Law

Communications Act 2003

United Kingdom · statute

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In force since 2026-04-06, as the publisher states.

Copy read on 2026-11-08. The page it was read from

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.

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Contents: 729 provisions
  1. Title and introductory text
  2. 1 Functions and general powers of OFCOM
  3. 2 Transfer of functions of pre-commencement regulators
  4. 2A Statement of strategic priorities
  5. 2B Duties of OFCOM in relation to strategic priorities
  6. 2C Consultation and parliamentary procedure
  7. 3 General duties of OFCOM
  8. 4 Duties in relation to certain regulatory functions
  9. 4A ... European Commission recommendations for harmonisation
  10. 5 Directions in respect of networks and spectrum functions
  11. 6 Duties to review regulatory burdens
  12. 7 Duty to carry out impact assessments
  13. 8 Duty to publish and meet promptness standards
  14. 9 Secretary of State’s powers in relation to promptness standards
  15. 10 Duty to encourage availability of easily usable apparatus
  16. 11 Duties to promote media literacy
  17. 11A Regulated services: media literacy strategy and media literacy statement
  18. 12 Duty to establish and maintain Content Board
  19. 13 Functions of the Content Board
  20. 14 Consumer research
  21. 15 Duty to publish and take account of research
  22. 16 Consumer consultation
  23. 17 Membership etc. of the Consumer Panel
  24. 18 Committees and other procedure of the Consumer Panel
  25. 19 Power to amend remit of Consumer Panel
  26. 20 Advisory committees for different parts of the United Kingdom
  27. 21 Advisory committee on elderly and disabled persons
  28. 22 Representation on international and other bodies
  29. 23 Directions for international purposes in respect of broadcasting functions
  30. 24 Provision of information to the Secretary of State
  31. 24A Provision of information before publication
  32. