relates to the characteristics of digital sound programme services to be broadcast under the licence,

then (subject to subsections (6A) and (6B)) OFCOM must vary the condition in accordance with the application.

(6A) OFCOM are not to vary a national radio multiplex licence in accordance with an application under subsection (6) if it appears to them that, if the application were granted, the capacity of the digital sound programme services broadcast under the licence to appeal to a variety of tastes and interests would be unacceptably diminished.

(6B) OFCOM are to vary a local radio multiplex licence in accordance with such an application only if they are satisfied—

(a) that the variation would not unacceptably narrow the range of programmes available by way of local digital sound programme services to persons living in the area or locality for which the licensed multiplex service is provided;

(b) that the variation would be conducive to the maintenance or promotion of fair and effective competition in that area or locality; or

(c) that there is evidence that, amongst persons living in that area or locality, there is a significant demand for, or significant support for, the change that would result from the variation.”

Commencement Information

I464 S. 315 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Competition between licensed providers etc. U.K.

316 Conditions relating to competition matters U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed service includes the conditions (if any) that OFCOM consider appropriate for ensuring fair and effective competition in the provision of licensed services or of connected services.

(2) Those conditions must include the conditions (if any) that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the provider of the service does not—

(a) enter into or maintain any arrangements, or

(b) engage in any practice,

which OFCOM consider, or would consider, to be prejudicial to fair and effective competition in the provision of licensed services or of connected services.

(3) A condition imposed under this section may require a licence holder to comply with one or both of the following—

(a) a code for the time being approved by OFCOM for the purposes of the conditions; and

(b) directions given to him by OFCOM for those purposes.

(4) In this section—

• “connected services”, in relation to licensed services, means the provision of programmes for inclusion in licensed services and any other services provided for purposes connected with, or with the provision of, licensed services; and

• “licensed service” means a service licensed by a Broadcasting Act licence.

Commencement Information

I465 S. 316 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

317 Exercise of Broadcasting Act powers for a competition purpose U.K.

(1) This section applies to the following powers of OFCOM (their “Broadcasting Act powers”)—

(a) their powers under this Part of this Act and under the 1990 Act and the 1996 Act to impose or vary the conditions of a Broadcasting Act licence;

(b) every power of theirs to give an approval for the purposes of provision contained in the conditions of such a licence;

(c) every power of theirs to give a direction to a person who is required to comply with it by the conditions of such a licence; and

(d) every power of theirs that is exercisable for the purpose of enforcing an obligation imposed by the conditions of such a licence.

(2) Before exercising any of their Broadcasting Act powers for a competition purpose, OFCOM must consider whether a more appropriate way of proceeding in relation to some or all of the matters in question would be under the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41).

(3) If OFCOM decide that a more appropriate way of proceeding in relation to a matter would be under the Competition Act 1998, they are not, to the extent of that decision, to exercise their Broadcasting Act powers in relation to that matter.

(4) If OFCOM have decided to exercise any of their Broadcasting Act powers for a competition purpose, they must, on or before doing so, give a notification of their decision.

(5) A notification under subsection (4) must—

(a) be given to such persons, or published in such manner, as appears to OFCOM to be appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by their decision; and

(b) must describe the rights conferred by subsection (6) on the persons affected by that decision.

(6) A person affected by a decision by OFCOM to exercise any of their Broadcasting Act powers for a competition purpose may appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal against so much of that decision as relates to the exercise of that power for that purpose.

(7) Sections 192(3) to (8), 195 and 196 apply in the case of an appeal under subsection (6) as they apply in the case of an appeal under section 192(2).

(8) The jurisdiction of the Competition Appeal Tribunal on an appeal under subsection (6) excludes—

(a) whether OFCOM have complied with subsection (2); and

(b) whether any of OFCOM’s Broadcasting Act powers have been exercised in contravention of subsection (3);

and, accordingly, those decisions by OFCOM on those matters fall to be questioned only in proceedings for judicial review.

(9) For the purposes of this section a power is exercised by OFCOM for a competition purpose if the only or main reason for exercising it is to secure that the holder of a Broadcasting Act licence does not—

(a) enter into or maintain arrangements, or

(b) engage in a practice,

which OFCOM consider, or would consider, to be prejudicial to fair and effective competition in the provision of licensed services or of connected services.

(10) Nothing in this section applies to—

(a) the exercise by OFCOM of any of their powers under sections 290 to 294 or Schedule 11;

(b) the exercise by them of any power for the purposes of any provision of a condition included in a licence in accordance with any of those sections;

(c) the exercise by them of any power for the purpose of enforcing such a condition.

(11) In subsection (9) “connected services” and “licensed service” each has the same meaning as in section 316.

(12) References in this section to the exercise of a power include references to an exercise of a power in pursuance of a duty imposed on OFCOM by or under an enactment.

Commencement Information

I466 S. 317 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

318 Review of powers exercised for competition purposes U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, at such intervals as they consider appropriate, to carry out a review of so much of each of the following as has effect for a competition purpose—

(a) every code made or approved by them under or for the purposes of a broadcasting provision;

(b) the guidance issued by them under or for the purposes of broadcasting provisions; and

(c) every direction given by them under or for the purposes of a broadcasting provision.

(2) Before modifying or revoking, or withdrawing their approval from, anything which is subject to periodic review under this section, OFCOM must consult such persons as they consider appropriate.

(3) Subsection (2) applies irrespective or whether the modification, revocation or withdrawal is in consequence of a review under this section.

(4) For the purposes of this section a provision has effect for a competition purpose to the extent that its only or main purpose is to secure that the holder of a Broadcasting Act licence does not—

(a) enter into or maintain arrangements, or

(b) engage in a practice,

which OFCOM consider, or would consider, to be prejudicial to fair and effective competition in the provision of licensed services or of connected services.

(5) In this section “broadcasting provision” means—

(a) a provision of this Part of this Act, of the 1990 Act or of the 1996 Act, or

(b) any provision of a Broadcasting Act licence,

other than provision contained in any of sections 290 to 294 of this Act or Schedule 11 to this Act.

Commencement Information

I467 S. 318 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Programme and fairness standards for television and radio U.K.

319 OFCOM’s standards code U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to set, and from time to time to review and revise, such standards for the content of programmes to be included in television and radio services as appear to them best calculated to secure the standards objectives.

(2) The standards objectives are—

(a) that persons under the age of eighteen are protected;

(b) that material likely to encourage or to incite the commission of crime or to lead to disorder is not included in television and radio services;

(c) that news included in television and radio services is presented with due impartiality and that the impartiality requirements of section 320 are complied with;

(d) that news included in television and radio services is reported with due accuracy;

(e) that the proper degree of responsibility is exercised with respect to the content of programmes which are religious programmes;

(f) that generally accepted standards are applied to the contents of television and radio services so as to provide adequate protection for members of the public from the inclusion in such services of offensive and harmful material;

(g) that advertising that contravenes the prohibition on political advertising set out in section 321(2) is not included in television or radio services;

(h) that the inclusion of advertising which may be misleading, harmful or offensive in television and radio services is prevented;

(i) that the international obligations of the United Kingdom with respect to advertising included in television and radio services are complied with;

(j) that the unsuitable sponsorship of programmes included in television and radio services is prevented;

(k) that there is no undue discrimination between advertisers who seek to have advertisements included in television and radio services; and

(l) that there is no use of techniques which exploit the possibility of conveying a message to viewers or listeners, or of otherwise influencing their minds, without their being aware, or fully aware, of what has occurred.

(3) The standards set by OFCOM under this section must be contained in one or more codes.

(4) In setting or revising any standards under this section, OFCOM must have regard, in particular and to such extent as appears to them to be relevant to the securing of the standards objectives, to each of the following matters—

(a) the degree of harm or offence likely to be caused by the inclusion of any particular sort of material in programmes generally, or in programmes of a particular description;

(b) the likely size and composition of the potential audience for programmes included in television and radio services generally, or in television and radio services of a particular description;

(c) the likely expectation of the audience as to the nature of a programme’s content and the extent to which the nature of a programme’s content can be brought to the attention of potential members of the audience;

(d) the likelihood of persons who are unaware of the nature of a programme’s content being unintentionally exposed, by their own actions, to that content;

(e) the desirability of securing that the content of services identifies when there is a change affecting the nature of a service that is being watched or listened to and, in particular, a change that is relevant to the application of the standards set under this section; and

(f) the desirability of maintaining the independence of editorial control over programme content.

(5) OFCOM must ensure that the standards from time to time in force under this section include—

(a) minimum standards applicable to all programmes included in television and radio services; and

(b) such other standards applicable to particular descriptions of programmes, or of television and radio services, as appear to them appropriate for securing the standards objectives.

(6) Standards set to secure the standards objective specified in subsection (2)(e) shall, in particular, contain provision designed to secure that religious programmes do not involve—

(a) any improper exploitation of any susceptibilities of the audience for such a programme; or

(b) any abusive treatment of the religious views and beliefs of those belonging to a particular religion or religious denomination.

(7) In setting standards under this section, OFCOM must take account of such of the international obligations of the United Kingdom as the Secretary of State may notify to them for the purposes of this section.

(8) In this section “news” means news in whatever form it is included in a service.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 319(1) modified (20.7.2004) by Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1975), art. 1, Sch. para. 1(a) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I468 S. 319 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

320 Special impartiality requirements U.K.

(1) The requirements of this section are—

(a) the exclusion, in the case of television and radio services (other than a restricted service within the meaning of section 245), from programmes included in any of those services of all expressions of the views or opinions of the person providing the service on any of the matters mentioned in subsection (2);

(b) the preservation, in the case of every television programme service, teletext service, national radio service and national digital sound programme service, of due impartiality, on the part of the person providing the service, as respects all of those matters;

(c) the prevention, in the case of every local radio service, local digital sound programme service or radio licensable content service, of the giving of undue prominence in the programmes included in the service to the views and opinions of particular persons or bodies on any of those matters.

(2) Those matters are—

(a) matters of political or industrial controversy; and

(b) matters relating to current public policy.

(3) Subsection (1)(a) does not require—

(a) the exclusion from television programmes of views or opinions relating to the provision of programme services; or

(b) the exclusion from radio programmes of views or opinions relating to the provision of programme services.

(4) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the requirement specified in subsection (1)(b) is one that (subject to any rules under subsection (5)) may be satisfied by being satisfied in relation to a series of programmes taken as a whole;

(b) the requirement specified in subsection (1)(c) is one that needs to be satisfied only in relation to all the programmes included in the service in question, taken as a whole.

(5) OFCOM’s standards code shall contain provision setting out the rules to be observed in connection with the following matters—

(a) the application of the requirement specified in subsection (1)(b);

(b) the determination of what, in relation to that requirement, constitutes a series of programmes for the purposes of subsection (4)(a);

(c) the application of the requirement in subsection (1)(c).

(6) Any provision made for the purposes of subsection (5)(a) must, in particular, take account of the need to ensure the preservation of impartiality in relation to the following matters (taking each matter separately)—

(a) matters of major political or industrial controversy, and

(b) major matters relating to current public policy,

as well as of the need to ensure that the requirement specified in subsection (1)(b) is satisfied generally in relation to a series of programmes taken as a whole.

(7) In this section “national radio service” and “local radio service” mean, respectively, a sound broadcasting service which is a national service within the meaning of section 245 and a sound broadcasting service which is a local service within the meaning of that section.

Commencement Information

I469 S. 320 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

321 Objectives for advertisements and sponsorship U.K.

(1) Standards set by OFCOM to secure the objectives mentioned in section 319(2)(a) and (g) to (j)—

(a) must include general provision governing standards and practice in advertising and in the sponsoring of programmes; and

(b) may include provision prohibiting advertisements and forms and methods of advertising or sponsorship (whether generally or in particular circumstances).

(2) For the purposes of section 319(2)(g) an advertisement contravenes the prohibition on political advertising if it is—

(a) an advertisement which is inserted by or on behalf of a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political nature;

(b) an advertisement which is directed towards a political end; or

(c) an advertisement which has a connection with an industrial dispute.

(3) For the purposes of this section objects of a political nature and political ends include each of the following—

(a) influencing the outcome of elections or referendums, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere;

(b) bringing about changes of the law in the whole or a part of the United Kingdom or elsewhere, or otherwise influencing the legislative process in any country or territory;

(c) influencing the policies or decisions of local, regional or national governments, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere;

(d) influencing the policies or decisions of persons on whom public functions are conferred by or under the law of the United Kingdom or of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom;

(e) influencing the policies or decisions of persons on whom functions are conferred by or under international agreements;

(f) influencing public opinion on a matter which, in the United Kingdom, is a matter of public controversy;

(g) promoting the interests of a party or other group of persons organised, in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, for political ends.

(4) OFCOM—

(a) shall, in relation to programme services, have a general responsibility with respect to advertisements and methods of advertising and sponsorship; and

(b) in the discharge of that responsibility may include conditions in any licence which is granted by them for any such service that enable OFCOM to impose requirements with respect to any of those matters that go beyond the provisions of OFCOM’s standards code.

(5) OFCOM must, from time to time, consult the Secretary of State about—

(a) the descriptions of advertisements that should not be included in programme services; and

(b) the forms and methods of advertising and sponsorship that should not be employed in, or in connection with, the provision of such services.

(6) The Secretary of State may give OFCOM directions as to the matters mentioned in subsection (5); and it shall be the duty of OFCOM to comply with any such direction.

(7) Provision included by virtue of this section in standards set under section 319 is not to apply to, or to be construed as prohibiting the inclusion in a programme service of—

(a) an advertisement of a public service nature inserted by, or on behalf of, a government department; or

(b) a party political or referendum campaign broadcast the inclusion of which is required by a condition imposed under section 333 or by paragraph 18 of Schedule 12 to this Act.

(8) In this section “programme service” does not include a service provided by the BBC.

Commencement Information

I470 S. 321 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

322 Supplementary powers relating to advertising U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for each of the following—

(a) every television programme service licensed by a Broadcasting Act licence,

(b) the public teletext service, and

(c) every other teletext service so licensed that consists in an additional television service or a digital additional television service,

includes a condition requiring the person providing the service to comply with every direction given to him by OFCOM with respect to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) Those matters are—

(a) the maximum amount of time to be given to advertisements in any hour or other period;

(b) the minimum interval which must elapse between any two periods given over to advertisements;

(c) the number of such periods to be allowed in any programme or in any hour or day; and

(d) the exclusion of advertisements from a specified part of a licensed service.

(3) Directions under this section—

(a) may be either general or specific;

(b) may be qualified or unqualified; and

(c) may make different provision for different parts of the day, different days of the week, different types of programmes or for other differing circumstances.

(4) In giving a direction under this section, OFCOM must take account of such of the international obligations of the United Kingdom as the Secretary of State may notify to them for the purposes of this section.

Commencement Information

I471 S. 322 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

323 Modification of matters to be taken into account under s. 319 U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order modify the list of matters in section 319(4) to which OFCOM are to have regard when setting or revising standards.

(2) Before making an order under this section, the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM.

(3) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (1) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Commencement Information

I472 S. 323 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

324 Setting and publication of standards U.K.

(1) Before setting standards under section 319, OFCOM must publish, in such manner as they think fit, a draft of the proposed code containing those standards.

(2) After publishing the draft code and before setting the standards, OFCOM must consult every person who holds a relevant licence and such of the following as they think fit—

(a) persons appearing to OFCOM to represent the interests of those who watch television programmes;

(b) persons appearing to OFCOM to represent the interests of those who make use of teletext services; and

(c) persons appearing to OFCOM to represent the interests of those who listen to sound programmes.

(3) After publishing the draft code and before setting the standards, OFCOM must also consult—

(a) the Welsh Authority, about so much of the draft code as relates to television programme services;

(b) the BBC, about so much of the draft code as contains standards other than those for advertising or sponsorship; and

(c) such of the persons mentioned in subsection (4) as OFCOM think fit, about so much of the draft code as contains standards for advertising or sponsorship.

(4) Those persons are—

(a) persons appearing to OFCOM to represent the interests of those who will have to take account of the contents of the proposed standards for advertising or sponsorship;

(b) bodies and associations appearing to OFCOM to be concerned with the application of standards of conduct in advertising; and

(c) professional organisations appearing to OFCOM to be qualified to give relevant advice in relation to the advertising of particular products.

(5) If it appears to OFCOM that a body exists which represents the interests of a number of the persons who hold relevant licences, they may perform their duty under subsection (2) of consulting such persons, so far as it relates to the persons whose interests are so represented, by consulting that body.

(6) OFCOM may set standards under section 319 either—

(a) in the terms proposed in a draft code published under subsection (1); or

(b) with such modifications as OFCOM consider appropriate in the light of the consultation carried out as a result of subsections (2) to (5).

(7) Subsections (1) to (6) apply to a proposal by OFCOM to revise standards set under section 319 as they apply to a proposal to set such standards.

(8) Where OFCOM set standards under section 319, they must publish the code containing the standards in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by the standards.

(9) Where OFCOM revise standards set under section 319, they shall so publish the code containing the standards as revised.

(10) Where OFCOM publish a code under subsection (8) or (9), they shall send a copy of it—

(a) to the Secretary of State;

(b) except in the case of a code containing standards for advertising or sponsorship, to the BBC; and

(c) if the code relates to television programme services, to the Welsh Authority.

(11) A code (or draft code) contains standards for advertising or sponsorship for the purposes of this section to the extent that it sets standards under section 319 for securing any of the objectives mentioned in any of paragraphs (g) to (k) of subsection (2) of that section.

(12) In this section “relevant licence”, in relation to a draft code, means—

(a) to the extent that the draft code relates to

(i) television programme services,

(ii) the public teletext service, or

(iii) an additional television service,

a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act (independent television services), under section 18 of the 1996 Act (digital television programme services) under section 25 of that Act (digital additional television services) or under section 219 of this Act; and

(b) to the extent that the draft code relates to radio programme services, any licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act (independent radio services), under section 60 of the 1996 Act (digital sound programme service) or under section 64 of that Act (digital additional services).

Commencement Information

I473 S. 324 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

325 Observance of standards code U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every programme service licensed by a Broadcasting Act licence includes conditions for securing—

(a) that standards set under section 319 are observed in the provision of that service; and

(b) that procedures for the handling and resolution of complaints about the observance of those standards are established and maintained.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM themselves to establish procedures for the handling and resolution of complaints about the observance of standards set under section 319.

(3) OFCOM may from time to time make a report to the Secretary of State on any issues with respect to OFCOM’s standards code which—

(a) have been identified by them in the course of carrying out their functions; and

(b) appear to them to raise questions of general broadcasting policy.

(4) The conditions of a licence which is granted by OFCOM for a programme service must, for the purpose of securing compliance—

(a) with OFCOM’s standards code, so far as it relates to advertising and the sponsorship of programmes, and

(b) with any such requirements as are mentioned in section 321(4) which relate to advertising and sponsorship but go beyond that code,

include a condition requiring the licence holder to comply with every direction given to him by OFCOM with respect to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (5).

(5) Those matters are—

(a) the exclusion from the service of a particular advertisement, or its exclusion in particular circumstances;

(b) the descriptions of advertisements and methods of advertising to be excluded from the service (whether generally or in particular circumstances); and

(c) the forms and methods of sponsorship to be excluded from the service (whether generally or in particular circumstances).

(6) OFCOM’s powers and duties under this section are not to be construed as restricting any power of theirs, apart from this section—

(a) to include conditions with respect to the content of programmes included in any service in the licence to provide that service; or

(b) to include conditions in a licence requiring the holder of a licence to comply with directions given by OFCOM or by any other person.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 325(2) modified (20.7.2004) by Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1975), art. 1, Sch. para. 1(b) (with art. 5)

C14 S. 325(4) modified (20.7.2004) by Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1975), art. 1, Sch. para. 1(c) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I474 S. 325 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

326 Duty to observe fairness code U.K.

The regulatory regime for every programme service licensed by a Broadcasting Act licence includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing observance—

(a) in connection with the provision of that service, and

(b) in relation to the programmes included in that service,

of the code for the time being in force under section 107 of the 1996 Act (the fairness code).

Commencement Information

I475 S. 326 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

327 Standards with respect to fairness U.K.

(1) Part 5 of the 1996 Act (functions of the Broadcasting Standards Commission which are transferred to OFCOM so far as they relate to codes of practice and complaints with respect to fairness and privacy) shall be amended as follows.

(2) No person shall be entitled to make a standards complaint under that Part at any time after the coming into force of this section, and no person shall be required to entertain any such complaint that is so made.

(3) In section 115 (consideration of fairness complaint)—

(a) in subsection (4) (matters to be provided in response to a fairness complaint), after paragraph (d) there shall be inserted—

“(da) to provide OFCOM with such other things appearing to OFCOM to be relevant to their consideration of the complaint, and to be in the possession of the relevant person, as may be specified or described by OFCOM;”

(b) in subsection (7) (requests in relation to which the relevant person is required to secure the compliance of another), after paragraph (c) there shall be inserted—

“(ca) a request to provide OFCOM with such other things appearing to OFCOM to be relevant to their consideration of the complaint, and to be in the possession of the person requested, as may be specified or described by OFCOM;”.

(4) For subsection (7) of section 119 (directions on determination of fairness complaint) there shall be substituted—

“(7) The regulatory regime for every licensed service includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the licence holder complies with every direction given to him under this section.

(7A) Section 263 of the Communications Act 2003 applies in relation to conditions included by virtue of subsection (7) in the regulatory regime for a licensed service as it applies in relation to conditions which are so included by virtue of a provision of Chapter 4 of Part 3 of that Act.

(7B) It is hereby declared that, where—

(a) OFCOM exercise their powers under this Part to adjudicate upon a fairness complaint or to give a direction under subsection (1), and

(b) it appears to them that the matters to which the complaint in question relates consist in or include a contravention of the conditions of the licence for a licensed service,

the exercise by OFCOM of their powers under this Part is not to preclude the exercise by them of their powers under any other enactment in respect of the contravention.

(7C) Where OFCOM are proposing to exercise any of their powers in respect of a contravention of a licence condition in a case in which the contravention relates to matters that have been the subject-matter of a fairness complaint—

(a) OFCOM may have regard, in the exercise of those powers, to any matters considered or steps taken by them for the purpose of adjudicating upon that complaint and to any direction given by them under this section; but

(b) steps taken for the purposes of this Part do not satisfy a requirement to give the licence holder in relation to whom those powers are to be exercised a reasonable opportunity, before they are exercised, of making representations to OFCOM.”

(5) For subsection (2) of section 120 of that Act (reports on supplementary action taken in response to findings on fairness complaint) there shall be substituted—

“(2) Where the relevant programme was included in a licensed service, the licence holder shall send to OFCOM a report of any supplementary action taken by him or by any other person responsible for the making or provision of the relevant programme.”

Commencement Information

I476 S. 327 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

328 Duty to publicise OFCOM’s functions in relation to complaints U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every programme service licensed by a Broadcasting Act licence includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that—

(a) the procedures which, by virtue of section 325, are established and maintained for handling and resolving complaints about the observance of standards set under section 319, and

(b) their functions under Part 5 of the 1996 Act in relation to that service,

are brought to the attention of the public (whether by means of broadcasts or otherwise).

(2) Conditions included in a licence by virtue of subsection (1) may require the holder of the licence to comply with every direction given to him by OFCOM for the purpose mentioned in that subsection.

Commencement Information

I477 S. 328 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Power to proscribe unacceptable foreign television and radio services U.K.

329 Proscription orders U.K.

(1) Where—

(a) a foreign service to which this section applies comes to OFCOM’s attention, and

(b) they consider that the service is unacceptable and should be the subject of an order under this section,

they must send a notification to the Secretary of State giving details of the service and their reasons for considering that an order should be made.

(2) A service is not to be considered unacceptable by OFCOM unless they are satisfied that—

(a) programmes containing objectionable matter are included in the service; and

(b) that the inclusion of objectionable matter in programmes so included is occurring repeatedly.

(3) Matter is objectionable for the purposes of subsection (2) only if—

(a) it offends against taste or decency;

(b) it is likely to encourage or to incite the commission of crime;

(c) it is likely to lead to disorder; or

(d) it is likely to be offensive to public feeling.

(4) Where the Secretary of State has received a notification under this section in the case of a service, he may make an order—

(a) identifying the service in such manner as he thinks fit; and

(b) proscribing it.

(5) The Secretary of State is not to make an order proscribing a service unless he is satisfied that the making of the order is—

(a) in the public interest; and

(b) compatible with the international obligations of the United Kingdom.

(6) The television and sound services to which this section applies are—

(a) television licensable content services provided otherwise than by broadcasting from a satellite;

(b) digital television programme services;

(c) digital additional television services;

(d) radio licensable sound services provided otherwise than by being broadcast from a satellite;

(e) digital sound programme services; and

(f) digital additional sound services.

(7) A service to which this section applies is a foreign service if it—

(a) is a service capable of being received in the United Kingdom for the provision of which no Broadcasting Act licence is either in force or required to be in force; but

(b) is also a service for the provision of which such a licence would be required—

(i) in the case of a service falling within subsection (6)(a) to (c), if the person providing it were under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom for the purposes of the [F39 Audiovisual Media Services Directive] ; and

(ii) in any other case, if the person providing it provided it from a place in the United Kingdom or were a person whose principal place of business is in the United Kingdom.

Textual Amendments

F39 Words in s. 329(7)(b)(i) substituted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 8(b)

Commencement Information

I478 S. 329 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

330 Effect of proscription order U.K.

(1) This section applies where a service is for the time being proscribed by an order under section 329.

(2) The proscribed service is not to be included in—

(a) a multiplex service; or

(b) a cable package.

(3) In this section “multiplex service” means a television multiplex service, a radio multiplex service or a general multiplex service.

(4) In this section “cable package” means (subject to subsection (5)) a service by means of which programme services are packaged together with a view to their being distributed—

(a) by means of an electronic communications service;

(b) so as to be available for reception by members of the public in the United Kingdom; and

(c) without the final delivery of the programme services to the persons to whom they are distributed being by wireless telegraphy.

(5) Programme services distributed by means of an electronic communications service do not form part of a cable package if—

(a) the distribution of those services forms only part of a service provided by means of that electronic communications service; and

(b) the purposes for which the service of which it forms a part is provided do not consist wholly or mainly in making available television programmes or radio programmes (or both) for reception by members of the public.

Commencement Information

I479 S. 330 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

331 Notification for enforcing proscription U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM determine that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there has been a contravention of section 330 in relation to a multiplex service or a cable package, they may give a notification under this section to—

(a) the provider of that multiplex service; or

(b) the person providing the cable package.

(2) A notification under this section is one which—

(a) sets out the determination made by OFCOM; and

(b) requires the person to whom it is given to secure that the proscribed service (so long as it remains proscribed) is not—

(i) included in the notified person’s multiplex service, or

(ii) distributed as part of his cable package,

at any time more than seven days after the day of the giving of the notification.

(3) If it is reasonably practicable for a person to whom a notification is given under this section to secure that the proscribed service ceases to be included in that person’s multiplex service, or to be distributed as part of his cable package, before the end of that seven days, then he must do so.

(4) It shall be the duty of a person to whom a notification is given under this section to comply with the requirements imposed by the notification and by subsection (3).

(5) That duty shall be enforceable in civil proceedings by OFCOM—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988 (c. 36); or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

(6) In this section “cable package” and “multiplex service” each has the same meaning as in section 330.

Commencement Information

I480 S. 331 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

332 Penalties for contravention of notification under s. 331 U.K.

(1) OFCOM may impose a penalty on a person who contravenes a requirement imposed on him by or under section 331.

(2) Before imposing a penalty on a person under this section OFCOM must give him a reasonable opportunity of making representations to them about their proposal to impose the penalty.

(3) The amount of the penalty imposed on a person is to be such amount not exceeding £5,000 as OFCOM determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(4) In making that determination OFCOM must have regard to—

(a) any representations made to them by the person notified under section 331; and

(b) any steps taken by him for complying with the requirements imposed on him under that section.

(5) Where OFCOM impose a penalty on a person under this section, they shall—

(a) notify the person penalised; and

(b) in that notification, fix a reasonable period after it is given as the period within which the penalty is to be paid.

(6) A penalty imposed under this section must be paid to OFCOM within the period fixed by them.

(7) 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 (3).

(8) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (7) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(9) For the purposes of this section there is a separate contravention in respect of every day on which the proscribed service is at any time included in a person’s multiplex service or distributed as part of his cable package.

(10) In this section “multiplex service” and “cable package” each has the same meaning as in section 330.

Commencement Information

I481 S. 332 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Party political broadcasts on television and radio U.K.

333 Party political broadcasts U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every licensed public service channel, and the regulatory regime for every national radio service, includes—

(a) conditions requiring the inclusion in that channel or service of party political broadcasts and of referendum campaign broadcasts; and

(b) conditions requiring that licence holder to observe such rules with respect to party political broadcasts and referendum campaign broadcasts as may be made by OFCOM.

(2) The rules made by OFCOM for the purposes of this section may, in particular, include provision for determining—

(a) the political parties on whose behalf party political broadcasts may be made;

(b) in relation to each political party on whose behalf such broadcasts may be made, the length and frequency of the broadcasts; and

(c) in relation to each designated organisation on whose behalf referendum campaign broadcasts are required to be broadcast, the length and frequency of such broadcasts.

(3) Those rules are to have effect subject to sections 37 and 127 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41) (only registered parties and designated organisations to be entitled to party political broadcasts or referendum campaign broadcasts).

(4) Rules made by OFCOM for the purposes of this section may make different provision for different cases.

(5) Before making any rules for the purposes of this section, OFCOM must have regard to any views expressed by the Electoral Commission.

(6) In this section—

• “designated organisation”, in relation to a referendum, means a person or body designated by the Electoral Commission under section 108 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41) in respect of that referendum;

• “national radio service” means a national service within the meaning of section 245 of this Act; and

• “referendum campaign broadcast” has the meaning given by section 127 of that Act.

Commencement Information

I482 S. 333 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Monitoring of programmes U.K.

334 Retention and production of recordings U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every programme service licensed by a Broadcasting Act licence includes conditions imposing on the provider of the service—

(a) a requirement in respect of every programme included in the service to retain a recording of the programme in a specified form and for a specified period after its inclusion;

(b) a requirement to comply with any request by OFCOM to produce to them for examination or reproduction a recording retained in pursuance of the conditions in the licence; and

(c) a requirement, if the provider is able to do so, to comply with any request by OFCOM to produce to them a script or transcript of a programme included in the programme service.

(2) The period specified for the purposes of a condition under subsection (1)(a) must be—

(a) in the case of a programme included in a television programme service, a period not exceeding ninety days; and

(b) in the case of a programme included in a radio programme service, a period not exceeding forty-two days.

(3) For the purpose of maintaining supervision of the programmes included in programme services, OFCOM may themselves make and use recordings of those programmes or any part of them.

(4) Nothing in this Part is to be construed as requiring OFCOM, in the carrying out of their functions under this Part as respects programme services and the programmes included in them, to view or listen to programmes in advance of their being included in such services.

Commencement Information

I483 S. 334 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

International obligations U.K.

335 Conditions securing compliance with international obligations U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every service to which this section applies includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for securing that the relevant international obligations of the United Kingdom are complied with.

(2) In this section “relevant international obligations of the United Kingdom” means the international obligations of the United Kingdom which have been notified to OFCOM by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section.

(3) This section applies to the following services—

(a) any Channel 3 service;

(b) Channel 4;

(c) Channel 5;

(d) the public teletext service;

(e) any television licensable content service;

(f) any digital television programme service;

(g) any additional television service;

(h) any digital additional television service;

(i) any restricted television service.

(4) The conditions included in any licence in accordance with the other provisions of this Chapter are in addition to any conditions included in that licence in pursuance of this section and have effect subject to them.

Commencement Information

I484 S. 335 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

[F40 Co-operation with other Member States U.K.

Textual Amendments

F40 S. 335A and cross-heading inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 7

335A Co-operation with other Member States U.K.

(1) Where OFCOM—

(a) receive under Article 3 of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive a request from another member State relating to a relevant broadcaster, and

(b) consider that the request is substantiated, they must ask the broadcaster to comply with the rule identified in that request.

(2) In this section “relevant broadcaster” means—

(a) the BBC;

(b) C4C;

(c) the Welsh Authority; or

(d) the holder of—

(i) a Channel 3 licence;

(ii) a Channel 5 licence; or

(iii) a licence to provide any relevant regulated television service within the meaning of section 13(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1990.]

Government requirements for licensed services U.K.

336 Government requirements for licensed services U.K.

(1) If it appears to the Secretary of State or any other Minister of the Crown to be appropriate to do so in connection with any of his functions, the Secretary of State or that Minister may at any time by notice require OFCOM to give a direction under subsection (2).

(2) A direction under this subsection is a direction to the holders of the Broadcasting Act licences specified in the notice under subsection (1) to include an announcement so specified in their licensed services.

(3) The direction may specify the times at which the announcement is to be broadcast or otherwise transmitted.

(4) Where the holder of a Broadcasting Act licence includes an announcement in his licensed service in pursuance of a direction under this section, he may announce that he is doing so in pursuance of such a direction.

(5) The Secretary of State may, at any time, by notice require OFCOM to direct the holders of the Broadcasting Act licences specified in the notice to refrain from including in their licensed services any matter, or description of matter, specified in the notice.

(6) Where—

(a) OFCOM have given the holder of a Broadcasting Act licence a direction in accordance with a notice under subsection (5),

(b) in consequence of the revocation by the Secretary of State of such a notice, OFCOM have revoked such a direction, or

(c) such a notice has expired,

the holder of the licence in question may include in the licensed service an announcement of the giving or revocation of the direction or of the expiration of the notice, as the case may be.

(7) OFCOM must comply with every requirement contained in a notice under this section.

(8) The powers conferred by this section are in addition to any powers specifically conferred on the Secretary of State by or under this Act or any other enactment.

(9) In this section “Minister of the Crown” includes the Treasury.

Commencement Information

I485 S. 336 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Equal opportunities and training U.K.

337 Promotion of equal opportunities and training U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every service to which this section applies includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for requiring the licence holder to make arrangements for promoting, in relation to employment with the licence holder, equality of opportunity—

(a) between men and women; and

(b) between persons of different racial groups.

(2) That regime includes conditions requiring the licence holder to make arrangements for promoting, in relation to employment with the licence holder, the equalisation of opportunities for disabled persons.

(3) The regulatory regime for every service to which this section applies includes the conditions that OFCOM consider appropriate for requiring the licence holder to make arrangements for the training and retraining of persons whom he employs, in or in connection with—

(a) the provision of the licensed service; or

(b) the making of programmes to be included in that service.

(4) The conditions imposed by virtue of subsections (1) to (3) must contain provision, in relation to the arrangements made in pursuance of those conditions, requiring the person providing the service in question—

(a) to take appropriate steps to make those affected by the arrangements aware of them (including such publication of the arrangements as may be required in accordance with the conditions);

(b) from time to time, to review the arrangements; and

(c) from time to time (and at least annually) to publish, in such manner as he considers appropriate, his observations on the current operation and effectiveness of the arrangements.

(5) The conditions imposed by virtue of this section may include provision for treating obligations to make the arrangements mentioned in subsections (1) to (3), or to do anything mentioned in subsection (4), as discharged where a member of a group of companies to which the licence holder belongs—

(a) has made the required arrangements in relation to employment with the licence holder; or

(b) has done anything required by subsection (4) in relation to those arrangements.

(6) This section applies to a service if—

(a) it is a service the provision of which is authorised by a Broadcasting Act licence; and

(b) the requirements of both subsections (7) and (8) are satisfied in the case of that service.

(7) The requirements of this subsection are satisfied in the case of a service provided by a person if—

(a) that person employs, or is likely to employ, more than the threshold number of individuals in connection with the provision of licensed services; or

(b) the threshold number is exceeded by the aggregate number of individuals who are, or are likely to be, employed in that connection by members of a group of companies comprising that person and one or more other bodies corporate.

(8) The requirements of this subsection are satisfied in the case of a service if the licence authorising the provision of that service authorises either that service or another service authorised by that licence to be provided on a number of days in any year which exceeds the threshold number of days (whether or not the service is in fact provided on those days).

(9) In this section—

• “disabled” has the same meaning as in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c. 50);

• “licensed service”, in relation to an employee or likely employee of a person, means a service the provision of which—

  (a)

  by that person, or

  (b)

  by a body corporate which is a member of the same group of companies as that person,

  is authorised by a Broadcasting Act licence;

• “racial group” has the same meaning as in the Race Relations Act 1976 (c. 74) or, in Northern Ireland, the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/869 (N.I. 6));

• “the threshold number” means—

  (a)

  in relation to individuals, twenty; and

  (b)

  in relation to days, thirty-one.

(10) For the purposes of this section a person is a member of a group of companies to which a person licensed to provide a service belongs if, and only if, both of them are bodies corporate and either—

(a) one of them is controlled by the other; or

(b) both of them are controlled by the same person.

(11) In subsection (10) “controlled” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act.

(12) The Secretary of State may, by order—

(a) amend subsection (1) by adding any other form of equality of opportunity that he considers appropriate;

(b) amend the definition of “the threshold number” in subsection (9).

(13) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (12) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Commencement Information

I486 S. 337 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Corresponding rules for the BBC and Welsh Authority U.K.

338 Corresponding rules for the BBC and the Welsh Authority U.K.

Schedule 12 (which provides for the imposition on the BBC and the Welsh Authority of obligations corresponding to obligations included in the regulatory regime for licensed providers) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I487 S. 338 in force at 29.12.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Enforcement against the Welsh Authority U.K.

339 Review of fulfilment by Welsh Authority of public service remits U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may carry out a review of the performance by the Welsh Authority of their duty to secure that each of the following public service remits—

(a) that for S4C;

(b) that for S4C Digital; and

(c) that for each of the television programme services provided by them with the approval of the Secretary of State under section 205,

is fulfilled in relation the services to which it applies.

(2) The first review carried out under this section—

(a) shall be a review relating to the period since the passing of this Act; and

(b) must not be carried out before the end of the period of five years beginning with the day of the passing of this Act.

(3) A subsequent review—

(a) shall be a review relating to the period since the end of the period to which the previous review related; and

(b) must not be carried out less than five years after the day of the publication of the report of the previous review.

(4) On a review under this section the Secretary of State—

(a) shall consult the National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Authority on the matters under review; and

(b) shall have regard to their opinions when reaching his conclusions.

(5) The Secretary of State shall also consult such other persons as he considers are likely to be affected by whether, and in what manner, the Welsh Authority perform the duty mentioned in subsection (1).

(6) As soon as practicable after the conclusion of a review under this section the Secretary of State must publish a report of his conclusions.

Commencement Information

I488 S. 339 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

340 Directions to Welsh Authority to take remedial action U.K.

(1) This section applies if the Secretary of State’s conclusions on a review under section 339 include a finding—

(a) that the Welsh Authority has failed in any respect to perform their duty to secure that the public service remit for a service mentioned in that section is fulfilled; and

(b) that there is no reasonable excuse for the failure.

(2) The Secretary of State may give the Welsh Authority general or specific directions requiring them to take the steps that he considers will ensure that the Authority perform their duty properly in future.

(3) The Secretary of State is not to give a direction under this section unless a draft of the proposed direction has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(4) Before laying a proposed direction before Parliament, the Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Authority.

(5) It shall be the duty of the Welsh Authority to comply with every direction under this section.

Commencement Information

I489 S. 340 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

341 Imposition of penalties on the Welsh Authority U.K.

(1) This section applies to the following requirements so far as they are imposed on the Welsh Authority in relation to services provided by them—

(a) the requirements imposed by or under paragraphs 7 and 8 of Schedule 12 (programme quotas);

(b) the requirements imposed by paragraph 9(1) and (3) of that Schedule (news and current affairs);

(c) the requirements imposed by paragraph 10 of that Schedule (code relating to programme commissioning) or by a direction under sub-paragraph (3)(d) of that paragraph;

(d) the requirement imposed by virtue of paragraph 12 of that Schedule to comply with standards set under section 319, so far as that requirement relates to standards set otherwise than for the purpose of securing the objectives set out in subsection (2)(c) or (d) of that section;

(e) the requirements imposed by paragraphs 14 and 16 of that Schedule (advertising or sponsorship) to comply with a direction under those paragraphs;

(f) the requirement imposed by paragraph 17 of that Schedule (observance of the fairness code);

(g) the requirement imposed by paragraph 19 of that Schedule (publicising complaints procedure);

(h) the requirement imposed by paragraph 20 of that Schedule (monitoring of programmes);

(i) the requirement imposed by paragraph 21 of that Schedule (international obligations) to comply with a direction under that paragraph;

(j) the requirement under paragraph 22 of that Schedule (assistance for disabled people) to comply with the code for the time being in force under section 303;

[F41 (ja) the requirement imposed by paragraph 23A of that Schedule (complaints procedures for on-demand programme services) to comply with a direction under that paragraph;

(jb) the requirements imposed by section 368D and section 368Q(3) (on-demand programme services), except the requirement imposed by section 368D(1) so far as it relates to advertising [F42 and the requirement imposed by section 368D(3)(za)] .]

(k) the requirement to comply with a direction under section 119(1) of the 1996 Act (directions in respect of fairness matters).

(2) If OFCOM are satisfied that there has been a contravention of a requirement to which this section applies, they may serve on the Welsh Authority a notice requiring the Authority, within the specified period, to pay OFCOM a specified penalty.

(3) The amount of the penalty must not exceed £250,000.

(4) OFCOM are not to serve a notice on the Welsh Authority under this section unless they have given them a reasonable opportunity of making representations to OFCOM about the matters appearing to OFCOM to provide grounds for the service of the notice.

(5) An exercise by OFCOM of their powers under this section does not preclude any exercise by them of their powers under paragraph 15 of Schedule 12 in respect of the same contravention.

(6) The Secretary of State may by order substitute a different sum for the sum for the time being specified in subsection (3).

(7) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (6) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 341(1)(ja)(jb) inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 5

F42 Words in s. 341(1)(jb) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 14(7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 341(2) modified (20.7.2004) by Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1975), art. 1, Sch. para. 5 (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I490 S. 341 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

342 Contraventions recorded in Welsh Authority’s annual report U.K.

In paragraph 13 of Schedule 6 to the 1990 Act (annual report of the Welsh Authority)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (2), the words from “and shall include” onwards shall be omitted; and

(b) after that sub-paragraph there shall be inserted—

“(3) The report shall also—

(a) set out every contravention notification given by OFCOM to the Authority during the year; and

(b) include such other information (including information relating to the Authority’s financial position) as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.

(4) In sub-paragraph (3), “contravention notification” means a notification of a determination by OFCOM of a contravention by the Authority of any obligation imposed by or under this Act, the 1996 Act or Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003.”

Commencement Information

I491 S. 342 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

343 Provision of information by Welsh Authority U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of the Welsh Authority to comply with every direction given to them by OFCOM to provide OFCOM with information falling within subsection (2).

(2) The information that the Welsh Authority may be directed to provide is any information which OFCOM may reasonably require for the purposes of carrying out their functions in relation to the Welsh Authority under this Act, the 1990 Act or the 1996 Act.

(3) Information that is required to be provided by a direction under this section must be provided in such manner and at such times as may be required by the direction.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 343 modified (20.7.2004) by Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1975), arts. 1, 10(1)(b) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I492 S. 343 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Enforcement of licence conditions U.K.

344 Transmission of statement of findings U.K.

(1) Sections 40 and 109 of the 1990 Act (power to direct licensee to broadcast correction or apology) shall be amended as follows.

(2) For “apology”, wherever occurring, there shall be substituted “ a statement of findings ”.

(3) After subsection (5), there shall be inserted—

“(6) For the purposes of this section a statement of findings, in relation to a case in which OFCOM are satisfied that the holder of a licence has contravened the conditions of his licence, is a statement of OFCOM’s findings in relation to that contravention.”

Commencement Information

I493 S. 344 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

345 Financial penalties imposable on licence holders U.K.

Schedule 13 (which modifies the maximum penalties that may be imposed on the holders of Broadcasting Act licences) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I494 S. 345 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

346 Recovery of fees and penalties U.K.

(1) This section applies to the following amounts—

(a) any amount payable to OFCOM under a Broadcasting Act licence;

(b) the amount of a penalty imposed by OFCOM under Part 1 or 3 of the 1990 Act, Part 1 or 2 of the 1996 Act or this Part of this Act.

(2) Every amount to which this section applies shall be recoverable by OFCOM as a debt due to them from the person obliged to pay it.

(3) The following liabilities—

(a) a person’s liability to have a penalty imposed on him under Part 1 or 3 of the 1990 Act, Part 1 or 2 of the 1996 Act or this Part in respect of acts or omissions of his occurring while he was the holder of a Broadcasting Act licence, and

(b) a liability of a person as the holder of such a licence to pay an amount to which this section applies,

are not affected by that person’s Broadcasting Act licence having ceased (for any reason) to be in force before the imposition of the penalty or the payment of that amount.

Commencement Information

I495 S. 346 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Broadcasting Act licence fees U.K.

347 Statement of charging principles U.K.

(1) OFCOM are not to fix a tariff under section 4(3) or 87(3) of the 1990 Act or under section 4(3) or 43(3) of the 1996 Act (tariffs for fees payable under Broadcasting Act licences for recovering OFCOM’s costs) unless—

(a) at the time they do so, there is in force a statement of the principles that OFCOM are proposing to apply in fixing that tariff; and

(b) the tariff is fixed in accordance with those principles.

(2) Those principles must be such as appear to OFCOM to be likely to secure, on the basis of such estimates of the likely costs that it is practicable for them to make—

(a) that the aggregate amount of the Broadcasting Act licence fees that are required to be paid to OFCOM during a financial year is sufficient to enable them to meet, but does not exceed, the cost to them of the carrying out during that year of their functions relating to the regulation of broadcasting;

(b) that the requirement imposed by virtue of paragraph (a) is satisfied by the application to such fees of tariffs that are justifiable and proportionate to the matters in respect of which they are imposed; and

(c) that the relationship between meeting the cost of carrying out those functions and the tariffs applied to such fees is transparent.

(3) Before making or revising a statement of principles OFCOM must consult such of the persons who, in OFCOM’s opinion, are likely to be affected by those principles as they think fit.

(4) The making or revision of a statement of principles for the purposes of this section has to be by the publication of the statement, or revised statement, in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(5) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, OFCOM must publish a statement setting out, for that year—

(a) the aggregate amount received by them during that year in respect of Broadcasting Act licence fees required to be paid during that year;

(b) the aggregate amount outstanding and likely to be paid or recovered in respect of Broadcasting Act licence fees that are required to be so paid; and

(c) the cost to OFCOM of the carrying out during that year of their functions relating to the regulation of broadcasting.

(6) Any deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by a statement under subsection (5) shall be—

(a) carried forward; and

(b) taken into account in determining what is required to satisfy the requirement imposed by virtue of subsection (2)(a) in relation to the following year.

(7) References in this section to OFCOM’s functions relating to the regulation of broadcasting do not include references to any of their functions in relation to the BBC or the Welsh Authority.

(8) In this section—

• “Broadcasting Act licence fee” means a fee required to be paid to OFCOM in pursuance of conditions included in a Broadcasting Act licence under any of the following provisions—

  (a)

  section 4(1)(b) or 87(1)(c) of the 1990 Act; or

  (b)

  section 4(1)(b) or 43(1)(c) of the 1996 Act;

• “financial year” means a period of twelve months ending with 31st March.

Commencement Information

I496 S. 347 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Chapter 5 U.K. Media ownership and control

Restrictions on licence holders U.K.

348 Modification of disqualification provisions U.K.

(1) In Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (disqualification from holding licences), paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph 1(1) (individuals and bodies from outside the member States) shall cease to have effect.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 2 of that Part (disqualification of religious bodies etc.), for the words before paragraph (a) there shall be substituted—

“2 (1) The following persons are disqualified persons in relation only to licences falling within sub-paragraph (1A)—”.

(3) For sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) of that paragraph there shall be substituted—

“(1A) A licence falls within this sub-paragraph if it is—

(a) a Channel 3 licence;

(b) a Channel 5 licence;

(c) a national sound broadcasting licence;

(d) a public teletext licence;

(e) an additional television service licence;

(f) a television multiplex licence; or

(g) a radio multiplex licence.

(1B) In this paragraph—

“additional television service licence” means a licence under Part 1 of this Act to provide an additional television service within the meaning of Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003;

“Channel 3 licence” and “Channel 5 licence” each has the same meaning as in Part 1 of this Act;

“national sound broadcasting licence” means a licence to provide a sound broadcasting service (within the meaning of Part 3 of this Act) which is a national service (within the meaning of that Part);

“public teletext licence” means a licence to provide the public teletext service (within the meaning of Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003);

“radio multiplex licence” means a licence under Part 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 to provide a radio multiplex service within the meaning of that Part; and

“television multiplex licence” means a licence under Part 1 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 to provide a multiplex service within the meaning of that Part.”

(4) In paragraph 4(2)(b) of that Part (bodies that are relevant bodies for the purposes of general disqualification on grounds of undue influence) for “as mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) above” there shall be substituted—

“(i) by a person falling within paragraph 1(1)(c) to (g) above;

(ii) by a person falling within paragraph 3 above; or

(iii) by two or more persons taken together each of whom falls within sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) (whether or not they all fall within the same sub-paragraph).”

(5) The Secretary of State may by order make provision—

(a) for repealing paragraph 2 of Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act; or

(b) for making such other modifications of that paragraph and any enactment referring to it as he thinks fit.

(6) Before making an order under subsection (5) (other than one that is confined to giving effect to recommendations made by OFCOM in a report of a review under section 391), the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM.

(7) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (5) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Commencement Information

I497 S. 348 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I498 S. 348(2) (3) (5)-(7) in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 5)

349 Licence holding by local authorities U.K.

(1) In Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (disqualification from holding licences), in paragraph 1 (which includes a disqualification for local authorities)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “sub-paragraph (2)” there shall be substituted “ sub-paragraph (1A) ”; and

(b) after that sub-paragraph there shall be inserted—

“(1A) Where a service is provided exclusively for the purposes of the carrying out of the functions of a local authority under section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972 (provision by local authorities of information relating to their activities), a person is disqualified by virtue of sub-paragraph (1) in relation to a licence to provide that service only if he would be so disqualified disregarding paragraph (c) of that sub-paragraph.”

(2) In section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972 (c. 70) (provision by local authorities of information relating to their activities), after subsection (1A) there shall be inserted—

“(1AA) A local authority may—

(a) for the purpose of broadcasting or distributing information falling within subsection (1AB), provide an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or

(b) arrange with the provider of such a network or service for the broadcasting or distribution of such information by means of the network or service.

(1AB) Information falls within this subsection, in relation to a local authority, if it is one or both of the following—

(a) information concerning the services within the area of the authority that are provided either by the authority themselves or by other authorities mentioned in subsection (1B) below;

(b) information relating to the functions of the authority.

(1AC) Nothing in subsection (1AA) entitles a local authority to do anything in contravention of a requirement or restriction imposed by or under—

(a) the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949,

(b) the Broadcasting Act 1990,

(c) the Broadcasting Act 1996, or

(d) the Communications Act 2003,

and in that subsection “electronic communications network” and “electronic communications service” each has the same meaning as in the Communications Act 2003.”

(3) In section 2(1) of the Local Government Act 1986 (c. 10) (restriction on publication by a local authority of material designed to affect support for a political party), after “publish” there shall be inserted “ , or arrange for the publication of, ”.

Commencement Information

I499 S. 349 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

350 Relaxation of licence-holding restrictions U.K.

(1) Parts 3 to 5 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (restrictions on accumulations of interests and on licence holding by newspaper proprietors and public telecommunications providers) shall cease to have effect.

(2) In each of sections 5 and 88 of the 1990 Act and of sections 5 and 44 of the 1996 Act (under which the provisions of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act are given effect), for paragraph (b) of subsection (1) there shall be substituted—

“(b) that a person does not become the holder of a licence if requirements imposed by or under Schedule 14 to the Communications Act 2003 would be contravened were he to do so; and

(c) that those requirements are not contravened in the case of a person who already holds a licence.”

(3) Schedule 14 (which provides for the imposition of requirements which, in the case of Channel 3 services and certain radio services, replace those imposed by or under Parts 3 and 4 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act and requires approval for the holding of certain licences by religious bodies etc.) shall have effect.

(4) The Secretary of State must not by order under section 411 appoint a day falling before the commencement day for paragraph 11 of Schedule 14 as the day for the coming into force of the repeal by this Act of any of the provisions of Parts 3 and 4 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act so far as they relate to the holding of licences for the provision of any local services (within the meaning of Part 3 of that Act).

(5) The Secretary of State must not by order under section 411 appoint a day falling before the commencement day for paragraph 12 of Schedule 14 as the day for the coming into force of the repeal by this Act of any of the provisions of Parts 3 and 4 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act so far as they relate to the holding of local digital sound programme licences or the provision of local digital sound programme services.

(6) In this section “the commencement day”, in relation paragraph 11 or 12 of Schedule 14, means the day on which the first order to be made under that paragraph comes into force.

Commencement Information

I500 S. 350(1) (2) (4)-(6) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I501 S. 350(3) in force at 18.9.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

I502 S. 350(3) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Changes of control U.K.

351 Changes of control of Channel 3 services U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every Channel 3 service provided by a body corporate includes—

(a) a condition requiring the licence holder to give OFCOM advance notification of any proposals known to the body that may give rise to a relevant change of control; and

(b) a condition requiring the licence holder to provide OFCOM, in such manner and at such times as they may reasonably require, with such information as they consider necessary for the purposes of exercising their functions under this section and section 352.

(2) OFCOM must carry out a review where—

(a) they receive notification, in accordance with a condition of a Channel 3 licence, of proposals that may give rise to a relevant change of control; or

(b) a relevant change of control takes place (whether or not that change has been previously notified to OFCOM).

(3) The review shall be a review of the effects or likely effects, in relation to the matters mentioned in subsections (4) to (7), of—

(a) the change to which the proposals may give rise; or

(b) the change that has taken place.

(4) The matters mentioned in this subsection are—

(a) the extent to which time available for broadcasting programmes included in the service is allocated to programmes of each of the following descriptions—

(i) original productions;

(ii) news programmes; and

(iii) current affairs programmes;

(b) the extent to which programmes of each of those descriptions that are included in the service are broadcast at peak viewing times.

(5) The matters mentioned in this subsection are—

(a) the extent to which Channel 3 programmes made in the United Kingdom that are included in the service are programmes made outside the M25 area;

(b) the range of Channel 3 programmes made in the United Kingdom outside that area that are included in the service;

(c) the extent to which the expenditure of the provider of the service on Channel 3 programmes is referable to programme production at different production centres outside the M25 area;

(d) the range of different such production centres to which that expenditure is referable.

(6) The matters mentioned in this subsection are—

(a) the quality and range of regional programmes included in the service;

(b) the quality and range of other programmes included in the service which contribute to the regional character of the service;

(c) the quality and range of the programmes made available by the licence holder for the purposes of inclusion in the nationwide system of services referred to in section 14(1) of the 1990 Act (nationwide Channel 3 service).

(7) The matters mentioned in this subsection are—

(a) the amount of time given, in the programmes included in the service—

(i) to regional programmes; and

(ii) to programmes included in the service which contribute to the regional character of the service;

(b) the proportion of regional programmes included in the service which are made within the area for which the service is provided;

(c) the extent of the use, in connection with the service, of the services of persons employed (whether by the licence holder or any other person) within that area;

(d) the extent to which managerial or editorial decisions relating to programmes to be included in the service are taken by persons so employed within that area.

(8) In relation to a national Channel 3 service, subsections (3) to (7) have effect as if—

(a) subsection (5) applied only where the service is subject to conditions imposed by virtue of a decision of OFCOM under section 286(2) or OFCOM otherwise consider, having regard to the nature of the service, that it is appropriate to consider the matters mentioned in that subsection;

(b) references to regional programmes were references to programmes which are regional programmes (within the meaning of section 287) in relation to that service and are included in it in accordance with a condition imposed under subsection (4)(a) of that section;

(c) references to the regional character of the service were references to the regional character of parts of the service;

(d) subsection (6)(c) of this section were omitted; and

(e) references, in relation to programmes such as are mentioned in paragraph (b), to the area for which the service is provided were references to the part of that area where the people are living to whom those programmes are likely to be of particular interest.

(9) Where OFCOM carry out a review under subsection (2), they must publish a report of that review—

(a) setting out their conclusions; and

(b) specifying any steps which they propose to take under section 352.

(10) In this section—

• “Channel 3 programmes” and “expenditure” each has the same meaning as in section 286;

• “original production” has the same meaning as in section 278;

• “peak viewing time”—

  (a)

  in relation to original productions, means a time determined by OFCOM for the purposes of section 278 to be a peak viewing time for the service in question; and

  (b)

  in relation to news programmes or current affairs programmes, means a time so determined for the purposes of section 279;

• “regional programme”, in relation to a Channel 3 service, means (subject to subsection (8)) a programme (including a news programme) which is of particular interest—

  (a)

  to persons living within the area for which the service is provided;

  (b)

  to persons living within a part of that area; or

  (c)

  to particular communities living within that area;

• “relevant change of control” means a change in the persons having control over—

  (a)

  a body holding the licence to provide a Channel 3 service; or

  (b)

  any body which—

  (i)

  is connected with a body holding such a licence; and

  (ii)

  is involved, to a substantial extent, in the provision of the programmes included in the service provided under that licence, or is likely to become so involved.

(11) Expressions used in this section and in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (restrictions on licence holders) have the same meanings in this section as in that Part.

Commencement Information

I503 S. 351(1)-(3) (4)(a)(ii) (iii) (b) (5)-(9) (11) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I504 S. 351(4)(a)(i) in force at 1.7.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(4)(b) (with art. 11) (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/545, art. 2(2)(3)(a))

I505 S. 351(10) in force at 29.12.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I506 S. 351(10) in force at 1.7.2004 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(4)(b) (with art. 11) (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/545, art. 2(2)(3)(a))

352 Action following review under s. 351 U.K.

(1) If, on a review under subsection (2) of section 351, it appears to OFCOM that the relevant change of control is or would be prejudicial to one or more of the matters mentioned in subsections (4) to (6) of that section, they shall vary the licence in accordance with subsection (2).

(2) The variation—

(a) must be made with a view to ensuring that the relevant change of control is not prejudicial to any of the matters so mentioned; and

(b) must be a variation for the inclusion in the licence of such conditions relating to any of those matters as they consider appropriate.

(3) If it appears to OFCOM, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (7) of section 351—

(a) that the proposed change of control would be prejudicial to the regional character of the service or (as the case may be) of any parts of it, or

(b) that the actual change of control is so prejudicial,

they may vary the licence so as to include in it such conditions relating to any of those matters as they consider appropriate.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), any new or varied condition imposed under this section in relation to any matter may be more onerous than the conditions relating to that matter having effect before the relevant change of control.

(5) A variation under this section must not provide for the inclusion of a new or varied condition in a licence unless the new condition, or the condition as varied, is one which (with any necessary modifications) would have been satisfied by the licence holder throughout the twelve months immediately before the relevant date.

(6) In subsection (5) “the relevant date” is the date of the relevant change of control or, if earlier, the date on which OFCOM exercise their powers under this section.

(7) A variation of a licence under this section shall be effected by the service of a notice of the variation on the licence holder.

(8) OFCOM are not to serve a notice of a variation under this section unless they have given the body on whom it is served a reasonable opportunity, after the publication of the report of the review under section 351, of making representations to them about the variation.

(9) Where, in a case of a proposed change of control, a notice varying a licence under this section is served before the change to which it relates takes place, the variation is not to take effect until the change takes place.

(10) A condition included in a licence by a variation under this section may be further varied by OFCOM either—

(a) with the consent of the licence holder; or

(b) in any other case, after complying with the requirements of section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (variation after giving opportunity for representations by the licence holder).

(11) Expressions used in this section and section 351 have the same meanings in this section as in that.

Commencement Information

I507 S. 352 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

353 Changes of control of Channel 5 U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for Channel 5 includes, in every case where it is provided by a body corporate—

(a) a condition requiring the licence holder to give OFCOM advance notification of any proposals known to the body that may give rise to a relevant change of control; and

(b) a condition requiring the licence holder to provide OFCOM, in such manner and at such times as they may reasonably require, with such information as they consider necessary for the purposes of exercising their functions under this section and section 354.

(2) OFCOM must carry out a review where—

(a) they receive notification, in accordance with a condition of the licence to provide Channel 5, of proposals that may give rise to a relevant change of control; or

(b) a relevant change of control takes place (whether or not that change has been previously notified to OFCOM).

(3) The review shall be a review of the effects or likely effects, in relation to the matters mentioned in subsections (4) and (5), of—

(a) the change to which the proposals may give rise; or

(b) the change that has taken place.

(4) The matters mentioned in this subsection are—

(a) the extent to which time available for broadcasting programmes included in Channel 5 is allocated to programmes of each of the following descriptions—

(i) original productions;

(ii) news programmes; and

(iii) current affairs programmes;

(b) the extent to which programmes of each of those descriptions that are included in that Channel are broadcast at peak viewing times.

(5) The matters mentioned in this subsection are—

(a) the extent to which programmes made in the United Kingdom that are included in the service are programmes made outside the M25 area;

(b) the range of programmes made in the United Kingdom outside that area that are included in Channel 5;

(c) the extent to which the expenditure of the provider of Channel 5 on programmes made in the United Kingdom is referable to programme production at different production centres outside the M25 area;

(d) the range of different such production centres to which that expenditure is referable.

(6) Where OFCOM carry out a review under subsection (2), they must publish a report of that review—

(a) setting out their conclusions; and

(b) specifying any steps which they propose to take under section 354.

(7) In this section—

• “expenditure”, in relation to a programme, means—

  (a)

  expenditure which constitutes an investment in or is otherwise attributable to the making of the programme; or

  (b)

  expenditure on the commissioning or other acquisition of the programme or on the acquisition of a right to include it in a service or to have it broadcast;

• “original production” has the same meaning as in section 278;

• “peak viewing time”—

  (a)

  in relation to original productions, means a time determined by OFCOM for the purposes of section 278 to be a peak viewing time for Channel 5; and

  (b)

  in relation to news programmes or current affairs programmes, means a time so determined for the purposes of section 279;

• “relevant change of control” means a change in the persons having control over—

  (a)

  a body holding a licence to provide Channel 5; or

  (b)

  any body which—

  (i)

  is connected with a body holding such a licence; and

  (ii)

  is involved, to a substantial extent, in the provision of the programmes included in that channel, or is likely to become so involved.

(8) Expressions used in this section and in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (restrictions on licence holders) have the same meanings in this section as in that Part.

Commencement Information

I508 S. 353(1)-(3) (4)(a)(ii) (iii) (b) (5) (6) (8) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I509 S. 353(4)(a)(i) in force at 1.7.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(4)(b) (with art. 11) (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/545, art. 2(2)(3)(a))

I510 S. 353(7) in force at 29.12.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I511 S. 353(7) in force at 1.7.2004 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(4)(b) (with art. 11) (as amended (4.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/545, art. 2(2)(3)(a))

354 Action following review under s. 353 U.K.

(1) If, on a review under subsection (2) of section 353, it appears to OFCOM that the relevant change of control is or would be prejudicial to one or more of the matters mentioned in subsections (4) and (5) of that section, they shall vary the licence in accordance with subsection (2).

(2) The variation—

(a) must be made with a view to ensuring that the relevant change of control is not prejudicial to any of the matters so mentioned; and

(b) must be a variation for the inclusion in the licence of such conditions relating to any of those matters as they consider appropriate.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), any new or varied condition imposed under this section in relation to any matter may be more onerous than the conditions relating to that matter having effect before the relevant change of control.

(4) A variation under this section must not provide for the inclusion of a new or varied condition in a licence unless the new condition, or the condition as varied, is one which (with any necessary modifications) would have been satisfied by the licence holder throughout the twelve months immediately before the relevant date.

(5) In subsection (4) “the relevant date” is the date of the relevant change of control or, if earlier, the date on which OFCOM exercise their powers under this section.

(6) A variation of a licence under this section shall be effected by the service of a notice of the variation on the licence holder.

(7) OFCOM are not to serve a notice of a variation under this section unless they have given the body on whom it is served a reasonable opportunity, after the publication of the report of the review under section 353, of making representations to them about the variation.

(8) Where, in a case of a proposed change of control, a notice varying a licence under this section is served before the change to which it relates takes place, the variation is not to take effect until the change takes place.

(9) A condition included in a licence by a variation under this section may be further varied by OFCOM either—

(a) with the consent of the licence holder; or

(b) in any other case, after complying with the requirements of section 3(4)(b) of the 1990 Act (variation after giving opportunity for representations by the licence holder).

(10) Expressions used in this section and section 353 have the same meanings in this section as in that.

Commencement Information

I512 S. 354 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

355 Variation of local licence following change of control U.K.

(1) The regulatory regime for every local sound broadcasting service provided by a body corporate includes—

(a) a condition requiring the licence holder to give OFCOM advance notification of any proposals known to it that may give rise to a relevant change of control; and

(b) a condition requiring the licence holder to provide OFCOM, in such manner and at such times as they may reasonably require, with such information as they consider necessary for the purposes of exercising their functions under this section and section 356.

(2) OFCOM must carry out a review where—

(a) they receive notification, in accordance with a condition of a local sound broadcasting licence, of proposals that may give rise to a relevant change of control; or

(b) a relevant change of control takes place (whether or not that change has been previously notified to OFCOM).

(3) The review shall be a review of the effects or likely effects, in relation to the matters mentioned in subsection (4), of—

(a) the change to which the proposals may give rise; or

(b) the change that has taken place.

(4) Those matters are—

(a) the quality and range of programmes included in the service;

(b) the character of the service;

(c) the extent to which OFCOM’s duty under section 314 is performed in relation to the service.

(5) The matters to which OFCOM must have regard in determining for the purposes of this section the character of a local sound broadcasting service, include, in particular, the selection of spoken material and music in programmes included in the service.

(6) Where OFCOM carry out a review under subsection (2), they must publish a report of that review—

(a) setting out their conclusions; and

(b) specifying any steps which they propose to take under section 356.

(7) In this section “relevant change of control” means a change in the persons having control over—

(a) a body holding the licence to provide a local sound broadcasting service; or

(b) any body which—

(i) is connected with a body holding such a licence; and

(ii) is involved, to a substantial extent, in the provision of the programmes included in the service provided under that licence, or is likely to become so involved.

(8) Expressions used in this section and in Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (restrictions on licence holders) have the same meanings in this section as in that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I513 S. 355 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

356 Action following review under s. 355 U.K.

(1) If, on a review under section 355, it appears to OFCOM that the relevant change of control is or would be prejudicial to one or more of the matters mentioned in subsection (4) of that section, they must vary the local licence in accordance with subsection (2).

(2) The variation—

(a) must be made with a view to ensuring that the relevant change of control is not prejudicial to any of the matters so mentioned; and

(b) must be a variation for the inclusion in the licence of such conditions relating to any of those matters as they consider appropriate.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), any new or varied condition imposed under this section in relation to any matter may be more onerous than the conditions relating to that matter having effect before the relevant change of control.

(4) A variation under this section must not provide for the inclusion of any new or varied condition in a licence unless the new condition, or the condition as varied, is one which (with any necessary modifications) would have been satisfied by the licence holder throughout—

(a) the three months immediately before the relevant date; or

(b) such other three month period as has been notified under subsection (5).

(5) If OFCOM consider that the performance of the licence holder during the three month period immediately preceding the relevant date is not typical of his performance during the twelve months before the relevant date they—

(a) may determine that subsection (4) is to apply by reference to such other three month period falling within those twelve months as they may determine; and

(b) must notify any determination under this subsection to the licence holder.

(6) In subsection (4) “the relevant date” is the date of the relevant change of control or, if earlier, the date on which OFCOM exercise their powers under this section.

(7) A variation of a licence under this section shall be effected by the service of a notice of the variation on the licence holder.

(8) OFCOM are not to serve a notice of a variation under this section unless they have given the body on whom it is served a reasonable opportunity, after the publication of the report of the review under section 355, of making representations to them about the variation.

(9) Where, in a case of a proposed change of control, a notice varying a licence under this section is served before the change to which it relates takes place, the variation is not to take effect until that change takes place.

(10) A condition included in a licence by a variation under this section may be further varied by OFCOM either—

(a) with the consent of the licence holder; or

(b) in any other case, after complying with the requirements of section 86(5)(b) of the 1990 Act (variation after giving opportunity for representations by the licence holder).

(11) Expressions used in this section and section 355 have the same meanings in this section as in that.

Commencement Information

I514 S. 356 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Meaning of control U.K.

357 Meaning of “control” U.K.

(1) In paragraph 1(3)(b) of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act (control where a person will be able, without having at least a 50 per cent. interest in it, to have the affairs of a body conducted in accordance with his wishes)—

(a) for “will be able” there shall be substituted “ would (if he chose to) be able in most cases or in significant respects ”; and

(b) for “the affairs” there shall be substituted “ affairs ”.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to publish guidance setting out their intentions concerning the inclusion of particular matters in the matters that they will take into account when determining whether a person has control of a body, within the meaning of paragraph 1(3)(b) of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act.

(3) OFCOM may from time to time revise the guidance issued by them under this section.

(4) OFCOM must publish the guidance and, where they revise it, the revised guidance in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

Commencement Information

I515 S. 357 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Chapter 6 U.K. Other provisions about television and radio services

Annual report on television and radio U.K.

358 Annual factual and statistical report U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) as soon as practicable after the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the commencement of this section, and

(b) as soon as practicable after the end of every subsequent period of twelve months,

to satisfy for that period the review and reporting requirements of this section.

(2) For any period those obligations are—

(a) to carry out a review of the provision of the television and radio services available for reception by members of the public in the United Kingdom during that period; and

(b) to prepare a factual and statistical report for that period on the provision of those services and on the state of the market in which they are provided.

(3) In carrying out a review for any period under this section, OFCOM must consider, in particular, each of the following—

(a) the extent to which programmes included during that period in television and radio services are representative of what OFCOM consider to be the principal genres for such programmes;

(b) the extent to which codes made by OFCOM under this Part or Part 4 or 5 of the 1996 Act (listed events and fairness) have been complied with during that period;

(c) the extent to which any guidance given by OFCOM under section 314 has been followed during that period;

(d) any trends appearing or operating during that period in the size and behaviour of the audience for radio and television services;

(e) the financial condition during that period of the market in which those services are provided and of the market in which programmes for such services are produced;

(f) what it is appropriate to achieve by conditions and duties under section 277 and paragraphs 1 and 7 of Schedule 12 and the effectiveness for that purpose of the conditions and duties for the time being in force;

(g) whether it would be appropriate to recommend to the Secretary of State that he exercises any of his powers under that section or those paragraphs;

(h) the extent to which work on independent productions (within the meaning of that section and those paragraphs) that are produced in the United Kingdom is done in a range of production centres outside the M25 area;

(i) any issues relating to intellectual property in programmes that have arisen or been of significance during that period;

(j) developments in technology that have occurred or become important during that period and are relevant to the provision, broadcasting or distribution of television and radio programmes;

(k) the availability during that period of persons with skills that are used or likely to be useful in connection with the provision of television and radio services and the production of programmes for inclusion in such services;

(l) the availability during that period of facilities for the provision of training in such skills.

(4) Every report under this section must set out OFCOM’s findings on their consideration of the matters mentioned in subsection (3).

(5) Every report prepared by OFCOM under this section must be published by them—

(a) as soon as practicable after its preparation is complete; and

(b) in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(6) OFCOM’s duties under this section are in addition to their duties under section 264.

Commencement Information

I516 S. 358 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Community radio and local digital television U.K.

359 Grants to providers U.K.

(1) OFCOM may make such grants as they consider appropriate to the provider of any service of a description of service in relation to which provision is for the time being in force under section 262.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order provide that OFCOM may also make such grants as they consider appropriate to the provider of any service of a description of service in relation to which provision is for the time being in force under section 244.

(3) A grant made by virtue of this section may be made on such terms and conditions, and shall become repayable to OFCOM in such circumstances, as may be specified by OFCOM when making the grant.

(4) A person is not—

(a) by reason of the making to him of a grant by virtue of this section, or

(b) by reason of any terms or conditions (including any provisions for repayment) subject to which such a grant is or has been made to him,

to be a disqualified person by virtue of any provision of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act in relation to a licence mentioned in subsection (5).

(5) Those licences are—

(a) a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act, or under Part 1 of the 1996 Act, which is granted in accordance with any provision made by an order under section 244 of this Act; and

(b) a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act, or under Part 2 of the 1996 Act, which is granted in accordance with any provision made by an order under section 262 of this Act.

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

Commencement Information

I517 S. 359 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Supplemental provisions of Part 3 U.K.

360 Amendments of the 1990 and 1996 Acts U.K.

(1) In section 201 of the 1990 Act (programme services), in subsection (1)—

(a) for paragraphs (a) to (bb) there shall be substituted—

“(aa) any service which is a programme service within the meaning of the Communications Act 2003;”

(b) in paragraph (c), for “a telecommunication system” there shall be substituted “ an electronic communications network (within the meaning of the Communications Act 2003) ”.

(2) For subsection (2) of that section there shall be substituted—

“(2A) Subsection (1)(c) does not apply to so much of a service consisting only of sound programmes as—

(a) is a two-way service (within the meaning of section 248(4) of the Communications Act 2003);

(b) satisfies the conditions in section 248(5) of that Act; or

(c) is provided for the purpose only of being received by persons who have qualified as users of the service by reason of being persons who fall within paragraph (a) or (b) of section 248(7) of that Act.

(2B) Subsection (1)(c) does not apply to so much of a service not consisting only of sound programmes as—

(a) is a two-way service (within the meaning of section 232 of the Communications Act 2003);

(b) satisfies the conditions in section 233(5) of that Act; or

(c) is provided for the purpose only of being received by persons who have qualified as users of the service by reason of being persons who fall within paragraph (a) or (b) of section 233(7) of that Act.”

(3) Schedule 15 (which makes minor and consequential amendments of the 1990 Act and the 1996 Act for purposes connected with the other provisions of this Chapter) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I518 S. 360(1)(2) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I519 S. 360(3) in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

I520 S. 360(3) in force at 18.9.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

I521 S. 360(3) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

361 Meaning of “available for reception by members of the public” U.K.

(1) The services that are to be taken for the purposes of this Part to be available for reception by members of the public include (subject to subsection (2)) any service which—

(a) is made available for reception, or is made available for reception in an intelligible form, only to persons who subscribe to the service (whether for a period or in relation to a particular occasion) or who otherwise request its provision; but

(b) is a service the facility of subscribing to which, or of otherwise requesting its provision, is offered or made available to members of the public.

[F43 (2) A service is not to be treated as available for reception by members of the public if it is an on-demand programme service.]

(6) References in this section to members of the public are references to members of the public in, or in any area of, any one or more countries or territories (which may or may not include the United Kingdom).

(7) The Secretary of State may by order modify any of the provisions of this section if it appears to him appropriate to do so having regard to any one or more of the following—

(a) the protection which, taking account of the means by which the programmes and services are received or may be accessed, is expected by members of the public as respects the contents of television programmes or sound programmes;

(b) the extent to which members of the public are able, before television programmes are watched or accessed, to make use of facilities for exercising control, by reference to the contents of the programmes, over what is watched or accessed;

(c) the practicability of applying different levels of regulation in relation to different services;

(d) the financial impact for providers of particular services of any modification of the provisions of that section; and

(e) technological developments that have occurred or are likely to occur.

(8) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (7) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

F44 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F43 S. 361(2) substituted for s. 361(2)-(5) (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 9(a)

F44 S. 361(9) omitted (19.12.2009) by virtue of Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 9(b)

Commencement Information

I522 S. 361 in force at 25.7.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

362 Interpretation of Part 3 U.K.

(1) In this Part—

• “additional radio service” means an additional service within the meaning given by section 114(1) of the 1990 Act for the purposes of Part 3 of that Act;

• “additional television service” (except in the expression “digital additional television service”) means an additional service within the meaning given by section 48 of the 1990 Act for the purposes of Part 1 of the 1990 Act;

• “analogue teletext service” is to be construed in accordance with section 218(4);

• “ancillary service” has the same meaning as it has, by virtue of section 24(2) of the 1996 Act, in Part 1 of that Act;

• “assistance for disabled people” means any of the following—

  (a)

  subtitling;

  (b)

  audio-description for the blind and partially sighted; and

  (c)

  presentation in, or translation into, sign language;

• “available for reception by members of the public” is to be construed in accordance with section 361;

• “the BBC Charter and Agreement” means the following documents, or any one or more of them, so far as they are for the time being in force—

  (a)

  a Royal Charter for the continuance of the BBC;

  (b)

  supplemental Charters obtained by the BBC under such a Royal Charter;

  (c)

  an agreement between the BBC and the Secretary of State entered into (whether before or after the passing of this Act) for purposes that include the regulation of activities carried on by the BBC;

• “BBC company” means—

  (a)

  a body corporate which is controlled by the BBC; or

  (b)

  a body corporate in which the BBC or a body corporate controlled by the BBC is (to any extent) a participant;

• “C4 company” means—

  (a)

  a body corporate which is controlled by C4C; or

  (b)

  a body corporate in which C4C or a body corporate controlled by C4C is (to any extent) a participant;

• “Channel 3”, “Channel 4” and “Channel 5” each has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the 1990 Act (see section 71 of that Act);

• “Channel 3 licence” means a licence to provide a Channel 3 service;

• “a Channel 3 service” means a television broadcasting service comprised in Channel 3;

• “digital additional sound service” means a digital additional service within the meaning given by section 63 of the 1996 Act for the purposes of Part 2 of that Act;

• “digital additional television service” means a digital additional service within the meaning given by section 24(1) of the 1996 Act for the purposes of Part 1 of that Act;

• “the digital public teletext service” means so much of the public teletext service as consists of a service provided in digital form;

• “digital sound programme licence” and “digital sound programme service” each has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1996 Act (see sections 40 and 72 of that Act);

• “digital television programme service” means a digital programme service within the meaning given by section 1(4) of the 1996 Act for the purposes of Part 1 of that Act;

• “EEA State” means the United Kingdom or any other State that is a contracting party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area signed at Oporto on 22nd May 1992, as adjusted by the Protocol signed at Brussels on 17th March 1993, and “another EEA State” means an EEA State other than the United Kingdom;

• “general multiplex service” means a multiplex service within the meaning of section 175 which is neither a television multiplex service nor a radio multiplex service;

• “initial expiry date” has the meaning given by section 224;

• “licensed public service channel” means any of the following services (whether provided for broadcasting in digital or in analogue form)—

  (a)

  any Channel 3 service;

  (b)

  Channel 4;

  (c)

  Channel 5;

• “local digital sound programme licence” and “local digital sound programme service” each has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1996 Act (see sections 60 and 72 of that Act);

• “local radio multiplex licence” and “local radio multiplex service” each has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1996 Act (see sections 40 and 72 of that Act);

• “local sound broadcasting licence” means a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act to provide a local sound broadcasting service;

• “local sound broadcasting service” means a sound broadcasting service which, under subsection (4)(b) of section 245, is a local service for the purposes of that section;

• “the M25 area” means the area the outer boundary of which is represented by the London Orbital Motorway (M25);

• “national Channel 3 service” means a Channel 3 service provided between particular times of the day for more than one area for which regional Channel 3 services are provided;

• “national digital sound programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1996 Act;

• “national radio multiplex licence” and “national radio multiplex service” each has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1996 Act (see sections 40 and 72 of that Act);

• “networking arrangements” has the meaning given by section 290;

• “OFCOM’s standards code” means any code or codes for the time being in force containing standards set by OFCOM under section 319 (whether originally or by way of any revision of any standards previously so set);

• “provision”, in relation to a service, is to be construed (subject to subsection (3)) in accordance with subsection (2), and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “the public teletext provider” means—

  (a)

  subject to paragraph (b), the person holding the licence under section 219 to provide the public teletext service; and

  (b)

  in relation to a time before the grant of the first licence to be granted under that section, the person holding the Broadcasting Act licence to provide the existing service (within the meaning of section 221);

• “the public teletext service” means the service the provision of which is required to be secured in accordance with section 218;

• “qualifying service” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the 1996 Act (see section 2(2) of that Act);

• “radio licensable content service” has the meaning given by section 247;

• “radio multiplex service” has the same meaning as (by virtue of section 258 of this Act) it has in Part 2 of the 1996 Act;

• “radio programme service” means any of the following—

  (a)

  a service the provision of which is licensed under Part 3 of the 1990 Act;

  (b)

  a digital sound programme service the provision of which is licensed under Part 2 of the 1996 Act;

  (c)

  a digital additional sound service the provision of which is licensed under section 64 of the 1996 Act;

• “regional Channel 3 licence” means a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act to provide a regional Channel 3 service;

• “regional Channel 3 service” means a Channel 3 service provided for a particular area determined under section 14(2) of the 1990 Act;

• “restricted television service” means any restricted service within the meaning given by section 42A of the 1990 Act for the purposes of Part 1 of that Act;

• “S4C” and “S4C Digital” means the services so described in section 204(3);

• “S4C company” means—

  (a)

  a body corporate which is controlled by the Welsh Authority; or

  (b)

  a body corporate in which that Authority or a body corporate controlled by that Authority is (to any extent) a participant;

• “simulcast radio service” means any simulcast radio service within the meaning given by section 41(2) of the 1996 Act for the purposes of Part 2 of that Act;

• “sound broadcasting service” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the 1990 Act (see section 126 of that Act);

• “standards objectives” has the meaning given by section 319(2);

• “subtitling” means subtitling for the deaf or hard of hearing, whether provided by means of a teletext service or otherwise;

• “television broadcasting service” means (subject to subsection (4)) a service which—

  (a)

  consists in a service of television programmes provided with a view to its being broadcast (whether in digital or in analogue form);

  (b)

  is provided so as to be available for reception by members of the public; and

  (c)

  is not—

  (i)

  a restricted television service;

  (ii)

  a television multiplex service;

  (iii)

  a service provided under the authority of a licence under Part 1 of the 1990 Act to provide a television licensable content service; or

  (iv)

  a service provided under the authority of a licence under Part 1 of the 1996 Act to provide a digital television programme service;

• “television licensable content service” has the meaning given by section 232 of this Act;

• “television multiplex service” has meaning given by section 241(1) of this Act to a multiplex service within the meaning of Part 1 of the 1996 Act;

• “television programme service” means any of the following—

  (a)

  a television broadcasting service;

  (b)

  a television licensable content service;

  (c)

  a digital television programme service;

  (d)

  a restricted television service;

• F45 ...

• “text service” means any teletext service or other service in the case of which the visual images broadcast or distributed by means of the service consist wholly or mainly of non-representational images.

(2) In the case of any of the following services—

(a) a television broadcasting service or sound broadcasting service,

(b) the public teletext service;

(c) a television licensable content service or radio licensable content service,

(d) a digital television programme service or digital sound programme service,

(e) a restricted television service,

(f) an additional television service or additional radio service,

(g) a digital additional television service or a digital additional sound service,

the person, and the only person, who is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as providing the service is the person with general control over which programmes and other services and facilities are comprised in the service (whether or not he has control of the content of individual programmes or of the broadcasting or distribution of the service).

(3) For the purposes of this Part—

(a) the provision of a service by the BBC does not include its provision by a BBC company;

(b) the provision of a service by C4C does not include its provision by a C4 company;

(c) the provision of a service by the Welsh Authority does not include its provision by an S4C company;

and, accordingly, control that is or is capable of being exercised by the BBC, C4C or the Welsh Authority over decisions by a BBC company, C4 company or S4C company about what is to be comprised in a service shall be disregarded for the purposes of subsection (2).

(4) References in this Part to a television broadcasting service do not include references to any text service.

(5) References in this Part to imposing a charge on a person in respect of his reception of a service in, or in a part of, the United Kingdom include references to imposing charges—

(a) for his use of the service at a place in the United Kingdom or in that part of it;

(b) for an entitlement of his to receive it at such place;

(c) for the use of a facility by means of which he exercises such an entitlement; or

(d) for the service’s being made available for reception by him at such a place.

(6) In subsection (1) “controlled” and “participant” each has the same meaning as in Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act.

(7) In this section “non-representational images” means visual images which are neither still pictures nor comprised within sequences of visual images capable of being seen as moving pictures.

Textual Amendments

F45 Words in s. 362(1) omitted (19.12.2009) by virtue of Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 10

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 362(2)(3) applied by 1990 c. 42, s. 202(6A) (as inserted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 15 para. 68(3) (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11))

Commencement Information

I523 S. 362 in force at 25.7.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 6)

Part 4 U.K. Licensing of TV reception

363 Licence required for use of TV receiver U.K.

(1) A television receiver must not be installed or used unless the installation and use of the receiver is authorised by a licence under this Part.

(2) A person who installs or uses a television receiver in contravention of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence.

(3) A person with a television receiver in his possession or under his control who—

(a) intends to install or use it in contravention of subsection (1), or

(b) knows, or has reasonable grounds for believing, that another person intends to install or use it in contravention of that subsection,

is guilty of an offence.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5) Subsection (1) is not contravened by anything done in the course of the business of a dealer in television receivers solely for one or more of the following purposes—

(a) installing a television receiver on delivery;

(b) demonstrating, testing or repairing a television receiver.

(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations exempt from the requirement of a licence under subsection (1) the installation or use of television receivers—

(a) of such descriptions,

(b) by such persons,

(c) in such circumstances, and

(d) for such purposes,

as may be provided for in the regulations.

(7) Regulations under subsection (6) may make any exemption for which such regulations provide subject to compliance with such conditions as may be specified in the regulations.

Commencement Information

I524 S. 363 in force at 1.4.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11) (as amended (8.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/697, art. 2(3))

364 TV licences U.K.

(1) A licence for the purposes of section 363 (“a TV licence”)—

(a) may be issued by the BBC subject to such restrictions and conditions as the BBC think fit; and

(b) must be issued subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Secretary of State may require by a direction to the BBC.

(2) The matters to which the restrictions and conditions subject to which a TV licence may be issued may relate include, in particular—

(a) the description of television receivers that may be installed and used under the licence;

(b) the persons authorised by the licence to install and use a television receiver;

(c) the places where the installation and use of the television receiver is authorised by the licence;

(d) the circumstances in which the installation and use of such a receiver is so authorised;

(e) the purposes for which the installation and use of such a receiver is so authorised;

(f) the use of such receiver in a manner that causes, or may cause, interference (within the meaning of [F46 the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] ) with wireless telegraphy.

(3) The restrictions and conditions subject to which a TV licence may be issued do not include—

(a) a provision conferring a power of entry to any premises; or

(b) a provision prohibited by a direction to the BBC by the Secretary of State.

(4) A TV licence shall continue in force, unless previously revoked by the BBC, for such period as may be specified in the licence.

(5) The BBC may revoke or modify a TV licence, or the restrictions or conditions of such a licence—

(a) by a notice to the holder of the licence; or

(b) by a general notice published in such manner as may be specified in the licence.

(6) It shall be the duty of the BBC to exercise their power under subsection (5) to revoke or modify a TV licence, or any of its restrictions or conditions, if they are directed to do so by the Secretary of State.

(7) A direction by the Secretary of State under this section may be given either generally in relation to all TV licences (or all TV licences of a particular description) or in relation to a particular licence.

(8) A notice under subsection (5)(a) must be given—

(a) in the manner specified in the licence; or

(b) if no manner of service is so specified, in the manner authorised by section 394.

(9) For the purposes of the application, in relation to the giving of such a notice, of—

(a) section 394; and

(b) section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30) (service by post) in its application for the purposes of that section,

a person’s proper address is any address where he is authorised by a TV licence to install or use a TV receiver or, if there is no such address, his last known address.

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in s. 364(2)(f) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 29

Commencement Information

I525 S. 364 in force at 1.4.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11) (as amended (8.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/697, art. 2(3))

365 TV licence fees U.K.

(1) A person to whom a TV licence is issued shall be liable to pay—

(a) on the issue of the licence (whether initially or by way of renewal), and

(b) in such other circumstances as regulations made by the Secretary of State may provide,

such sum (if any) as may be provided for by any such regulations.

(2) Sums which a person is liable to pay by virtue of regulations under subsection (1) must be paid to the BBC and are to be recoverable by them accordingly.

(3) The BBC are entitled, in such cases as they may determine, to make refunds of sums received by them by virtue of regulations under this section.

(4) Regulations under this section may include provision—

(a) for the means by which an entitlement to a concession must be established; and

(b) for the payment of sums by means of an instalment scheme set out in the regulations.

(5) The reference to a concession in subsection (4) is a reference to any concession under which a person is, on the satisfaction of specified requirements—

(a) exempted from the liability to pay a sum in respect of a TV licence; or

(b) required to pay only a reduced sum in respect of such a licence.

(6) The consent of the Treasury shall be required for the making of any regulations under this section by the Secretary of State.

(7) Subject to subsection (8), sums received by the BBC by virtue of any regulations under this section must be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

(8) The BBC may retain, out of the sums received by them by virtue of regulations under this section, any sums they require for making refunds of sums so received.

Commencement Information

I526 S. 365 in force at 1.4.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11) (as amended (8.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/697, art. 2(3))

366 Powers to enforce TV licensing U.K.

(1) If a justice of the peace, a sheriff in Scotland or a lay magistrate in Northern Ireland is satisfied by information on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that an offence under section 363 has been or is being committed,

(b) that evidence of the commission of the offence is likely to be on premises specified in the information, or in a vehicle so specified, and

(c) that one or more of the conditions set out in subsection (3) is satisfied,

he may grant a warrant under this section.

(2) A warrant under this section is a warrant authorising any one or more persons authorised for the purpose by the BBC or by OFCOM—

(a) to enter the premises or vehicle at any time (either alone or in the company of one or more constables); and

(b) to search the premises or vehicle and examine and test any television receiver found there.

(3) Those conditions are—

(a) that there is no person entitled to grant entry to the premises or vehicle with whom it is practicable to communicate;

(b) that there is no person entitled to grant access to the evidence with whom it is practicable to communicate;

(c) that entry to the premises or vehicle will not be granted unless a warrant is produced;

(d) that the purpose of the search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless the search is carried out by a person who secures entry immediately upon arriving at the premises or vehicle.

(4) A person is not to enter premises or a vehicle in pursuance of a warrant under this section at any time more than one month after the day on which the warrant was granted.

(5) The powers conferred by a warrant under this section on a person authorised by OFCOM are exercisable in relation only to a contravention or suspected contravention of a condition of a TV licence relating to interference with wireless telegraphy.

(6) A person authorised by the BBC, or by OFCOM, to exercise a power conferred by a warrant under this section may (if necessary) use such force as may be reasonable in the exercise of that power.

(7) Where a person has the power by virtue of a warrant under this section to examine or test any television receiver found on any premises, or in any vehicle, it shall be the duty—

(a) of a person who is on the premises or in the vehicle, and

(b) in the case of a vehicle, of a person who has charge of it or is present when it is searched,

to give the person carrying out the examination or test all such assistance as that person may reasonably require for carrying it out.

(8) A person is guilty of an offence if he—

(a) intentionally obstructs a person in the exercise of any power conferred on that person by virtue of a warrant under this section; or

(b) without reasonable excuse, fails to give any assistance that he is under a duty to give by virtue of subsection (7).

(9) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (8) shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(10) In this section—

• “interference”, in relation to wireless telegraphy, has the same meaning as in [F47 the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] ; and

• “vehicle” includes vessel, aircraft or hovercraft.

(11) In the application of this section to Scotland, the reference in subsection (1) to information on oath shall have effect as a reference to evidence on oath.

(12) In the application of this section to Northern Ireland, the reference in subsection (1) to a lay magistrate shall have effect, in relation to times before the coming into force of sections 9 and 10 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26), as a reference to a justice of the peace.

Textual Amendments

F47 Words in s. 366(10) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 30

Commencement Information

I527 S. 366 in force at 1.4.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11) (as amended (8.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/697, art. 2(3))

367 Interpretation of provisions about dealer notification U.K.

(1) Section 6 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (interpretation of provisions requiring notification of sale and hire of television sets) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1), for the definitions of “television dealer”, “television programme” and “television set” there shall be substituted—

““television dealer” means a person of any description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State setting out the descriptions of persons who are to be television dealers for the purposes of this Part;

“television set” means any apparatus of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State setting out the descriptions of apparatus that are to be television sets for the purposes of this Part.”

(3) After that subsection there shall be inserted—

“(1A) Regulations under subsection (1) defining a television set may provide for references to such a set to include references to software used in association with apparatus.”

Commencement Information

I528 S. 367 in force at 9.3.2004 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(1A) (with art. 11) (as inserted (8.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/697, art. 2(2))

I529 S. 367 in force at 1.4.2004 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11) (as amended (8.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/697, art. 2(3))

368 Meanings of “television receiver” and “use” U.K.

(1) In this Part “television receiver” means any apparatus of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State setting out the descriptions of apparatus that are to be television receivers for the purposes of this Part.

(2) Regulations under this section defining a television receiver may provide for references to such a receiver to include references to software used in association with apparatus.

(3) References in this Part to using a television receiver are references to using it for receiving television programmes.

(4) The power to make regulations under this section defining a television receiver includes power to modify subsection (3).

Commencement Information

I530 S. 368 in force at 1.4.2004 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11) (as amended (8.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/697, art. 2(3))

[F48 PART 4A U.K. ON-DEMAND PROGRAMME SERVICES

Textual Amendments

F48 Pt. 4A inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 2

Preliminary U.K.

368A Meaning of “on-demand programme service” U.K.

(1) For the purposes of this Act, a service is an “on-demand programme service” if—

(a) its principal purpose is the provision of programmes the form and content of which are comparable to the form and content of programmes normally included in television programme services;

(b) access to it is on-demand;

(c) there is a person who has editorial responsibility for it;

(d) it is made available by that person for use by members of the public; and

(e) that person is under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom for the purposes of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive.

(2) Access to a service is on-demand if—

(a) the service enables the user to view, at a time chosen by the user, programmes selected by the user from among the programmes included in the service; and

(b) the programmes viewed by the user are received by the user by means of an electronic communications network (whether before or after the user has selected which programmes to view).

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(a), the fact that a programme may be viewed only within a period specified by the provider of the service does not prevent the time at which it is viewed being one chosen by the user.

(4) A person has editorial responsibility for a service if that person has general control—

(a) over what programmes are included in the range of programmes offered to users; and

(b) over the manner in which the programmes are organised in that range;

and the person need not have control of the content of individual programmes or of the broadcasting or distribution of the service (and see section 368R(6)).

(5) If an on-demand programme service (“the main service”) offers users access to a relevant ancillary service, the relevant ancillary service is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as a part of the main service.

(6) In subsection (5), “relevant ancillary service” means a service or facility that consists of or gives access to assistance for disabled people in relation to some or all of the programmes included in the main service.

(7) In this section “assistance for disabled people” has the same meaning as in Part 3.

368B The appropriate regulatory authority U.K.

(1) OFCOM may designate any body corporate to be, to the extent provided by the designation, the appropriate regulatory authority for the purposes of any provision of this Part, subject to subsection (9).

(2) To the extent that no body is designated for a purpose, OFCOM is the appropriate regulatory authority for that purpose.

(3) Where a body is designated for a purpose, OFCOM may act as the appropriate regulatory authority for that purpose concurrently with or in place of that body.

(4) OFCOM may provide a designated body with assistance in connection with any of the functions of the body under this Part.

(5) A designation may in particular—

(a) provide for a body to be the appropriate regulatory authority in relation to on-demand programme services of a specified description;

(b) provide that a function of the appropriate regulatory authority is exercisable by the designated body—

(i) to such extent as may be specified;

(ii) either generally or in such circumstances as may be specified; and

(iii) either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as may be specified.

(6) The conditions that may be specified pursuant to subsection (5)(b)(iii) include a condition to the effect that a function may, generally or in specified circumstances, be exercised by the body only with the agreement of OFCOM.

(7) A designation has effect for such period as may be specified and may be revoked by OFCOM at any time.

(8) OFCOM must publish any designation in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(9) OFCOM may not designate a body unless, as respects that designation, they are satisfied that the body—

(a) is a fit and proper body to be designated;

(b) has consented to being designated;

(c) has access to financial resources that are adequate to ensure the effective performance of its functions as the appropriate regulatory authority;

(d) is sufficiently independent of providers of on-demand programme services; and

(e) will, in performing any function to which the designation relates, have regard in all cases—

(i) to the principles under which regulatory activities should be transparent, accountable, proportionate, consistent and targeted only at cases in which action is needed; and

(ii) to such of the matters mentioned in section 3(4) as appear to the body to be relevant in the circumstances.

(10) Subject to any enactment or rule of law restricting the disclosure or use of information by OFCOM or by a designated body—

(a) a designated body may supply information to another designated body for use by that other body in connection with any of its functions as the appropriate regulatory authority;

(b) a designated body may supply information to OFCOM for use by OFCOM in connection with any of their functions under this Part;

(c) OFCOM may supply information to a designated body for use by that body in connection with any of its functions as the appropriate regulatory authority.

(11) In carrying out their functions as the appropriate regulatory authority, a designated body may carry out, commission or support (financially or otherwise) research.

(12) In this section—

• “designation” means a designation under this section and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “specified” means specified in a designation.

[F49 Notification by providers U.K.

Textual Amendments

F49 Ss. 368BA, 368BB and cross-heading inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 4

368BA Advance notification to appropriate regulatory authority U.K.

(1) A person must not provide an on-demand programme service unless, before beginning to provide it, that person has given a notification to the appropriate regulatory authority of the person’s intention to provide that service.

(2) A person who has given a notification for the purposes of subsection (1) must, before—

(a) providing the notified service with any significant differences; or

(b) ceasing to provide it,

give a notification to the appropriate regulatory authority of the differences or (as the case may be) of an intention to cease to provide the service.

(3) A notification for the purposes of this section must—

(a) be sent to the appropriate regulatory authority in such manner as the authority may require; and

(b) contain all such information as the authority may require.

368BB Enforcement of section 368BA U.K.

(1) Where the appropriate regulatory authority determine that the provider of an on-demand programme service has contravened section 368BA, they may do one or both of the following—

(a) give the provider an enforcement notification under this section;

(b) impose a penalty on the provider in accordance with section 368J.

(2) The appropriate regulatory authority must not make a determination as mentioned in subsection (1) unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that a contravention of section 368BA has occurred and they have allowed the provider an opportunity to make representations about that apparent contravention.

(3) An enforcement notification under this section is a notification which specifies the determination made as mentioned in subsection (1) and imposes a requirement on the provider to take all such steps for remedying the contravention of section 368BA as may be specified in the notification.

(4) An enforcement notification must—

(a) include reasons for the appropriate regulatory authority’s decision to give the enforcement notification, and

(b) fix a reasonable period for taking the steps required by the notification.

(5) It is the duty of a person to whom an enforcement notification has been given to comply with it.

(6) That duty is enforceable in civil proceedings by the appropriate regulatory authority—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988; or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.]

Duties of the appropriate regulatory authority U.K.

368C Duties of the appropriate regulatory authority U.K.

(1) It is the duty of the appropriate regulatory authority to take such steps as appear to them best calculated to secure that every provider of an on-demand programme service complies with the requirements of section 368D.

(2) The appropriate regulatory authority must encourage providers of on-demand programme services to ensure that their services are progressively made more accessible to people with disabilities affecting their sight or hearing or both.

(3) The appropriate regulatory authority must ensure that providers of on-demand programme services promote, where practicable and by appropriate means, production of and access to European works (within the meaning given in Article 1(n) of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive).

(4) The appropriate regulatory authority must encourage providers of on-demand programme services to develop codes of conduct regarding standards concerning the appropriate promotion of food or beverages by sponsorship of, or in advertising which accompanies or is included in, children’s programmes.

Duties of service providers U.K.

368D Duties of service providers U.K.

(1) The provider of an on-demand programme service must ensure that the service complies with the requirements of sections 368E to 368H.

(2) The provider of an on-demand programme service (“P”) must supply the following information to users of the service—

(a) P’s name;

(b) P’s address;

(c) P’s electronic address;

(d) the name, address and electronic address of any body which is the appropriate regulatory authority for any purpose in relation to P or the service that P provides.

(3) The provider of an on-demand programme service must—

[F50 (za) pay to the appropriate regulatory authority such fee as that authority may require under section 368NA;

(zb) retain a copy of every programme included in the service for at least forty-two days after the day on which the programme ceases to be available for viewing;]

(a) comply with any requirement under section 368O (provision of information);

(b) co-operate fully with the appropriate authority for any purpose within section 368O(2) or (3).

[F51 (3A) A copy of a programme retained for the purposes of subsection (3)(zb) must be of a standard and in a format which allows the programme to be viewed as it was made available for viewing.]

(4) In this section “electronic address” means an electronic address to which users may send electronic communications, and includes any number or address used for the purposes of receiving such communications.

Textual Amendments

F50 S. 368D(3)(za)(zb) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 5(1)

F51 S. 368D(3A) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 5(2)

368E Harmful material U.K.

(1) An on-demand programme service must not contain any material likely to incite hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality.

(2) If an on-demand programme service contains material which might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of persons under the age of eighteen, the material must be made available in a manner which secures that such persons will not normally see or hear it.

368F Advertising U.K.

(1) Advertising of the following products is prohibited in on-demand programme services—

(a) cigarettes or other tobacco products;

(b) any prescription-only medicine.

(2) Advertising of alcoholic drinks is prohibited in on-demand programme services unless—

(a) it is not aimed at persons under the age of eighteen, and

(b) it does not encourage excessive consumption of such drinks.

(3) Advertising included in an on-demand programme service—

(a) must be readily recognisable as such, and

(b) must not use techniques which exploit the possibility of conveying a message subliminally or surreptitiously.

(4) Advertising included in an on-demand programme service must not—

(a) prejudice respect for human dignity;

(b) include or promote discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;

(c) encourage behaviour prejudicial to health or safety;

(d) encourage behaviour grossly prejudicial to the protection of the environment;

(e) cause physical or moral detriment to persons under the age of eighteen;

(f) directly exhort such persons to purchase or rent goods or services in a manner which exploits their inexperience or credulity;

(g) directly encourage such persons to persuade their parents or others to purchase or rent goods or services;

(h) exploit the trust of such persons in parents, teachers or others; or

(i) unreasonably show such persons in dangerous situations.

368G Sponsorship U.K.

(1) An on-demand programme service or a programme included in an on-demand programme service must not be sponsored—

(a) for the purpose of promoting cigarettes or other tobacco products, or

(b) by an undertaking whose principal activity is the manufacture or sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products.

(2) An on-demand programme service or a programme included in an on-demand programme service must not be sponsored for the purpose of promoting a prescription-only medicine.

(3) An on-demand programme service may not include a news programme or current affairs programme that is sponsored.

(4) Subsections (5) to (11) apply to an on-demand programme service that is sponsored or that includes any programme that is sponsored.

(5) The sponsoring of a service or programme must not influence the content of that service or programme in a way that affects the editorial independence of the provider of the service.

(6) Where a service or programme is sponsored for the purpose of promoting goods or services, the sponsored service or programme and sponsorship announcements relating to it must not directly encourage the purchase or rental of the goods or services, whether by making promotional reference to them or otherwise.

(7) Where a service or programme is sponsored for the purpose of promoting an alcoholic drink, the service or programme and sponsorship announcements relating to it must not—

(a) be aimed specifically at persons under the age of eighteen; or

(b) encourage the immoderate consumption of such drinks.

(8) A sponsored service must clearly inform users of the existence of a sponsorship agreement.

(9) The name of the sponsor and the logo or other symbol (if any) of the sponsor must be displayed at the beginning or end of a sponsored programme.

(10) Techniques which exploit the possibility of conveying a message subliminally or surreptitiously must not be used in a sponsorship announcement.

(11) A sponsorship announcement must not—

(a) prejudice respect for human dignity;

(b) include or promote discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;

(c) encourage behaviour prejudicial to health or safety;

(d) encourage behaviour grossly prejudicial to the protection of the environment;

(e) cause physical or moral detriment to persons under the age of eighteen;

(f) directly encourage such persons to persuade their parents or others to purchase or rent goods or services;

(g) exploit the trust of such persons in parents, teachers or others; or

(h) unreasonably show such persons in dangerous situations.

(12) For the purposes of this Part a programme included in an on-demand programme service is “sponsored” if a person (“the sponsor”) other than—

(a) the provider of that service, or

(b) the producer of that programme,

has met some or all of the costs of the programme for the purpose of promoting the name, trademark, image, activities, services or products of the sponsor or of another person.

(13) But a programme is not sponsored if it falls within this section only by virtue of the inclusion of product placement (see section 368H(1)) or prop placement (see section 368H(2)).

(14) For the purposes of subsection (12) a person meets some or all of the costs of a programme included in a service only if that person makes a payment or provides other resources for the purpose of meeting or saving some or all of the costs of—

(a) producing that programme;

(b) transmitting that programme; or

(c) making that programme available as part of the service.

(15) For the purposes of this Part an on-demand programme service is “sponsored” if a person (“the sponsor”) other than the provider of the service has met some or all of the costs of providing the service for the purpose of promoting the name, trademark, image, activities, services or products of the sponsor or another person.

(16) For the purposes of subsection (15) a person is not to be taken to have met some or all of the costs of providing a service only because a programme included in the service is sponsored by that person.

(17) In this section a “sponsorship announcement” means—

(a) anything included for the purpose of complying with subsection (8) or (9), and

(b) anything included at the same time as or otherwise in conjunction with anything within paragraph (a).

368H Prohibition of product placement and exceptions U.K.

(1) “Product placement”, in relation to a programme included in an on-demand programme service, means the inclusion in the programme of, or of a reference to, a product, service or trade mark, where the inclusion—

(a) is for a commercial purpose,

(b) is in return for the making of any payment, or the giving of other valuable consideration, to any relevant provider or any connected person, and

(c) is not prop placement.

(2) “Prop placement”, in relation to a programme included in an on-demand programme service, means the inclusion in the programme of, or of a reference to, a product, service or trade mark where—

(a) the provision of the product, service or trade mark has no significant value; and

(b) no relevant provider, or person connected with a relevant provider, has received any payment or other valuable consideration in relation to its inclusion in, or the reference to it in, the programme, disregarding the costs saved by including the product, service or trademark, or a reference to it, in the programme.

(3) Product placement is prohibited in children’s programmes included in on-demand programme services.

(4) Product placement is prohibited in on-demand programme services if—

(a) it is of cigarettes or other tobacco products,

(b) it is by or on behalf of an undertaking whose principal activity is the manufacture or sale of cigarettes or other tobacco products, or

(c) it is of prescription-only medicines.

(5) Product placement of alcoholic drinks must not —

(a) be aimed specifically at persons under the age of eighteen;

(b) encourage immoderate consumption of such drinks.

(6) Product placement is otherwise permitted in programmes included in on-demand programme services provided that—

(a) conditions A to F are met, and

(b) if subsection (14) applies, condition G is also met.

(7) Condition A is that the programme in which the product, service or trademark, or the reference to it, is included is—

(a) a film made for cinema;

(b) a film or series made for a television programme service or for an on-demand programme service;

(c) a sports programme; or

(d) a light entertainment programme.

(8) Condition B is that the product placement has not influenced the content of the programme in a way that affects the editorial independence of the provider of the service.

(9) Condition C is that the product placement does not directly encourage the purchase or rental of goods or services, whether by making promotional reference to those goods or services or otherwise.

(10) Condition D is that the programme does not give undue prominence to the products, services or trade marks concerned.

(11) Condition E is that the product placement does not use techniques which exploit the possibility of conveying a message subliminally or surreptitiously.

(12) Condition F is that the way in which the product, service or trade mark, or the reference to it, is included in the programme by way of product placement does not—

(a) prejudice respect for human dignity;

(b) promote discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;

(c) encourage behaviour prejudicial to health or safety;

(d) encourage behaviour grossly prejudicial to the protection of the environment;

(e) cause physical or moral detriment to persons under the age of eighteen;

(f) directly encourage such persons to persuade their parents or others to purchase or rent goods or services;

(g) exploit the trust of such persons in parents, teachers or others; or

(h) unreasonably show such persons in dangerous situations.

(13) Condition G is that the on-demand programme service in question signals appropriately the fact that product placement is contained in a programme, no less frequently than—

(a) at the start and end of such a programme, and

(b) in the case of an on-demand programme service which includes advertising breaks within it, at the recommencement of the programme after each such advertising break.

(14) This subsection applies where the programme featuring the product placement has been produced or commissioned by the provider of the service or any connected person.

(15) This section applies only in relation to programmes the production of which begins after 19th December 2009.

(16) In this section—

• “connected” has the same meaning as it has in the Broadcasting Act 1990 by virtue of section 202 of that Act;

• “film made for cinema” means a film made with a view to its being shown to the general public first in a cinema;

• “producer”, in relation to a programme, means the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the making of the programme are undertaken;

• “relevant provider”, in relation to a programme, means—

  (a)

  the provider of the on-demand programme service in which the programme is included; and

  (b)

  the producer of the programme;

• “residual value” means any monetary or other economic value in the hands of the relevant provider other than the cost saving of including the product, service or trademark, or a reference to it, in a programme;

• “significant value” means a residual value that is more than trivial; and

• “trade mark”, in relation to a business, includes any image (such as a logo) or sound commonly associated with that business or its products or services.

368I Enforcement of section 368D U.K.

(1) Where the appropriate regulatory authority determine that a provider of an on-demand programme service is contravening or has contravened section 368D they may do one or both of the following—

(a) give the provider an enforcement notification under this section;

(b) impose a financial penalty on the provider in accordance with section 368J.

(2) The appropriate regulatory authority must not make a determination as mentioned in subsection (1) unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that a contravention of section 368D is occurring or has occurred and they have allowed the provider an opportunity to make representations about that apparent contravention.

(3) An enforcement notification under this section is a notification which specifies the determination made as mentioned in subsection (1) and imposes requirements on the provider to take such steps for complying with section 368D and for remedying the consequences of the contravention of that section as may be specified in the notification.

(4) The requirements specified in an enforcement notification may in particular include requirements to do one or more of the following—

(a) cease providing or restrict access to–

(i) a specified programme, or

(ii) programmes of a specified description;

(b) cease showing or restrict access to–

(i) a specified advertisement, or

(ii) advertisements of a specified description;

(c) provide additional information to users of the service prior to the selection of a specified programme by the user for viewing;

(d) show an advertisement only with specified modifications;

(e) publish a correction in the form and place and at the time specified; or

(f) publish a statement of the findings of the appropriate regulatory authority in the form and place and at the time specified.

(5) An enforcement notification must—

(a) include reasons for the appropriate regulatory authority’s decision to give the enforcement notification, and

(b) fix a reasonable period for the taking of the steps required by the notification.

(6) Where a provider is required by an enforcement notification to publish a correction or a statement of findings, the provider may publish with the correction or statement of findings a statement that it is published in pursuance of the enforcement notification.

(7) It is the duty of a provider to whom an enforcement notification has been given to comply with it.

(8) That duty is enforceable in civil proceedings by the appropriate regulatory authority—

(a) for an injunction;

(b) for specific performance of a statutory duty under section 45 of the Court of Session Act 1988; or

(c) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

(9) If a provider to whom an enforcement notification has been given does not comply with it within the period fixed by the appropriate regulatory authority in that enforcement notification the appropriate regulatory authority may impose a financial penalty on that provider in accordance with section 368J.

Financial penalties U.K.

368J Financial penalties U.K.

(1) The amount of a penalty imposed on a provider under section [F52 368BB or] 368I is to be such amount not exceeding 5 per cent. of the provider’s applicable qualifying revenue or £250,000 whichever is the greater amount, as the appropriate regulatory authority determine to be—

(a) appropriate; and

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

(2) In determining the amount of a penalty under subsection (1) the appropriate regulatory authority must have regard to any statement published by OFCOM under section 392 (guidelines to be followed in determining amount of penalties).

(3) The “applicable qualifying revenue”, in relation to a provider, means—

(a) the qualifying revenue for the provider’s last complete accounting period falling within the period during which the provider has been providing the service to which the contravention relates; or

(b) in relation to a person whose first complete accounting period falling within that period has not ended when the penalty is imposed, the amount that the appropriate regulatory authority estimate to be the qualifying revenue for that period.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) the “qualifying revenue” for an accounting period consists of the aggregate of all the amounts received or to be received by the provider of the service to which the contravention relates or by any connected person in the accounting period —

(a) for the inclusion in that service of advertisements, product placement and sponsorship; and

(b) in respect of charges made in that period for the provision of programmes included in that service.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), “connected” has the same meaning as it has in the Broadcasting Act 1990 by virtue of section 202 of that Act.

(6) A financial penalty imposed under this section—

(a) must be paid into the appropriate Consolidated Fund; and

(b) if not paid within the period fixed by the appropriate regulatory authority, is to be recoverable by the appropriate regulatory authority as a debt due to them from the person obliged to pay it.

(7) For the purposes of subsections (3) and (6)—

(a) the amount of a person’s qualifying revenue for an accounting period, or

(b) the amount of any payment to be made into the appropriate Consolidated Fund by any person in respect of any such revenue,

is, in the event of a disagreement between the appropriate regulatory authority and that person, the amount determined by the appropriate regulatory authority.

(8) The references in this section to the payment of an amount into the appropriate Consolidated Fund—

(a) in the case of an amount received in respect of matters appearing to OFCOM to have no connection with Northern Ireland, is a reference to the payment of the amount into the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom;

(b) in the case of an amount received in respect of matters appearing to OFCOM to have a connection with Northern Ireland but no connection with the rest of the United Kingdom, is a reference to the payment of the amount into the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland; and

(c) in any other case, is a reference to the payment of the amount, in such proportions as OFCOM consider appropriate, into each of those Funds.

Textual Amendments

F52 Words in s. 368J(1) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 7

Suspension or restriction of service U.K.

368K Suspension or restriction of service for contraventions U.K.

(1) The appropriate regulatory authority must serve a notice under subsection (2) on a provider of an on-demand programme service if they are satisfied—

(a) that the provider is in contravention of section [F53 368BA or ] 368D;

(b) that an attempt to secure compliance with section [F54 368BA or ] 368D [F55 (as the case may be)] by the imposition of one or more financial penalties or enforcement notifications under section [F56 368BB or ] 368I has failed; and

(c) that the giving of a direction under this section would be appropriate and proportionate to the seriousness of the contravention.

(2) A notice under this subsection must—

(a) state that the appropriate regulatory authority are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1);

(b) state the reasons why they are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1);

(c) state that the appropriate regulatory authority will give a direction under this section unless the provider takes, within a period specified in the notice, such steps to remedy the contravention within subsection (1)(a) as are so specified;

(d) specify any conditions that the appropriate regulatory authority propose to impose in the direction under section 368M(5)(b); and

(e) inform the provider that the provider has the right to make representations to the appropriate regulatory authority about the matters appearing to the authority to provide grounds for giving the proposed direction within the period specified for the purposes of paragraph (c).

(3) If, after considering any representations made to them by the provider within that period, the appropriate regulatory authority are satisfied that the provider has failed to take the steps specified in the notice for remedying the contravention and that it is necessary in the public interest to give a direction under this section, the appropriate regulatory authority must give such of the following as appears to them appropriate and proportionate as mentioned in subsection (1)(c)—

(a) a direction that the entitlement of the provider to provide an on-demand programme service is suspended (either generally or in relation to a particular service);

(b) a direction that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the direction.

Textual Amendments

F53 Words in s. 368K(1)(a) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 8(2)

F54 Words in s. 368K(1)(b) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 8(3)(a)

F55 Words in s. 368K(1)(b) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 8(3)(b)

F56 Words in s. 368K(1)(b) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 8(3)(c)

368L Suspension or restriction of service for inciting crime or disorder U.K.

(1) The appropriate regulatory authority must serve a notice under subsection (2) on a provider of an on-demand programme service if they are satisfied—

(a) that the service has failed to comply with any requirement of section 368E to 368H and that accordingly the provider has contravened section 368D(1);

(b) that the failure is due to the inclusion in the service of material likely to encourage or to incite the commission of crime, or to lead to disorder; and

(c) that the contravention is such as to justify the giving of a direction under this section.

(2) A notice under this subsection must—

(a) state that the appropriate regulatory authority are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1);

(b) specify the respects in which, in their opinion, the provider has contravened section 368D;

(c) specify the effect of the notice in accordance with subsection (3);

(d) state that the appropriate regulatory authority may give a direction under this section after the end of the period of twenty-one days beginning with the day on which the notice is served on the provider; and

(e) inform the provider of the provider’s right to make representations to the appropriate regulatory authority within that period about the matters appearing to the appropriate regulatory authority to provide grounds for giving a direction under this section.

(3) A notice under subsection (2) has the effect specified under subsection (2)(c), which may be either—

(a) that the entitlement of the provider to provide an on-demand programme service is suspended (either generally or in relation to a particular service), or

(b) that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the notice.

(4) The suspension or restriction has effect as from the time when the notice is served on the provider until either—

(a) a direction given under this section takes effect; or

(b) the appropriate regulatory authority decide not to give such a direction.

(5) If, after considering any representations made to them by the provider within the period mentioned in subsection (2)(d), the appropriate regulatory authority are satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest to give a direction under this section, they must give such of the following as appears to them justified as mentioned in subsection (1)(c)—

(a) a direction that the entitlement of the provider to provide an on-demand programme service is suspended (either generally or in relation to a particular service);

(b) a direction that that entitlement is restricted in the respects set out in the direction.

368M Supplementary provision about directions U.K.

(1) This section applies to a direction given to a provider under section 368K or 368L.

(2) A direction must specify the service to which it relates or specify that it relates to any on-demand programme service provided or to be provided by the provider.

(3) A direction, except so far as it otherwise provides, takes effect for an indefinite period beginning with the time at which it is notified to the provider.

(4) A direction under section 368L must specify a time for it to take effect, and that time must not fall before the end of twenty-eight days beginning with the day on which the direction is notified to the provider.

(5) A direction—

(a) may provide for the effect of a suspension or restriction to be postponed by specifying that it takes effect only at a time determined by or in accordance with the terms of the direction; and

(b) in connection with the suspension or restriction contained in the direction or with the postponement of its effect, may impose such conditions on the provider as appear to the appropriate regulatory authority to be appropriate for the purpose of protecting that provider’s customers.

(6) If the appropriate regulatory authority consider it appropriate to do so (whether or not in consequence of representations or proposals made to them), they may revoke a direction or modify its conditions—

(a) with effect from such time as they may direct;

(b) subject to compliance with such requirements as they may specify; and

(c) to such extent and in relation to such services as they may determine.

368N Enforcement of directions under section 368K or 368L U.K.

(1) A person (“P”) is guilty of an offence if P provides an on-demand programme service—

(a) while P’s entitlement to do so is suspended by a direction under section 368K or 368L, or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

[F57 Fees U.K.

Textual Amendments

F57 S. 368NA and cross-heading inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 9 (with reg. 13)

368NA Fees U.K.

(1) In this section “the authority” means each of these—

(a) the appropriate regulatory authority;

(b) (where they are not the appropriate regulatory authority) OFCOM.

(2) The authority may require a provider of an on-demand programme service to pay them a fee.

(3) The authority must be satisfied that the amount of any fee required under subsection (2)—

(a) represents the appropriate contribution of the provider towards meeting the likely costs described in subsection (5)(a), and

(b) is justifiable and proportionate having regard to the provider who will be required to pay it and the functions in respect of which it is imposed.

(4) A different fee may be required in relation to different cases or circumstances.

(5) The authority must, for each financial year—

(a) prepare such estimate as it is practicable for them to make of the likely costs of carrying out the relevant functions during that year;

(b) ensure that the aggregate amount of the fees that are required to be paid to them under subsection (2) during that year is sufficient to enable them to meet, but not exceed, the costs estimated under paragraph (a);

(c) consult in such manner as they consider appropriate the providers likely to be required to pay them a fee under subsection (2) during that year;

(d) publish in such manner as they consider appropriate the amount of the fees they will require providers to pay to them under subsection (2) during that year.

(6) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the financial year, the authority must publish a statement setting out, for that year—

(a) the aggregate amount received by them during that year in respect of fees required to be paid under subsection (2);

(b) the aggregate amount outstanding and likely to be paid or recovered in respect of fees that were required to be so paid under subsection (2); and

(c) the costs to them of carrying out the relevant functions during that year.

(7) Any deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by a statement under subsection (6) is to be—

(a) carried forward; and

(b) taken into account in determining what is required to satisfy the requirement imposed by virtue of subsection (5)(b) in relation to the following year.

(8) The authority may repay to a person some or all of a fee paid to them by a person under subsection (2) if—

(a) that person has ceased to provide an on-demand programme service at some time during the period to which the fee relates;

(b) before ceasing to provide that service, that person gave the appropriate regulatory authority a notification under section 368BA(2); and

(c) that person did not cease to provide the service following a direction given by the appropriate regulatory authority under section 368K or 368L.

(9) The authority may make arrangements with any body designated under section 368B for that body to provide the authority with assistance in connection with the collection or repayment of fees required by them under this section.

(10) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the authority’s costs of carrying out the relevant functions during a financial year include their costs of preparing to carry out the relevant functions incurred during that year; and

(b) the authority’s costs of preparing to carry out the relevant functions incurred after 19 December 2009 but before the financial year in which those functions were first carried out by them are to be treated as if they were incurred during that year.

(11) In this section “relevant functions” means—

(a) in relation to the appropriate regulatory authority, their functions as the appropriate regulatory authority;

(b) in relation to OFCOM (where they are not the appropriate regulatory authority), their other functions under this Part.

(12) In this section “financial year” means a period of 12 months ending with 31 March.]

Information U.K.

368O Power to demand information U.K.

(1) The appropriate regulatory authority may require a person who appears to them to be or to have been a provider of an on-demand programme service and to have information that they require for a purpose within subsection (2) to provide them with all such information as they consider necessary for that purpose.

(2) The following are within this subsection—

(a) the purposes of an investigation which the appropriate regulatory authority are carrying out in order for it to be determined whether a contravention of section [F58 368BA or section] 368D has occurred or is occurring, where—

(i) the investigation relates to a matter about which they have received a complaint, or

(ii) they otherwise have reason to suspect that there has been a contravention of that section;

(b) the purpose of ascertaining or calculating applicable qualifying revenue under section 368J.

(3) The appropriate regulatory authority may require a person who appears to them to be or to have been a provider of an on-demand programme service and to have information that they require for the purpose of securing compliance with the obligations of the United Kingdom under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive to provide them with all such information as they consider necessary for that purpose.

(4) The appropriate regulatory authority may not require the provision of information under this section unless they have given the person from whom it is required an opportunity of making representations to them about the matters appearing to them to provide grounds for making the request.

(5) The appropriate regulatory authority must not require the provision of information under this section except by a demand for the information contained in a notice served on the person from whom the information is required that describes the required information and sets out the appropriate regulatory authority’s reasons for requiring it.

(6) A person who is required to provide information under this section must provide it in such manner and within such reasonable period as may be specified by the appropriate regulatory authority in the demand for information.

(7) Sections 368I and 368K apply in relation to a failure to comply with a demand for information imposed under this section as if that failure were a contravention of a requirement of section 368D.

(8) In this section “information” includes copies of programmes.

Textual Amendments

F58 Words in s. 368O(2)(a) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 10

Application and interpretation of Part 4A U.K.

368P Application of Part 4A in relation to the BBC U.K.

[F59 (A1) Section 368BA (advance notification) does not apply in relation to an on-demand programme service provided or to be provided by the BBC.]

[F60 (1) The following provisions do not apply to the BBC—

(a) section 368D(3) (duties of providers of on-demand programme services);

(b) section 368F (advertising);

(c) section 368G (sponsorship);

(d) section 368NA (fees ).]

(2) In the following provisions references to a provider of an on-demand programme service do not include references to the BBC—

(a) section 368C (duties of appropriate regulatory authority);

F61 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F61 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) section 368I (enforcement by appropriate regulatory authority);

(e) section 368K (suspension or restriction of service for contraventions);

(f) section 368L (suspension or restriction of service for inciting crime or disorder);

(g) section 368O (power to demand information).

(3) Paragraph 2(2)(b) of Schedule 12 includes provision imposing obligations on the BBC in relation to on-demand programme services.

Textual Amendments

F59 S. 368P(A1) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 11(a)

F60 S. 368P(1) substituted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 11(b)

F61 S. 368P(2)(b)(c) omitted (18.3.2010) by virtue of The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 11(c)

368Q Application of Part 4A in relation to the Welsh Authority U.K.

[F62 (A1) Section 368BA (advance notification) does not apply in relation to an on-demand programme service provided or to be provided by the Welsh Authority, other than a service that includes advertising.]

(1) In section 368C (duties of appropriate regulatory authority) references to a provider of an on-demand programme service do not include references to the Welsh Authority.

(2) It is the duty of the appropriate regulatory authority—

(a) to take such steps as appear to them best calculated to secure that the requirements of sections 368E and 368F are complied with by the Welsh Authority in relation to advertising, and

(b) to encourage the Welsh Authority to develop the codes of conduct referred to in section 368C(4) so far as it relates to advertising.

(3) It is the duty of the Welsh Authority in the provision of any on-demand programme service to promote, where practicable and by appropriate means, production of and access to European works (within the meaning given in Article 1(n) of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive).

(4) Section 368D(3) [F63 (zb), (a), and (b) (duties of providers of on-demand programme services) do] not apply to the Welsh Authority except in relation to advertising or in relation to the inclusion of advertising in on-demand programme services provided by the Welsh Authority.

(5) Section 368I (enforcement by appropriate regulatory authority), section 368K (suspension or restriction of service for contraventions) and section 368L (suspension or restriction of service for inciting crime or disorder) do not apply in relation to the contravention of section 368D by the Welsh Authority except in the case of a contravention of section 368E or 368F that relates to advertising [F64 or in the case of a contravention of section 368D(3)(za)] .

(6) Section 368O does not apply in relation to information held by the Welsh Authority except where that information is required by the appropriate regulatory authority for the purposes of—

(a) an investigation which the appropriate regulatory authority are carrying out (whether or not following receipt by them of a complaint) into a matter relating to compliance by the Welsh Authority with section 368E or 368F in relation to advertising; or

(b) securing compliance with the international obligations of the United Kingdom under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive in relation to advertising.

(7) Part 2 of Schedule 12 includes provision imposing obligations on the Welsh Authority in relation to on-demand programme services.

Textual Amendments

F62 S. 368Q(A1) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 12(1)

F63 Words in s. 368Q(4) substituted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 12(2)

F64 Words in s. 368Q(5) inserted (18.3.2010) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/419), regs. 1(1), 12(3)

368R Interpretation of Part 4A U.K.

(1) In this Part—

• “appropriate regulatory authority” is to be construed in accordance with 368B;

• “children’s programme” means a programme which is intended for viewing primarily by persons under the age of sixteen;

• “prescription-only medicine” means a medicinal product of a description or falling within a class specified in an order made under section 58 of the Medicines Act 1968;

• “product placement” has the meaning given by section 368H(1);

• “sponsorship” is to be construed in accordance with section 368G;

• “tobacco product” has the meaning given in section 1 of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002.

(2) For the purposes of this Part, a programme is included in an on-demand programme service if it is included in the range of programmes the service offers to users.

(3) For the purposes of this Part, advertising is included in an on-demand programme service if it can be viewed by a user of the service as a result of the user selecting a programme to view.

(4) The services that are to be taken for the purposes of this Part to be available for use by members of the public include any service which—

(a) is made available for use only to persons who subscribe to the service (whether for a period or in relation to a particular occasion) or who otherwise request its provision; but

(b) is a service the facility of subscribing to which, or of otherwise requesting its provision, is offered or made available to members of the public.

(5) The person, and the only person, who is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as providing an on-demand programme service is the person who has editorial responsibility for the service (see section 368A(4)).

(6) For the purposes of this Part—

(a) the provision of a service by the BBC does not include its provision by a BBC company;

(b) the provision of a service by the Welsh Authority does not include its provision by an S4C company;

and, accordingly, control that is or is capable of being exercised by the BBC or the Welsh Authority over decisions by a BBC company or an S4C company about what is to be comprised in a service is to be disregarded for the purposes of determining who has editorial responsibility for the service.]

Part 5 U.K. Competition in communications markets

Chapter 1 U.K. Functions of OFCOM under competition legislation

369 Matters in relation to which OFCOM have competition functions U.K.

(1) In this Chapter references to communications matters are references to any one or more of the following—

(a) the provision of electronic communications networks;

(b) the provision of electronic communications services;

(c) the provision or making available of services or facilities which are provided or made available—

(i) by means of, or in association with the provision (by the same person or another) of, an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; or

(ii) for the purpose of facilitating the use of any such network or service (whether provided by the same person or another);

(d) apparatus used for providing or making available anything mentioned in the preceding paragraphs;

(e) broadcasting and related matters.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order make such amendments of subsection (1) as he may consider appropriate for the purpose of modifying the description of activities in respect of which any of the provisions of this Part—

(a) confer functions on OFCOM under Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41) or relate to the carrying out by OFCOM of those functions; or

(b) confer functions on OFCOM under Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) or relate to the carrying out by OFCOM of those functions.

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

Commencement Information

I531 S. 369(1)(a)-(d)(2)(3) 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))

I532 S. 369(1)(a)-(d) (2) (3) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I533 S. 369(1)(e) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

370 OFCOM’s functions under Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002 U.K.

(1) The functions to which subsection (2) applies shall be concurrent functions of OFCOM and the Office of Fair Trading.

(2) This subsection applies to the functions of the Office of Fair Trading under Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (market investigations) (other than sections 166 and 171) so far as relating to commercial activities connected with communications matters.

(3) So far as necessary for the purposes of, or in connection with, subsections (1) and (2), references in Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002 to the Office of Fair Trading (including references in provisions of that Act applied by that Part) shall be construed as including references to OFCOM except—

(a) in sections 166 and 171; and

(b) where the context otherwise requires.

(4) In subsection (2) the reference to activities connected with communications matters, so far as it is a reference to activities connected with any apparatus falling within paragraph (d) of section 369(1), includes a reference to—

(a) the supply and export of any such apparatus; and

(b) the production or acquisition of any such apparatus for supply or export.

(5) Before the Office of Fair Trading or OFCOM first exercises in relation to any matter functions which are exercisable concurrently by virtue of this section, that person shall consult the other.

(6) Neither the Office of Fair Trading nor OFCOM shall exercise in relation to any matter functions which are exercisable concurrently by virtue of this section if functions which are so exercisable have been exercised in relation to that matter by the other.

(7) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, for the purpose of assisting the Competition Commission in carrying out an investigation on a reference made to them by OFCOM by virtue of subsection (1), to give to the Commission—

(a) any information which is in OFCOM’s possession and relates to matters falling within the scope of the investigation and—

(i) is requested by the Commission for that purpose, or

(ii) is information which, in OFCOM’s opinion, it would be appropriate for that purpose to give to the Commission without any such request;

and

(b) any other assistance which the Commission may require, and which it is within OFCOM’s power to give, in relation to any such matters,

and the Commission, for the purposes of carrying out any such investigation, shall take into account any information given to it for that purpose under this subsection.

(8) If any question arises as to whether, by virtue of this section, any functions fall to be, or are capable of being, carried out by OFCOM in relation to any particular case, that question shall be referred to and determined by the Secretary of State.

(9) No objection shall be taken to anything done under Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) by or in relation to OFCOM on the ground that it should have been done by or in relation to the Office of Fair Trading.

(10) Section 117 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (offences of supplying false or misleading information) as applied by section 180 of that Act shall have effect so far as relating to functions exercisable by OFCOM by virtue of this section as if the references in section 117(1)(a) and (2) to the Office of Fair Trading included references to OFCOM.

(11) Subject to subsection (12), section 3 does not apply in relation to anything done by OFCOM in the carrying out of their functions by virtue of this section.

(12) In the carrying out of any functions by virtue of this section OFCOM may nevertheless have regard to any of the matters in respect of which a duty is imposed by section 3(1) to (4) if it is a matter to which the Office of Fair Trading is entitled to have regard in the carrying out of those functions.

Commencement Information

I534 S. 370 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))

I535 S. 370 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)

371 OFCOM’s functions under the Competition Act 1998 U.K.

(1) The functions to which subsection (2) applies shall be concurrent functions of OFCOM and the Office of Fair Trading.

[F65 (2) This subsection applies to the functions of the Office of Fair Trading under the provisions of Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 (other than sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6) and 51), so far as relating to—

(a) agreements, decisions or concerted practices of the kind mentioned in section 2(1) of that Act,

(b) conduct of the kind mentioned in section 18(1) of that Act,

(c) agreements, decisions or concerted practices of the kind mentioned in Article 81(1) of the treaty establishing the European Community, or

(d) conduct which amounts to abuse of the kind mentioned in Article 82 of the treaty establishing the European Community,

which relate to activities connected with communications matters.]

(3) So far as necessary for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), references to the Office of Fair Trading in Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 are to be read as including references to OFCOM, except—

(a) [F66 in sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6)] , 51, 52(6) and (8) and 54, and

(b) where the context otherwise requires.

(4) In subsection (2), the reference to activities connected with communications matters, so far as it is a reference to activities connected with any apparatus falling within paragraph (d) of section 369(1), includes a reference to—

(a) the supply and export of any such apparatus; and

(b) the production or acquisition of any such apparatus for supply or export.

(5) In section 54 of the Competition Act 1998—

(a) in subsection (1) (definition of “regulator” for the purposes of Part 1 of that Act), for paragraph (a) there shall be substituted—

“(a) the Office of Communications;”

(b) in subsection (4) (power to make regulations about concurrent functions of the Office of Fair Trading and sectoral regulators), “or by Chapter V of Part I of the Transport Act 2000” there shall be inserted “ to this Act, by Chapter 5 of Part 1 of the Transport Act 2000 or by section 371 of the Communications Act 2003 ”.

(6) In paragraph 5 of Schedule 2 to the Competition Act 1998 (publication of list of networking arrangements under the 1990 Act excluded from the Chapter 1 prohibition)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (2), for “The Independent Television Commission (“ITC”)” there shall be substituted “ OFCOM ”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (3), for “The ITC” there shall be substituted “ OFCOM ”.

(7) In section 59(1) of the Competition Act 1998 (interpretation of Part 1), after the definition of “Minister of the Crown” there shall be inserted—

““OFCOM” means the Office of Communications;”.

(8) OFCOM may carry out, in respect of activities connected with communications matters and concurrently with the Office of Fair Trading, the functions of the Office of Fair Trading under any of paragraphs 3, 7, 19(3) and 36 to 39 of Schedule 13 to the Competition Act 1998 (transitional provisions).

(9) If any question arises as to whether, by virtue of this section, any functions fall to be, or are capable of being, carried out by OFCOM in relation to a particular case, that question shall be referred to and determined by the Secretary of State.

(10) No objection shall be taken to anything done under by or in relation to OFCOM under the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41) on the ground that it should have been done by or in relation to the Office of Fair Trading.

(11) Subject to subsection (12), section 3 does not apply in relation to anything done by OFCOM in the carrying out of their functions by virtue of this section.

(12) In the carrying out of any functions by virtue of this section OFCOM may nevertheless have regard to any of the matters in respect of which a duty is imposed by section 3(1) to (4) if it is a matter to which the Office of Fair Trading is entitled to have regard in the carrying out of those functions.

Textual Amendments

F65 S. 371(2) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 2 para. 11(2)(a)

F66 Words in s. 371(3)(a) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 1(a), Sch. 2 para. 11(2)(b)

Commencement Information

I536 S. 371 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))

I537 S. 371 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)

372 Application of the Competition Act 1998 to news provision U.K.

(1) Section 194A of the 1990 Act (which modifies the Competition Act 1998 in relation to agreements relating to Channel 3 news provision) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) (meaning of “relevant agreement”)—

(a) for “section 31A(a)” there shall be substituted “ section 280 of the Communications Act 2003 ”; and

(b) for “section 31(2)” (in both places) there shall be substituted “ that section ”.

(3) In subsections (2), (6) and (7)(b)(i) (consultations with and notifications to the Office of Fair Trading), after the words “the OFT”, in each place where they occur, there shall be inserted “ and OFCOM ”.

(4) In subsection (3)(b)—

(a) for “section 31(2)” there shall be substituted “ section 280 of the Communications Act 2003 ”; and

(b) for “section 31(1) and (2)” there shall be substituted “ that section of that Act of 2003 ”.

(5) In subsection (5)(c) (declaration without notification), after “the OFT” there shall be inserted “ or OFCOM or both of them ”.

(6) In subsection (7) (restriction on exercise by Office of Fair Trading of Chapter III powers)—

(a) for “The OFT may not” there shall be substituted “ Neither the OFT nor OFCOM may ”; and

(b) for paragraph (a) there shall be substituted—

“(a) the Secretary of State has been notified by the OFT or (as the case may be) by OFCOM of its or their intention to do so; and”.

(7) In subsection (8) (notice by Office of Fair Trading to the Secretary of State), for the words from the beginning to “assist” in paragraph (a) there shall be substituted—

“(8) Where the OFT or OFCOM is or are proposing to exercise any Chapter III powers in respect of a relevant agreement, it or they must give the Secretary of State particulars of the agreement and such other information—

(a) it considers or (as the case may be) they consider will assist”.

(8) In subsection (9), in the definition of “Chapter III powers”, for “given to the OFT by” there shall be substituted “ of the OFT and of OFCOM under ”.

Commencement Information

I538 S. 372 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Chapter 2 U.K. Media mergers

Introductory U.K.

373 Repeal of existing newspaper merger regime U.K.

Sections 57 to 62 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 (c. 41) (newspaper merger references) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I539 S. 373 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

374 Repeal of exclusion for newspaper mergers from general merger controls U.K.

Section 69 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (exclusion of newspaper mergers from references under Part 3 of that Act) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I540 S. 374 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Adaptation for media mergers of main merger regime U.K.

375 Media public interest considerations U.K.

(1) After subsection (2) of section 58 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (considerations specified as public interest considerations for the purpose of the main merger regime) there shall be inserted—

“(2A) The need for—

(a) accurate presentation of news; and

(b) free expression of opinion;

in newspapers is specified in this section.

(2B) The need for, to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable, a sufficient plurality of views in newspapers in each market for newspapers in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom is specified in this section.

(2C) The following are specified in this section—

(a) the need, in relation to every different audience in the United Kingdom or in a particular area or locality of the United Kingdom, for there to be a sufficient plurality of persons with control of the media enterprises serving that audience;

(b) the need for the availability throughout the United Kingdom of a wide range of broadcasting which (taken as a whole) is both of high quality and calculated to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and interests; and

(c) the need for persons carrying on media enterprises, and for those with control of such enterprises, to have a genuine commitment to the attainment in relation to broadcasting of the standards objectives set out in section 319 of the Communications Act 2003.”

(2) After that section there shall be inserted, in Chapter 2 of Part 3—

“58A Construction of consideration specified in section 58(2C)

(1) For the purposes of section 58 and this section an enterprise is a media enterprise if it consists in or involves broadcasting.

(2) In the case of a merger situation in which at least one of the enterprises ceasing to be distinct consists in or involves broadcasting, the references in section 58(2C)(a) or this section to media enterprises include references to newspaper enterprises.

(3) In this Part “newspaper enterprise” means an enterprise consisting in or involving the supply of newspapers.

(4) Wherever in a merger situation two media enterprises serving the same audience cease to be distinct, the number of such enterprises serving that audience shall be assumed to be more immediately before they cease to be distinct than it is afterwards.

(5) For the purposes of section 58, where two or more media enterprises—

(a) would fall to be treated as under common ownership or common control for the purposes of section 26, or

(b) are otherwise in the same ownership or under the same control,

they shall be treated (subject to subsection (4)) as all under the control of only one person.

(6) A reference in section 58 or this section to an audience shall be construed in relation to a media enterprise in whichever of the following ways the decision-making authority considers appropriate—

(a) as a reference to any one of the audiences served by that enterprise, taking them separately;

(b) as a reference to all the audiences served by that enterprise, taking them together;

(c) as a reference to a number of those audiences taken together in such group as the decision-making authority considers appropriate; or

(d) as a reference to a part of anything that could be taken to be an audience under any of paragraphs (a) to (c) above.

(7) The criteria for deciding who can be treated for the purposes of this section as comprised in an audience, or as comprised in an audience served by a particular service—

(a) shall be such as the decision-making authority considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case; and

(b) may allow for persons to be treated as members of an audience if they are only potentially members of it.

(8) In this section “audience” includes readership.

(9) The power under subsection (3) of section 58 to modify that section includes power to modify this section.”

(3) In section 127(1) of that Act (associated persons to be treated as one person), for the word “and” at the end of paragraph (a) there shall be substituted—

“(aa) for the purposes of section 58(2C); and”.

Commencement Information

I541 S. 375 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

376 Adaptation of role of OFT in initial investigations and reports U.K.

(1) In section 44(3)(b) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (initial report by OFT in public interest cases must include summary of representations about public interest considerations) after the word “concerned” there shall be inserted “ (other than a media public interest consideration) ”.

(2) After section 44(5) of that Act there shall be inserted—

“(5A) The report may, in particular, contain a summary of any representations about the case which have been received by the OFT and which relate to any media public interest consideration mentioned in the intervention notice concerned and which is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 45.”

(3) After section 44(7) of that Act there shall be inserted—

“(8) In this Part “media public interest consideration” means any consideration which, at the time of the giving of the intervention notice concerned—

(a) is specified in section 58(2A) to (2C); or

(b) in the opinion of the Secretary of State, is concerned with broadcasting or newspapers and ought to be specified in section 58.

(9) In this Part “broadcasting” means the provision of services the provision of which—

(a) is required to be licensed under Part 1 or 3 of the Broadcasting Act 1990 or Part 1 or 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996; or

(b) would be required to be so licensed if provided by a person subject to licensing under the Part in question.

(10) In this Part “newspaper” means a daily, Sunday or local (other than daily or Sunday) newspaper circulating wholly or mainly in the United Kingdom or in a part of the United Kingdom.

(11) The Secretary of State may by order amend subsections (9) and (10).”

Commencement Information

I542 S. 376 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

377 Additional investigation and report by OFCOM U.K.

After section 44 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (investigation and report by OFT in public interest cases) there shall be inserted—

“44A Additional investigation and report by OFCOM: media mergers

(1) Subsection (2) applies where—

(a) the Secretary of State has given an intervention notice in relation to a relevant merger situation; and

(b) the intervention notice mentions any media public interest consideration.

(2) OFCOM shall, within such period as the Secretary of State may require, give a report to the Secretary of State on the effect of the consideration or considerations concerned on the case.

(3) The report shall contain—

(a) advice and recommendations on any media public interest consideration mentioned in the intervention notice concerned and which is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 45; and

(b) a summary of any representations about the case which have been received by OFCOM and which relate to any such consideration.

(4) OFCOM shall carry out such investigations as they consider appropriate for the purposes of producing a report under this section.”

Commencement Information

I543 S. 377 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Extension of special public interest regime U.K.

378 Extension of special public interest regime for certain media mergers U.K.

(1) In section 59 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (intervention by Secretary of State in special public interest cases), for subsections (3) and (4) (definition of “special merger situation”) there shall be substituted—

“(3) For the purposes of this Part a special merger situation has been created if—

(a) the condition mentioned in subsection (3A) is satisfied; and

(b) immediately before the enterprises concerned ceased to be distinct—

(i) the conditions mentioned in subsection (3B) were satisfied;

(ii) the condition mentioned in subsection (3C) was satisfied; or

(iii) the condition mentioned in subsection (3D) was satisfied.

(3A) The condition mentioned in this subsection is that—

(a) no relevant merger situation has been created because of section 23(1)(b) and (2)(b); but

(b) a relevant merger situation would have been created if those enactments were disregarded.

(3B) The conditions mentioned in this subsection are that—

(a) at least one of the enterprises concerned was carried on in the United Kingdom or by or under the control of a body corporate incorporated in the United Kingdom; and

(b) a person carrying on one or more of the enterprises concerned was a relevant government contractor.

(3C) The condition mentioned in this subsection is that, in relation to the supply of newspapers of any description, at least one-quarter of all the newspapers of that description which were supplied in the United Kingdom, or in a substantial part of the United Kingdom, were supplied by the person or persons by whom one of the enterprises concerned was carried on.

(3D) The condition mentioned in this subsection is that, in relation to the provision of broadcasting of any description, at least one-quarter of all broadcasting of that description provided in the United Kingdom, or in a substantial part of the United Kingdom, was provided by the person or persons by whom one of the enterprises concerned was carried on.”

(2) After subsection (6) of that section there shall be inserted—

“(6A) The Secretary of State may by order amend the conditions mentioned in subsection (3)(b)(ii) and (iii).”

(3) After that section there shall be inserted—

“59A Construction of conditions in section 59(3C) and (3D)

(1) For the purpose of deciding whether the proportion of one-quarter mentioned in section 59(3C) or (3D) is fulfilled with respect to—

(a) newspapers of any description, or

(b) broadcasting of any description,

the decision-making authority shall apply such criterion (whether value, cost, price, quantity, capacity, number of workers employed or some other criterion, of whatever nature), or such combination of criteria, as the decision-making authority considers appropriate.

(2) References in section 59(3C) to the supply of newspapers shall, in relation to newspapers of any description which are the subject of different forms of supply, be construed in whichever of the following ways the decision-making authority considers appropriate—

(a) as references to any of those forms of supply taken separately;

(b) as references to all those forms of supply taken together; or

(c) as references to any of those forms of supply taken in groups.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) the decision-making authority may treat newspapers as being the subject of different forms of supply whenever—

(a) the transactions concerned differ as to their nature, their parties, their terms or their surrounding circumstances; and

(b) the difference is one which, in the opinion of the decision-making authority, ought for the purposes of that subsection to be treated as a material difference.

(4) References in section 59(3D) to the provision of broadcasting shall, in relation to broadcasting of any description which is the subject of different forms of provision, be construed in whichever of the following ways the decision-making authority considers appropriate—

(a) as references to any of those forms of provision taken separately;

(b) as references to all those forms of provision taken together; or

(c) as references to any of those forms of provision taken in groups.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4) the decision-making authority may treat broadcasting as being the subject of different forms of provision whenever—

(a) the transactions concerned differ as to their nature, their parties, their terms or their surrounding circumstances; and

(b) the difference is one which, in the opinion of the decision-making authority, ought for the purposes of that subsection to be treated as a material difference.

(6) The criteria for deciding when newspapers or broadcasting can be treated, for the purposes of section 59, as newspapers or broadcasting of a separate description shall be such as in any particular case the decision-making authority considers appropriate in the circumstances of that case.

(7) In section 59 and this section “provision” and cognate expressions have the same meaning in relation to broadcasting as in Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003; but this subsection is subject to subsections (4) and (5) of this section.”

Commencement Information

I544 S. 378 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

379 Adaptation of role of OFT in special public interest regime U.K.

(1) Section 61 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (initial investigation and report by OFT in special public interest cases) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (3)(b) (report must include summary of representations about considerations specified in section 58) after the word “concerned” there shall be inserted “ (other than a consideration which, at the time of the giving of the notice, was specified in section 58(2A) to (2C)) ”.

(3) In subsection (4) for the words “59(4)(b)” there shall be substituted “ 59(3B)(b) ”.

(4) After subsection (4) there shall be inserted—

“(4A) The report may, in particular, contain a summary of any representations about the case which have been received by the OFT and which relate to any consideration which—

(a) is mentioned in the special intervention notice concerned and, at the time of the giving of that notice, was specified in section 58(2A) to (2C); and

(b) is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 62.”

Commencement Information

I545 S. 379 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

380 Additional investigation and report by OFCOM: special public interest cases U.K.

After section 61 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (initial investigation and report by OFT in special public interest cases) there shall be inserted—

“61A Additional investigation and report by OFCOM: certain media mergers

(1) Subsection (2) applies where—

(a) the Secretary of State has given a special intervention notice in relation to a special merger situation; and

(b) the special intervention notice mentions any consideration which, at the time of the giving of the notice, was specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).

(2) OFCOM shall, within such period as the Secretary of State may require, give a report to the Secretary of State on the effect of the consideration or considerations concerned on the case.

(3) The report shall contain—

(a) advice and recommendations on any consideration which—

(i) is mentioned in the special intervention notice concerned and, at the time of the giving of that notice, was specified in section 58(2A) to (2C); and

(ii) is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 62; and

(b) a summary of any representations about the case which have been received by OFCOM and which relate to any such consideration.

(4) OFCOM shall carry out such investigations as they consider appropriate for the purposes of producing a report under this section.”

Commencement Information

I546 S. 380 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

New general functions in relation to media mergers U.K.

381 Public consultation in relation to media mergers U.K.

After section 104 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) there shall be inserted—

“104A Public consultation in relation to media mergers

(1) Subsection (2) applies where the Commission—

(a) is preparing—

(i) a report under section 50 on a reference which specifies a media public interest consideration; or

(ii) a report under section 65 on a reference which specifies a consideration specified in section 58(2A) to (2C); and

(b) is not under a duty to disregard the consideration concerned.

(2) The Commission shall have regard (among other things) to the need to consult the public so far as they might be affected by the creation of the relevant merger situation or special merger situation concerned and so far as such consultation is practicable.

(3) Any consultation of the kind mentioned in subsection (2) may be undertaken by the Commission by consulting such representative sample of the public or section of the public concerned as the Commission considers appropriate.”

Commencement Information

I547 S. 381 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

382 General information duties in relation to media mergers U.K.

(1) Section 105 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (general information duties of OFT and Competition Commission) shall be amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (1) there shall be inserted—

“(1A) Where OFCOM decide to investigate a matter so as to make a report under section 44A or 61A, they shall, so far as practicable, take such action as they consider appropriate to bring information about the investigation to the attention of those who they consider might be affected by the creation of the relevant merger situation concerned or (as the case may be) the special merger situation concerned.”

(3) In subsection (2) (exclusion for merger notices) for the words “Subsection (1) does” there shall be substituted “ Subsections (1) and (1A) do ”.

(4) In subsection (3) (duty of OFT to give requested assistance to Competition Commission)—

(a) after the word “Commission”, where it occurs for the first time, there shall be inserted “ or OFCOM ”; and

(b) after the word “Commission”, where it occurs for the second, third and fourth time, there shall be inserted “ or (as the case may be) OFCOM ”.

(5) After subsection (3) there shall be inserted—

“(3A) OFCOM shall give the Commission or the OFT—

(a) such information in their possession as the Commission or (as the case may be) the OFT may reasonably require to enable the Commission or (as the case may be) the OFT to carry out its functions under this Part; and

(b) any other assistance which the Commission or (as the case may be) the OFT may reasonably require for the purpose of assisting it in carrying out its functions under this Part and which it is within the power of OFCOM to give.”

(6) In subsection (4) (duty of OFT to give unrequested information to Competition Commission)—

(a) after the word “Commission”, where it occurs for the first time, there shall be inserted “ or OFCOM ”; and

(b) after the word “Commission”, where it occurs for the second and third time, there shall be inserted “ or (as the case may be) OFCOM ”.

(7) After subsection (4) there shall be inserted—

“(4A) OFCOM shall give the Commission or the OFT any information in their possession which has not been requested by the Commission or (as the case may be) the OFT but which, in the opinion of OFCOM, would be appropriate to give to the Commission or (as the case may be) the OFT for the purpose of assisting it in carrying out its functions under this Part.”

(8) In subsection (5) (duty of OFT and Competition Commission to give requested assistance to the Secretary of State) after the word “OFT”, in both places where it occurs, there shall be inserted “ , OFCOM ”.

(9) In subsection (6) (duty of OFT to give unrequested information to Secretary of State)—

(a) after the word “OFT”, where it occurs for the first time, there shall be inserted “ and OFCOM ”;

(b) for the word “its” there shall be substituted “ their ”; and

(c) after the word “OFT”, where it occurs for the second time, there shall be inserted “ or (as the case may be) OFCOM ”.

(10) In subsection (7) (duty to have regard to information given) for the words “or (4)” there shall be substituted “ , (3A), (4) or (4A) ”.

(11) After subsection (7) there shall be inserted—

“(7A) OFCOM shall have regard to any information given to them under subsection (3) or (4); and the OFT shall have regard to any information given to it under subsection (3A) or (4A).”

Commencement Information

I548 S. 382 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

383 Advice and information in relation to media mergers U.K.

After section 106 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) there shall be inserted—

“106A Advice and information in relation to media mergers

(1) The Secretary of State may prepare and publish general advice and information about the considerations specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).

(2) The Secretary of State may at any time publish revised, or new, advice or information.

(3) Advice or information published under this section shall be prepared with a view to—

(a) explaining the considerations specified in section 58(2A) to (2C) to persons who are likely to be affected by them; and

(b) indicating how the Secretary of State expects this Part to operate in relation to such considerations.

(4) Any advice or information published by the Secretary of State under this section shall be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(5) In preparing any advice or information under this section, the Secretary of State shall consult the OFT, OFCOM, the Commission and such other persons as he considers appropriate.”

Commencement Information

I549 S. 383 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

384 General advisory functions of OFCOM in relation to media mergers U.K.

After section 106A of the Enterprise Act 2002 there shall be inserted—

“106B General advisory functions of OFCOM

(1) OFCOM may, in connection with any case on which they are required to give a report by virtue of section 44A or 61A, give such advice as they consider appropriate to the Secretary of State in relation to—

(a) any report made in such a case by the Commission under section 50 or 65; and

(b) the taking by the Secretary of State of enforcement action under Schedule 7.

(2) OFCOM may, if requested to do so by the Secretary of State, give such other advice as they consider appropriate to the Secretary of State in connection with any case on which they are required to give a report by virtue of section 44A or 61A.

(3) OFCOM shall publish any advice given by them under this section but advice given by them in relation to a report of the Commission under section 50 or 65 or related enforcement action shall not be published before the report itself is published.”

Commencement Information

I550 S. 384 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

385 Other general functions of OFCOM in relation to media mergers U.K.

After section 119 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) there shall be inserted—

“Further provision about media mergers U.K.

119A Other general functions of OFCOM in relation to this Part

(1) OFCOM have the function of obtaining, compiling and keeping under review information about matters relating to the carrying out of their functions under this Part.

(2) That function is to be carried out with a view to (among other things) ensuring that OFCOM have sufficient information to take informed decisions and to carry out their other functions effectively.

(3) In carrying out that function OFCOM may carry out, commission or support (financially or otherwise) research.

(4) Section 3 of the Communications Act 2003 (general duties of OFCOM) shall not apply in relation to functions of OFCOM under this Part.”

Commencement Information

I551 S. 385 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

386 Monitoring role for OFT in relation to media mergers U.K.

After section 119A of the Enterprise Act 2002 there shall be inserted—

“119B Monitoring role for OFT in relation to media mergers

(1) The OFT has the function of obtaining, compiling and keeping under review information about matters which may be relevant to the Secretary of State in deciding whether to give a special intervention notice mentioning a consideration specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).

(2) That function is to be carried out with a view to (among other things) ensuring that the Secretary of State is aware of cases where, in the opinion of the OFT, he might wish to consider giving such a notice.

(3) That function does not extend to obtaining, compiling or keeping under review information with a view to carrying out a detailed analysis in each case of the operation in relation to that case of the consideration specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).”

Commencement Information

I552 S. 386 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Supplemental provisions of Chapter 2 U.K.

387 Enforcement powers in relation to newspaper and other media mergers U.K.

In Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 (provision that may be contained in certain enforcement orders) after paragraph 20 there shall be inserted—

“Newspaper mergers

20A (1) This paragraph applies in relation to any order—

(a) which is to be made following the giving of—

(i) an intervention notice which mentions a newspaper public interest consideration;

(ii) an intervention notice which mentions any other media public interest consideration in relation to a relevant merger situation in which one of the enterprises ceasing to be distinct is a newspaper enterprise;

(iii) a special intervention notice which mentions a consideration specified in section 58(2A) or (2B); or

(iv) a special intervention notice which, in relation to a special merger situation in which one of the enterprises ceasing to be distinct is a newspaper enterprise, mentions a consideration specified in section 58(2C); and

(b) to which the consideration concerned is still relevant.

(2) The order may make such provision as the person making the order considers to be appropriate in all circumstances of the case.

(3) Such provision may, in particular, include provision requiring a person to do, or not to do, particular things.

(4) Provision made by virtue of this paragraph may, in particular, include provision—

(a) altering the constitution of a body corporate (whether in connection with the appointment of directors, the establishment of an editorial board or otherwise);

(b) requiring the agreement of the relevant authority or another person before the taking of particular action (including the appointment or dismissal of an editor, journalists or directors or acting as a shadow director);

(c) attaching conditions to the operation of a newspaper;

(d) prohibiting consultation or co-operation between subsidiaries.

(5) In this paragraph “newspaper public interest consideration” means a media public interest consideration other than one which is such a consideration—

(a) by virtue of section 58(2C); or

(b) by virtue of having been, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, concerned with broadcasting and a consideration that ought to have been specified in section 58.

(6) This paragraph is without prejudice to the operation of the other paragraphs of this Schedule in relation to the order concerned.”

Commencement Information

I553 S. 387 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

388 Alterations concerning newspaper panel of Competition Commission U.K.

In paragraph 1 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41) (the Competition Commission: interpretation), in the definition of “newspaper merger reference”, for the words from “newspaper”, where it occurs for the second time, to “Act” there shall be substituted “ reference under section 45 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which specifies a newspaper public interest consideration (within the meaning of paragraph 20A of Schedule 8 to that Act) or a reference under section 62 of that Act which specifies a consideration specified in section 58(2A) or (2B) of that Act ”.

Commencement Information

I554 S. 388 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

389 Further provision in connection with media mergers U.K.

(1) Schedule 16 (which contains further amendments in connection with media mergers) shall have effect.

(2) Sections 276(2) and (3) and 277 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) (power to make transitional and consequential amendments etc.) shall apply in relation to this Chapter of this Part of this Act and its related repeals as they apply in relation to that Act.

(3) For the avoidance of doubt, the power conferred by virtue of subsection (2) by applying section 277 of the Act of 2002 includes the power to modify that Act.

(4) Section 402 shall not apply in relation to any power to make an order which is exercisable by the Secretary of State by virtue of subsection (2).

Commencement Information

I555 S. 389 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Part 6 U.K. Miscellaneous and Supplemental

Annual report U.K.

390 Annual report on the Secretary of State’s functions U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must prepare and lay before Parliament regular reports on the carrying out by him of the functions to which this section applies.

(2) This section applies to the Secretary of State’s functions under the following enactments—

(a) this Act;

(b) the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11);

(c) the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum so far as not comprised in this Act;

(d) the 1990 Act;

(e) the 1996 Act.

(3) The first report under this section must relate to the period which—

(a) begins with 19th March 2002 (the date of the passing of the Office of Communications Act 2002); and

(b) ends with the period of twelve months beginning with the first date to be appointed for the purposes of section 2 of this Act.

(4) Every subsequent report must relate to the period of twelve months beginning with the end of the period to which the previous report related.

(5) The obligation under this section to prepare and lay a report before Parliament is an obligation to do that as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the period to which the report relates.

(6) Where a report for the purposes of this section relates to a period the whole or a part of which falls before the time when the whole of this Act is in force, the functions referred to in subsection (2) are to be taken as excluding all functions under the specified enactments that will have ceased to be functions of the Secretary of State when the whole of this Act is in force.

Commencement Information

I556 S. 390 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Review of media ownership U.K.

391 Review of media ownership U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM—

(a) to carry out regular reviews of the operation, taken together, of all the provisions to which this section applies; and

(b) to send a report on every such review to the Secretary of State.

(2) This section applies to—

(a) the provisions of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act;

(b) the provision made by or under Schedule 14 to this Act;

(c) the provisions of sections 280 and 281 of this Act;

(d) whatever provision (if any) has been made under section 283 of this Act; and

(e) the provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) so far as they relate to intervention by the Secretary of State in connection with newspapers or other media enterprises.

(3) The first review must be carried out no more than three years after the commencement of this section, and subsequent reviews must be carried out at intervals of no more than three years.

(4) The report to the Secretary of State on a review must set out OFCOM’s recommendations, in consequence of their conclusions on the review, for the exercise by the Secretary of State of—

(a) his power to make an order under section 348(5);

(b) his powers to make orders under Schedule 14;

(c) his powers under sections 282 and 283; and

(d) his powers under sections 44(11), 58(3) and 59(6A) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (media mergers).

(5) OFCOM must publish every report sent by them to the Secretary of State under this section in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

Commencement Information

I557 S. 391 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Guidelines as to penalties U.K.

392 Penalties imposed by OFCOM U.K.

(1) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to prepare and publish a statement containing the guidelines they propose to follow in determining the amount of penalties imposed by them under provisions contained in this Act or any other enactment apart from the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41).

(2) OFCOM may from time to time revise that statement as they think fit.

(3) Where OFCOM make or revise their statement under this section, they must publish the statement or (as the case may be) the revised statement in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(4) Before publishing a statement or revised statement under this section OFCOM must consult both—

(a) the Secretary of State, and

(b) such other persons as they consider appropriate,

about the guidelines they are proposing to include in the statement.

(5) Before determining how to publish a statement or revised statement under this section OFCOM must consult the Secretary of State.

(6) It shall be the duty of OFCOM, in determining the amount of any penalty to be imposed by them under this Act or any other enactment (apart from the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41)) to have regard to the guidelines contained in the statement for the time being in force under this section.

(7) References in this section to penalties imposed by OFCOM under provisions contained in this Act include references to penalties which the BBC is liable to pay to OFCOM by virtue of section 198(3).

Commencement Information

I558 S. 392 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Disclosure of information U.K.

393 General restrictions on disclosure of information U.K.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, information with respect to a particular business which has been obtained in exercise of a power conferred by—

(a) this Act,

F67 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) the 1990 Act, or

(d) the 1996 Act,

is not, so long as that business continues to be carried on, to be disclosed without the consent of the person for the time being carrying on that business.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any disclosure of information which is made—

(a) for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by OFCOM of any of their functions;

(b) for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by any relevant person of any relevant function;

(c) for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out by the Comptroller and Auditor General of any of his functions;

(d) for any of the purposes specified in section 17(2)(a) to (d) of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (c. 24) (criminal proceedings and investigations);

(e) for the purpose of any civil proceedings brought under or by virtue of this Act or any of the enactments or instruments mentioned in subsection (5); or

(f) for the purpose of securing compliance with an international obligation of the United Kingdom.

(3) Each of the following is a relevant person for the purposes of this section—

(a) a Minister of the Crown and the Treasury;

(b) the Scottish Executive;

(c) a Northern Ireland department;

(d) the Office of Fair Trading;

(e) the Competition Commission;

(f) the Consumer Panel;

(g) the Welsh Authority;

(h) a local weights and measures authority in Great Britain;

(i) any other person specified for the purposes of this subsection in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(4) The following are relevant functions for the purposes of this section—

(a) any function conferred by or under this Act;

(b) any function conferred by or under any enactment or instrument mentioned in subsection (5);

(c) any other function specified for the purposes of this subsection in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(5) The enactments and instruments referred to in subsections (2) and (4) are—

F68 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F68 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72);

(d) the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 (c. 29);

(e) the Fair Trading Act 1973 (c. 41);

(f) the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (c. 39);

(g) the Competition Act 1980 (c. 21);

(h) the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12);

(i) the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43);

(j) the 1990 Act;

(k) the 1996 Act;

F69 (l) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(m) the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41);

(n) the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40);

[F70 (na) the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006;]

(o) the Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (S.I. 1987/2049 (N.I. 20));

[F71 (p) the Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008;

(q) the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.]

(6) Nothing in this section—

(a) limits the matters that may be published under section 15, 26 or 390;

(b) limits the matters that may be included in, or made public as part of, a report made by OFCOM by virtue of a provision of this Act or the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11);

(c) prevents the disclosure of anything for the purposes of a report of legal proceedings in which it has been publicly disclosed;

(d) applies to information that has been published or made public as mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c).

(7) Nothing in this section applies to information obtained in exercise of the powers conferred by section 196 of the 1990 Act (powers of entry and search).

(8) Information obtained by OFCOM in exercise of functions which are exercisable by them concurrently with the Office of Fair Trading under Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 is subject to Part 9 of the Enterprise Act 2002, and not to the preceding provisions of this section.

(9) Section 18 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (c. 24) (restriction on disclosure of information for overseas purposes) shall have effect in relation to a disclosure by virtue of subsection (2)(d) as it applies in relation to a disclosure in exercise of a power to which section 17 of that Act applies.

(10) A person who discloses information in contravention of this section is guilty of an offence and shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or to both.

(11) No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (3) or (4) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

(12) In this section “legal proceedings” means civil or criminal proceedings in or before any court, or proceedings before any tribunal established by or under any enactment.

Textual Amendments

F67 S. 393(1)(b) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

F68 S. 393(5)(a)(b) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

F69 S. 393(5)(l) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

F70 S. 393(5)(na) inserted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 31

F71 S. 393(5)(p)(q) substituted for s. 393(5)(p) (26.5.2008) by The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1277), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 72 (with reg. 28(2)(3))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 393 applied (20.7.2004) by Contracting Out (Functions relating to Broadcast Advertising) and Specification of Relevant Functions Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1975), arts. 1, 11(1) (with art. 5)

Commencement Information

I559 S. 393(1)(a)(b)(2)-(4)(5)(a)-(i)(l)-(p)(6)(b)-(d)(8)-(12) 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))

I560 S. 393(1)(a) (b) (2)-(4) (5)(a)-(i) (l)-(p) (6)(b)-(d) (8)-(12) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I561 S. 393(1)(c)(d)(5)(j)(k)(7) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I562 S. 393(6)(a) 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))

I563 S. 393(6)(a) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (with art. 11)

Notifications etc. and electronic working U.K.

394 Service of notifications and other documents U.K.

(1) This section applies where provision made (in whatever terms) by or under an enactment specified in subsection (2) authorises or requires—

(a) a notification to be given to any person; or

(b) a document of any other description (including a copy of a document) to be sent to any person.

(2) Those enactments are—

(a) this Act;

(b) the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11);

F72 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) Schedule 2 to the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12);

(e) the 1990 Act; and

(f) the 1996 Act.

(3) The notification or document may be given or sent to the person in question—

(a) by delivering it to him;

(b) by leaving it at his proper address; or

(c) by sending it by post to him at that address.

(4) The notification or document may be given or sent to a body corporate by being given or sent to the secretary or clerk of that body.

(5) The notification or document may be given or sent to a firm by being given or sent to—

(a) a partner in the firm; or

(b) a person having the control or management of the partnership business.

(6) The notification or document may be given or sent to an unincorporated body or association by being given or sent to a member of the governing body of the body or association.

(7) For the purposes of this section and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30) (service of documents by post) in its application to this section, the proper address of a person is—

(a) in the case of body corporate, the address of the registered or principal office of the body;

(b) in the case of a firm, unincorporated body or association, the address of the principal office of the partnership, body or association;

(c) in the case of a person to whom the notification or other document is given or sent in reliance on any of subsections (4) to (6), the proper address of the body corporate, firm or (as the case may be) other body or association in question; and

(d) in any other case, the last known address of the person in question.

(8) In the case of—

(a) a company registered outside the United Kingdom,

(b) a firm carrying on business outside the United Kingdom, or

(c) an unincorporated body or association with offices outside the United Kingdom,

the references in subsection (7) to its principal office include references to its principal office within the United Kingdom (if any).

(9) In this section—

• “document” includes anything in writing; and

• “notification” includes notice;

• and references in this section to giving or sending a notification or other document to a person include references to transmitting it to him and to serving it on him.

(10) This section has effect subject to section 395.

Textual Amendments

F72 S. 394(2)(c) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 394(2)(c) modified (temp.) (8.12.2003) by The Office of Communications Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) and Communications Act 2003 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/3142), art. 3(3)(c) (with art. 11)

Commencement Information

I564 S. 394(1)(2)(a)-(d)(3)-(10) 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))

I565 S. 394(1) (2)(a)-(d) (3)-(10) in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I566 S. 394(2)(e)(f) in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

395 Notifications and documents in electronic form U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) section 394 authorises the giving or sending of a notification or other document by its delivery to a particular person (“the recipient”); and

(b) the notification or other document is transmitted to the recipient—

(i) by means of an electronic communications network; or

(ii) by other means but in a form that nevertheless requires the use of apparatus by the recipient to render it intelligible.

(2) The transmission has effect for the purposes of the enactments specified in section 394(2) as a delivery of the notification or other document to the recipient, but only if the requirements imposed by or under this section are complied with.

(3) Where the recipient is OFCOM—

(a) they must have indicated their willingness to receive the notification or other document in a manner mentioned in subsection (1)(b);

(b) the transmission must be made in such manner and satisfy such other conditions as they may require; and

(c) the notification or other document must take such form as they may require.

(4) Where the person making the transmission is OFCOM, they may (subject to subsection (5)) determine—

(a) the manner in which the transmission is made; and

(b) the form in which the notification or other document is transmitted.

(5) Where the recipient is a person other than OFCOM—

(a) the recipient, or

(b) the person on whose behalf the recipient receives the notification or other document,

must have indicated to the person making the transmission the recipient’s willingness to receive notifications or documents transmitted in the form and manner used.

(6) An indication to any person for the purposes of subsection (5)—

(a) must be given to that person in such manner as he may require;

(b) may be a general indication or one that is limited to notifications or documents of a particular description;

(c) must state the address to be used and must be accompanied by such other information as that person requires for the making of the transmission; and

(d) may be modified or withdrawn at any time by a notice given to that person in such manner as he may require.

(7) An indication, requirement or determination given, imposed or made by OFCOM for the purposes of this section is to be given, imposed or made by being published in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(8) Subsection (9) of section 394 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that section.

Commencement Information

I567 S. 395 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))

I568 S. 395 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)

396 Timing and location of things done electronically U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order make provision specifying, for the purposes of the enactments specified in section 394(2), the manner of determining—

(a) the times at which things done under those enactments by means of electronic communications networks are done; and

(b) the places at which such things are so done, and at which things transmitted by means of such networks are received.

(2) The provision made by subsection (1) may include provision as to the country or territory in which an electronic address is to be treated as located.

(3) An order made by the Secretary of State may also make provision about the manner of proving in any legal proceedings—

(a) that something done by means of an electronic communications network satisfies the requirements of the enactments specified in section 394(2) for the doing of that thing; and

(b) the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(a) and (b).

(4) An order under this section may provide for such presumptions to apply (whether conclusive or not) as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

Commencement Information

I569 S. 396 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))

I570 S. 396 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)

Other miscellaneous provisions U.K.

397 Purchase of Duchy of Lancaster land U.K.

(1) The Chancellor and Council of the Duchy of Lancaster may, if they think fit, agree with a person who provides a public electronic communications network for the sale, and absolutely make sale, for such sum of money as appears to them sufficient consideration for the same, of any land which—

(a) belongs to Her Majesty in right of the Duchy of Lancaster; and

(b) is land which that person seeks to acquire for, or in connection with, the provision of his network.

(2) In this section “public electronic communications network” has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of Part 2.

Commencement Information

I571 S. 397 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))

I572 S. 397 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)

398 Repeal of certain provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1984 U.K.

(1) The Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In Part 5 (transfer of undertakings of British Telecommunications), the following provisions (which include spent provisions) shall cease to have effect—

(a) section 60;

(b) section 61(1) to (6);

(c) section 62;

(d) section 63(1) to (4);

(e) sections 64 to 67;

(f) section 69 to 71;

(g) sections 72(2), (4) and (5); and

(h) section 73.

(3) In section 68(2) (liability of Secretary of State on winding up), after “any outstanding liability of the successor company” there shall be inserted “ for the payment of pensions ”.

(4) In Part 7 (miscellaneous and supplemental) the following provisions shall cease to have effect—

(a) section 93 (grants to promote interests of disabled persons); and

(b) section 97 (contributions by local authorities towards the provision of telecommunications facilities).

Commencement Information

I573 S. 398 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))

I574 S. 398 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)

Supplemental U.K.

399 Expenses U.K.

There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament—

(a) any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State for or in connection with the carrying out of any of his functions under this Act; and

(b) any increase attributable to this Act in the sums which are payable out of money so provided under any other Act.

Commencement Information

I575 S. 399 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))

I576 S. 399 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)

400 Destination of licence fees and penalties U.K.

(1) This section applies (subject to section 401) to the following amounts—

(a) an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Chapter 1 of Part 2 (including a penalty imposed by virtue of section 191(5));

(b) so much of an amount paid to OFCOM under numbering conditions in respect of an allocation of telephone numbers as is an amount determined by reference to an indication given in response to an invitation such as is mentioned in section 58(5)(a);

(c) an amount paid to OFCOM in pursuance of an obligation imposed by or under [F73 Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 2 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] ;

(d) an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under [F74 section 42 of that Act] ;

(e) a cash bid amount paid to OFCOM under a Broadcasting Act licence for the first year falling within the period for which the licence is in force;

(f) an amount paid to OFCOM under such a licence for a subsequent year as the amount equal to a cash bid amount increased by the appropriate percentage;

(g) an amount paid to OFCOM under such a licence as an amount representing a percentage of relevant revenue for an accounting period;

(h) an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Part 1 or 3 of the 1990 Act, Part 1 or 2 of the 1996 Act or Part 3 of this Act.

(2) Where OFCOM receive an amount to which this section applies, it must be paid into the appropriate Consolidated Fund; but this subsection does not apply to an amount which is required by OFCOM for making an adjustment in respect of an overpayment.

(3) The reference in subsection (2) to the payment of an amount into the appropriate Consolidated Fund—

(a) in the case of an amount received in respect of matters appearing to OFCOM to have no connection with Northern Ireland, is a reference to the payment of the amount into the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom;

(b) in the case of an amount received in respect of matters appearing to OFCOM to have a connection with Northern Ireland but no connection with the rest of the United Kingdom, is a reference to the payment of the amount into the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland; and

(c) in any other case, is a reference to the payment of the amount, in such proportions as OFCOM consider appropriate, into each of those Funds.

(4) OFCOM must, in respect of each financial year, prepare an account showing—

(a) the amounts to which this section applies that have been received by them during that year;

(b) the sums paid into the Consolidated Funds of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland respectively under this section in respect of those amounts;

(c) the aggregate amount of the sums received by them during that year that is retained in accordance with a statement of principles under section 401 for meeting the costs of carrying out functions mentioned in subsection (4) of that section during that year;

(d) the aggregate amount that they estimate will fall to be so retained out of amounts due to them and likely to be paid or recovered; and

(e) the cost to OFCOM of carrying out during that year the functions in respect of which amounts are or are to be retained in accordance with such a statement.

(5) OFCOM must send that account to the Comptroller and Auditor General not later than the end of the month of November following the financial year to which it relates.

(6) The Comptroller and Auditor General must examine, certify and report on the account and lay copies of it, together with his report, before each House of Parliament.

(7) References in this section to penalties imposed by OFCOM under Part 3 of this Act include references to penalties which the BBC is liable to pay to OFCOM by virtue of section 198(3).

(8) In this section—

• “the appropriate percentage” has the same meaning as in section 19 of the 1990 Act;

• “cash bid amount” means an amount specified in a cash bid for a Broadcasting Act licence or the amount determined by OFCOM for the purposes of any provision of the 1990 Act or this Part to be what would have been the amount of a cash bid for a licence;

• “financial year” has the same meaning as in the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11);

• “numbering conditions” means conditions the setting of which is authorised by section 58 or 59; and

• “relevant revenue” means any of the following—

  (a)

  the amount which for the purposes of section 19, 52(1), 102(1) or 118 (1) of the 1990 Act is the amount of qualifying revenue for an accounting period;

  (b)

  the amount which for the purposes of section 13(1) or 55(1) of the 1996 Act is the amount of multiplex revenue for an accounting period; or

  (c)

  an amount which for the purposes of paragraph 7 of Schedule 10 to this Act is the amount of qualifying revenue for an accounting period.

Textual Amendments

F73 Words in s. 400(1)(c) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 32(a)

F74 Words in s. 400(1)(d) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 32(b)

Commencement Information

I577 S. 400 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

Prospective

401 [F75 Retention by OFCOM of amounts paid under Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 ] U.K.

[F76 (1) OFCOM have power to make a statement setting out—

(a) the principles under which they may retain any or all of the amounts paid to them—

(i) in pursuance of obligations imposed by or under Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 2 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006;

(ii) in respect of fees charged under section 53D of that Act, and

(b) the costs in respect of which the amounts may be retained (which may include costs other than those incurred in the exercise of their functions under those provisions).]

(2) Where such a statement F77 ... authorises the retention of an amount, OFCOM are not required to pay it into the appropriate Consolidated Fund in accordance with section 400.

[F78 (3) The provision contained in a statement made by OFCOM under this section must be such as appears to them likely to secure, on the basis of such estimates of the likely costs as it is practicable to make, that the amounts retained by OFCOM are objectively justifiable and proportionate to the costs in respect of which they are retained.]

F78 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F78 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) A statement under this section may include provision which, for the purposes of F79 ... the statement and of the preparation of accounts in accordance with section 400(4), requires an amount actually received in one year—

(a) to be treated as referable to costs incurred in that year and in one or more subsequent years; and

(b) to be brought into account, in each of those years, in accordance with an apportionment for which provision is made in the statement.

(7) A deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by an account prepared under section 400(4) is to be carried forward and taken into account in determining what is required by OFCOM in relation to the following year for meeting the costs [F80 set out in the statement in accordance with subsection (1)(b) ] .

(8) A statement F81 ... under this section—

(a) if it is expressed to apply for a limited period, does not apply to any amounts paid to OFCOM after the end of that period; and

(b) in any event, does not apply to amounts paid to them after a withdrawal of the statement takes effect.

(9) OFCOM may revise a statement made under this section.

(10) The consent of the Treasury [F82 and the Secretary of State ] is required for the making, revision or withdrawal of a statement under this section.

(11) Where OFCOM make or revise a statement of this section they must publish so much of the statement or revised statement as appears to them necessary for demonstrating that the statement or revision complies with subsection (3).

Textual Amendments

F75 S. 401 heading substituted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(10), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

F76 S. 401(1) substituted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(3), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

F77 Words in s. 401(2) omitted (31.7.2017) by virtue of Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(4), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

F78 S. 401(3) substituted for S. 401(3)-(5) (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(5), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

F79 Words in s. 401(6) omitted (31.7.2017) by virtue of Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(6), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

F80 Words in s. 401(7) substituted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(7), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

F81 Words in s. 401(8) omitted (31.7.2017) by virtue of Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(8), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

F82 Words in s. 401(10) inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(9), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)

402 Power of Secretary of State to make orders and regulations U.K.

(1) Every power conferred by this Act on the Secretary of State to make orders or regulations, other than the powers conferred by Schedule 4, is a power exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) A statutory instrument containing an order or regulations made in exercise of any such power, other than—

(a) an order under section 31 or 411,

F83 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) any order that is required, by any provision of this Act, to be laid before Parliament and approved in draft,

shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) Every power of the Secretary of State to make an order or regulations under this Act, other than an order under section 31 or 411 or an order made in exercise of a power conferred by Schedule 4, includes power—

(a) to make different provision for different cases (including different provision in respect of different areas);

(b) to make provision subject to such exemptions and exceptions as the Secretary of State thinks fit; and

(c) to make such incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F83 S. 402(2)(b) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I578 S. 402 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))

I579 S. 402 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)

403 Regulations and orders made by OFCOM U.K.

(1) This section applies to any power of OFCOM to make regulations or to make an order or scheme if that power is one to which this section is expressly applied.

(2) The powers to which this section applies shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, and the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) is to apply in relation to those powers as if OFCOM were a Minister of the Crown.

(3) Where an instrument made under a power to which this section applies falls to be laid before Parliament, OFCOM must, immediately after it is made, send it to the Secretary of State for laying by him.

(4) Before making any regulations or order under a power to which this section applies, OFCOM must—

(a) give a notice of their proposal to do so to such persons representative of the persons appearing to OFCOM to be likely to be affected by the implementation of the proposal as OFCOM think fit;

(b) publish notice of their proposal in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it and are not given notice by virtue of paragraph (a); and

(c) consider any representations that are made to OFCOM, before the time specified in the notice.

(5) A notice for the purposes of subsection (4) must—

(a) state that OFCOM propose to make the regulations or order in question;

(b) set out the general effect of the regulations or order;

(c) specify an address from which a copy of the proposed regulations or order may be obtained; and

(d) specify a time before which any representations with respect to the proposal must be made to OFCOM.

(6) The time specified for the purposes of subsection (5)(d) must be no earlier than the end of the period of one month beginning with the day after the latest day on which the notice is given or published for the purposes of subsection (4).

(7) Every power of OFCOM to which this section applies includes power—

(a) to make different provision for different cases (including different provision in respect of different areas);

(b) to make provision subject to such exemptions and exceptions as OFCOM think fit; and

(c) to make such incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as OFCOM think fit.

(8) The Documentary Evidence Act 1868 (c. 37) (proof of orders and regulations etc.) shall have effect as if—

(a) OFCOM were included in the first column of the Schedule to that Act;

(b) OFCOM and persons authorised to act on their behalf were mentioned in the second column of that Schedule.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 403 applied by 1998 c. 6, s. 6 (as substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 17 para. 150 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11))

C21 S. 403 applied by 1996 c. 55, s. 104ZA(3) (as inserted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 302(1), 411(2) (with Sch. 18 para. 51(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11))

Commencement Information

I580 S. 403 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))

I581 S. 403 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)

404 Criminal liability of company directors etc. U.K.

(1) Where an offence under any enactment to which this section applies is committed by a body corporate and is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of—

(a) a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or

(b) a person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,

he (as well as the body corporate) is guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2) Where an offence under any enactment to which this section applies—

(a) is committed by a Scottish firm, and

(b) is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of a partner of the firm,

he (as well as the firm) is guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(3) In this section “director”, in relation to a body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, means a member of the body corporate.

(4) The enactments to which this section applies are every enactment contained in—

(a) this Act;

F84 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F84 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (c. 72); or

(e) the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12).

F85 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F84 S. 404(4)(b)(c) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

F85 S. 404(5) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I582 S. 404 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))

I583 S. 404 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)

405 General interpretation U.K.

(1) In this Act, except in so far as the context otherwise requires—

• “the 1990 Act” means the Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42);

• “the 1996 Act” means the Broadcasting Act 1996 (c. 55);

• “access” is to be construed in accordance with subsection (4);

• “apparatus” includes any equipment, machinery or device and any wire or cable and the casing or coating for any wire or cable;

• “associated facility” has the meaning given by section 32;

• [F86 “the Audiovisual Media Services Directive” means Directive 89/552/EEC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services, together with the modifications of that Directive by—

  (a)

  Directive 97/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council; and

  (b)

  Directive 2007/65 EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;]

• “the BBC” means the British Broadcasting Corporation;

• “body” (without more) means any body or association of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, including a firm;

• “broadcast” means broadcast by wireless telegraphy, and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “Broadcasting Act licence” means a licence under Part 1 or 3 of the 1990 Act or under Part 1 or 2 of the 1996 Act;

• “business” includes any trade or profession;

• “C4C” means the Channel Four Television Corporation;

• “communications provider” means a person who (within the meaning of section 32(4)) provides an electronic communications network or an electronic communications service;

• “the Consumer Panel” means the panel established under section 16;

• “consumers” has the meaning given by subsection (5);

• “Content Board” means the committee of OFCOM established and maintained under section 12;

• “contravention” includes a failure to comply, and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “customers”, in relation to a communications provider or a person who makes an associated facility available, means the following (including any of them whose use or potential use of the network, service or facility is for the purposes of, or in connection with, a business)—

  (a)

  the persons to whom the network, service or facility is provided or made available in the course of any business carried on as such by the provider or person who makes it available;

  (b)

  the persons to whom the communications provider or person making the facility available is seeking to secure that the network, service or facility is so provided or made available;

  (c)

  the persons who wish to be so provided with the network or service, or to have the facility so made available, or who are likely to seek to become persons to whom the network, service or facility is so provided or made available;

• “distribute”, in relation to a service, does not include broadcast, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;

• “electronic communications network” and “electronic communications service” have the meanings given by section 32;

• “enactment” includes any enactment comprised in an Act of the Scottish Parliament or in any Northern Ireland legislation;

• “the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum” means—

  (a)

  [F87 the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006; and]

  (g)

  [F88 the provisions of this Act so far as relating to that Act;]

• “frequency” includes frequency band;

• “holder”, in relation to a Broadcasting Act licence, is to be construed in accordance with subsection (7), and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “information” includes accounts, estimates and projections and any document;

• “intelligible” is to be construed in accordance with subsection (9);

• “international obligation of the United Kingdom” includes any Community obligation and any obligation which will or may arise under any international agreement or arrangements to which the United Kingdom is a party;

• “modification” includes omissions, alterations and additions, and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;

• “OFCOM” means the Office of Communications;

• [F89 “on-demand programme service” has the meaning given by section 368A(1);]

• “other member State” means a member State other than the United Kingdom;

• “pre-commencement regulator” means any of the following—

  (a)

  the Broadcasting Standards Commission;

  (b)

  the Director General of Telecommunications;

  (c)

  the Independent Television Commission;

  (d)

  the Radio Authority;

• “programme” includes an advertisement and, in relation to a service, anything included in that service;

• “programme service” means—

  (a)

  a television programme service;

  (b)

  the public teletext service;

  (c)

  an additional television service;

  (d)

  a digital additional television service;

  (e)

  a radio programme service; or

  (f)

  a sound service provided by the BBC;

  and expressions used in this definition and in Part 3 have the same meanings in this definition as in that Part;

• “provide” and cognate expressions, in relation to an electronic communications network, electronic communications service or associated facilities, are to be construed in accordance with section 32(4);

• “purposes of public service television broadcasting in the United Kingdom” shall be construed in accordance with subsection (4) of section 264 and subsections (5) and (6) of that section shall apply for the purposes of any provision of this Act referring to such purposes as they apply for the purposes of a report under that section;

• “the radio transfer date” means the date on which the Radio Authority’s functions under Part 3 of the 1990 Act and Part 2 of the 1996 Act are transferred under this Act to OFCOM;

• “representation”, in relation to a proposal or the contents of any notice or notification, includes an objection to the proposal or (as the case may be) to the whole or any part of those contents;

• “subordinate legislation” means—

  (a)

  any subordinate legislation, within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30); or

  (b)

  any statutory rules (within the meaning of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12));

• “television and radio services” means—

  (a)

  programme services apart from those provided by the BBC; and

  (b)

  services provided by the BBC in relation to which OFCOM have functions;

• “television programme” means any programme (with or without sounds) which—

  (a)

  is produced wholly or partly to be seen on television; and

  (b)

  consists of moving or still images or of legible text or of a combination of those things;

• “the television transfer date” means the date on which the Independent Television Commission’s functions under Part 1 of the 1990 Act and Part 1 of the 1996 Act are transferred under this Act to OFCOM;

• “TV licence” means a licence for the purposes of section 363;

• “the Welsh Authority” means the authority whose name is, by virtue of section 56(1) of the 1990 Act, Sianel Pedwar Cymru;

• [F90 “wireless telegraphy” has the same meaning as in the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006;]

• [F91 “wireless telegraphy licence” means a licence granted under section 8 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.]

(2) Any power under this Act to provide for the manner in which anything is to be done includes power to provide for the form in which it is to be done.

(3) References in this Act to OFCOM’s functions under an enactment include references to their power to do anything which appears to them to be incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions under that enactment.

(4) References in this Act to access—

(a) in relation to an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, are references to the opportunity of making use of the network or service; and

(b) in relation to a programme service, are references to the opportunity of viewing in an intelligible form the programmes included in the service or (as the case may be) of listening to them in such a form.

(5) For the purposes of this Act persons are consumers in a market for a service, facility or apparatus, if they are—

(a) persons to whom the service, facility or apparatus is provided, made available or supplied (whether in their personal capacity or for the purposes of, or in connection with, their businesses);

(b) persons for whose benefit the service, facility or apparatus is provided, made available or supplied or for whose benefit persons falling within paragraph (a) arrange for it to be provided, made available or supplied;

(c) persons whom the person providing the service or making the facility available, or the supplier of the apparatus, is seeking to make into persons falling within paragraph (a) or (b); or

(d) persons who wish to become persons falling within paragraph (a) or (b) or who are likely to seek to become persons falling within one or both of those paragraphs.

(6) References in this Act to services in relation to which OFCOM have functions include references to any services in relation to which OFCOM are required to set standards under section 319.

(7) In this Act references, in relation to a time or a period, to the holder of a Broadcasting Act licence or of a particular description of such licence are references to the person who held that licence at that time or (as the case may be) to every person who held that licence for the whole or a part of that period.

(8) For the purposes of this Act the fact that a service is not in an intelligible form shall be disregarded, except where express provision is made to the contrary, in determining whether it has been provided—

(a) for general reception;

(b) for reception by particular persons; or

(c) for reception at a particular place or in a particular area.

(9) For the purposes of this Act something is not to be regarded as in an intelligible form if it cannot readily be understood without being decrypted or having some comparable process applied to it.

Textual Amendments

F86 Words in s. 405(1) inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 11(a)

F87 Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(2)(a)

F88 Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(2)(b)

F89 Words in s. 405(1) inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 11(b)

F90 Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(3)

F91 Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(4)

406 Minor and consequential amendments, transitionals and repeals U.K.

(1) Schedule 17 (which provides for minor and consequential amendments in connection with the other provision made by this Act) shall have effect.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order make such consequential modifications of any enactment as—

(a) correspond to amendments of any other enactment that are made by Schedule 17; and

(b) appear to him to be appropriate in consequence of that provision of this Act.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order make any provision that he thinks fit for substituting a reference in any enactment or subordinate legislation to something defined for the purposes of this Act, or of any provisions contained in this Act, for a reference to something equivalent or similar that was defined for the purposes of the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12), or of provisions contained in that Act.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order make such further consequential modifications of—

(a) an enactment extending only to Scotland,

(b) an enactment extending only to Northern Ireland,

(c) a local enactment, or

(d) the provision of any subordinate legislation,

as appear to him to be appropriate in consequence of any provision of this Act.

(5) If it appears to the Secretary of State that a local enactment contains a provision which corresponds to a provision the effect of which is modified by an amendment in Schedule 17 of this Act of a listed provision, it shall be his duty to exercise his powers under this section to secure that a modification corresponding to that effected by that amendment is made to the local enactment.

(6) Schedule 18 (which contains transitional provisions in connection with the other provision made by this Act) shall have effect.

(7) Subject to the provisions of Schedule 18 and to the savings and commencement provisions set out in the notes to Schedule 19, the enactments and instruments specified in Schedule 19 (which include provisions that are spent or have ceased to be of any practical utility) are hereby repealed or revoked to the extent specified in the second column of that Schedule.

(8) In this section “local enactment” means—

(a) a local or personal Act;

(b) a public general Act relating only to London;

(c) an order or scheme made under an Act which has been confirmed by Parliament or brought into operation in accordance with special Parliamentary procedure;

(d) an enactment in a public general Act but amending a local enactment.

(9) In subsection (5) “listed provision” means the provisions of the following enactments—

(a) sections 11 and 14 of the London Overground Wires, etc. Act 1933 (c. xliv);

(b) section 7(6) of the London County Council (General Powers) Act 1949 (c. lv);

(c) section 17(2) of the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Drainage and Navigation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955 (c. 15 (N.I.));

(d) section 17(4)(a) of the London County Council (General Powers) Act 1963 (c. xvii);

(e) section 7(6) of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1969 (c. lii);

(f) section 20(1)(a) of the Thames Barrier and Flood Prevention Act 1972 (c. xlv);

(g) section 32 of and paragraph 3(2)(b) of Schedule 2 and Part 10 of Schedule 7 to the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 (c. 53);

(h) section 25(1) of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (c. 4);

(i) section 5 of the London Local Authorities (No. 2) Act 1990 (c. xxx);

(j) paragraphs 1(c) and 16 of Schedule 2, paragraph 3(2)(c) of Schedule 4 and paragraph 21 of Schedule 7 to the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993 (c. 42);

(k) section 3(1) of the British Waterways Act 1995 (c. i);

(l) paragraphs 6(4) and 15(4) of Schedule 6 and Part 4 of Schedule 15 to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996 (c. 61).

(10) This section has effect subject to section 408.

Commencement Information

I584 S. 406 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))

I585 S. 406(1)(6)(7) in force at 18.9.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

I586 S. 406(1)(6)(7) in force at 29.12.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)

I587 S. 406(1)(7) in force at 1.4.2004 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11)

I588 S. 406(2)-(5) (8)-(10) 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)

I589 S. 406(6) in force at 1.4.2004 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11)

407 Pre-consolidation amendments U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order make such modifications of—

F92 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) the enactments relating to broadcasting, and

(c) enactments referring to enactments falling within paragraph F93 ... (b),

as in his opinion facilitate, or are otherwise desirable in connection with, the consolidation of those enactments or any of them.

(2) No order is to be made under this section unless a Bill for repealing and re-enacting—

(a) the enactments modified by the order, or

(b) enactments relating to matters connected with the matters to which enactments modified by the order relate,

has been presented to either House of Parliament.

(3) An order under this section is not to come into force until immediately before the commencement of the Act resulting from that Bill.

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

(5) In this section “the enactments relating to broadcasting” means—

(a) the 1990 Act;

(b) the 1996 Act;

(c) Part 3 of this Act; and

(d) the other provisions of this Act so far as relating to the 1990 Act, the 1996 Act or that Part.

Textual Amendments

F92 S. 407(1)(a) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

F93 Words in s. 407(1)(c) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)

Commencement Information

I590 S. 407 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

408 Transitional provision for anticipatory carrying out of functions U.K.

(1) This section applies where an order under section 411 bringing into force—

(a) a provision of Part 1, 2 or 6, or

(b) a provision of Chapter 1 of Part 5,

states that that provision is brought into force at a particular time for the purpose only of enabling specified networks and services functions, or specified spectrum functions, to be carried out during the transitional period by the Director General of Telecommunications or the Secretary of State.

(2) In relation to times falling in the transitional period, that provision is to have effect as if—

(a) references in that provision to OFCOM, and

(b) references to OFCOM inserted by that provision in any other enactment,

were references, in accordance with subsection (3), to the Director General of Telecommunications or to the Secretary of State.

(3) The references have effect—

(a) as references to the Director General of Telecommunications to the extent that the provision is brought into force for the purpose of enabling specified networks and services functions to be carried out; and

(b) as references to the Secretary of State, to the extent that the provision is brought into force for the purpose of enabling specified spectrum functions to be carried out.

(4) An order bringing a provision into force as mentioned in subsection (1) may include provision specifying the extent to which it is to be taken, for the purposes of subsection (3), to have been brought into force for the purpose of enabling particular functions to be carried out.

(5) In relation to times after the end of the transitional period for a provision which has been brought into force for enabling specified functions to be carried out by the Director General of Telecommunications or the Secretary of State, anything which—

(a) was done, during that period, by or in relation to that Director or the Secretary of State, and

(b) was so done for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of those functions,

is to have effect as if had been done by or in relation to OFCOM.

(6) In this section “the transitional period”, in relation to a provision brought into force as mentioned in subsection (1) by an order under section 411, means the period which—

(a) begins with the time when it is so brought into force; and

(b) ends with the time from which that order, or a subsequent order under that section, brings the provision into force for the purpose of conferring on OFCOM the functions in question.

(7) In this section “networks and services functions” means any of the following functions of OFCOM under this Act—

(a) their functions under sections 24 and 25;

(b) their functions under Chapter 1 of Part 2;

(c) their functions under Chapter 3 of Part 2, except to the extent that those functions relate to—

(i) disputes relating to rights or obligations conferred or imposed by or under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum; or

(ii) decisions made under those enactments;

(d) their functions under Chapter 1 of Part 5, except to the extent that those functions relate to broadcasting or related matters;

(e) their functions under Schedule 18 to this Act in relation to the abolition of licensing (within the meaning of that Schedule).

(8) In this section “spectrum functions” means—

(a) the functions under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum which by virtue of this Act are conferred on OFCOM; and

(b) the functions conferred on OFCOM by so much of Chapter 3 of Part 2 as relates to the disputes and decisions mentioned in subsection (7)(c).

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 408(1)(4) power partly exercised: 25.7.2003 and 18.9.2003 appointed for specified provisions and purposes by {S.I. 2003/1900}, art. 2

Commencement Information

I591 S. 408 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))

I592 S. 408 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)

Prospective

409 Modifications consequential on regulations implementing Directives U.K.

(1) This section applies if it appears to the Secretary of State that regulations under section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68) for giving effect to [F94 EU] obligations imposed by the Communications Directives have come into force before the passing of this Act.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) repeal any relevant provision of this Act which appears to him to be unnecessary, or to have become spent, in consequence of the regulations;

(b) make such other modifications of the relevant provisions of this Act as he considers appropriate in consequence of the regulations;

(c) revoke provision made by the regulations; and

(d) make transitory or transitional provision in relation to anything done by or under the regulations.

(3) The Secretary of State’s power under this section includes power to make consequential amendments of enactments not contained in this Act.

(4) In this section—

• “the Communications Directives” means—

  (a)

  the Access Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities;

  (b)

  the Authorisation Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services;

  (c)

  the Framework Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services;

  (d)

  the Universal Service Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services;

• “relevant provision of this Act” means a provision contained in—

  (a)

  Part 1, 2 or 6; or

  (b)

  Chapter 1 of Part 5.

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

Textual Amendments

F94 Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3, 6 (with art. 3(2)(3), 4(2), 6(4)(5))

410 Application of enactments to territorial sea and other waters U.K.

(1) This section applies to—

(a) provision made by or under Part 2 of this Act;

(b) any provision of the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum that are not contained in that Part [F95 or the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006] ; and

(c) any provision of Chapter 1 of Part 5 of this Act so far as it relates to a matter as respects which provision falling within paragraph (a) or (b) is made [F96 or a matter as respects which the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 makes provision] .

(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide—

(a) for an area of the territorial sea to be treated, for the purposes of any provision to which this section applies, as if it were situated in such part of the United Kingdom as may be specified in the Order; and

(b) for jurisdiction with respect to questions arising in relation to the territorial sea under any such provision to be conferred on courts in a part of the United Kingdom so specified.

(3) An Order in Council under section 11 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17) [F97 or section 87 of the Energy Act 2004] (application of civil law to offshore installations etc.) may make provision for treating—

(a) an installation with respect to which provision is made under that section and which is outside the territorial sea but in waters to which that section applies, and

(b) waters within 500 metres of the installation,

as if for the purposes of provisions to which this section applies, they were situated in such part of the United Kingdom as is specified in the Order.

(4) The jurisdiction conferred on a court by an Order in Council under this section is in addition to any jurisdiction exercisable apart from this section by that or any other court.

(5) Subsection (3) of section 402 applies to the power to make an Order in Council under this section as it applies to any power of the Secretary of State to make an order under this Act, but as if references in that subsection to the Secretary of State were references to Her Majesty in Council.

(6) A statutory instrument containing an Order in Council under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(7) In this section—

• “installation” includes any floating structure or device maintained on a station by whatever means, and installations in transit;

• “the territorial sea” means the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom.

Textual Amendments

F95 Words in s. 410(1)(b) inserted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 35(a)

F96 Words in s. 410(1)(c) inserted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 35(b)

F97 Words in s. 410(3) inserted (5.10.2004) by virtue of Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 87(5), 198(2); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

Commencement Information

I593 S. 410 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))

I594 S. 410 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)

411 Short title, commencement and extent U.K.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Communications Act 2003.

(2) This Act (except the provisions listed in subsection (3), which come into force on the passing of this Act) shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint; and different days may be appointed under this subsection for different purposes.

(3) Those provisions are sections 31(1) to (4) and (6) and 405 and this section.

(4) An order under subsection (2) may include provision making such transitional or transitory provision, in addition to that made by Schedule 18, as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with the bringing into force of any provisions of this Act; and the power to make transitional or transitory provision includes power to make—

(a) different provision for different cases (including different provision in respect of different areas);

(b) provision subject to such exemptions and exceptions as the Secretary of State thinks fit; and

(c) such incidental, supplemental and consequential provision as he thinks fit.

(5) This Act extends to Northern Ireland.

(6) Subject to subsection (7), Her Majesty may by Order in Council extend the provisions of this Act, with such modifications as appear to Her Majesty in Council to be appropriate, to any of the Channel Islands or to the Isle of Man.

(7) Subsection (6) does not authorise the extension to any place of a provision of this Act so far as it gives effect to an amendment of an enactment that is not itself capable of being extended there in exercise of a power conferred on Her Majesty in Council.

(8) Subsection (3) of section 402 applies to the power to make an Order in Council under this section as it applies to any power of the Secretary of State to make an order under this Act, but as if references in that subsection to the Secretary of State were references to Her Majesty in Council.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P2 S. 411(2)(4) power partly exercised: 25.7.2003 and 18.9.2003 appointed for specified provisions and purposes by {S.I. 2003/1900}, art. 2; different dates appointed for further specified provisions and purposes by {S.I. 2003/3142}, arts. 2, 3, 4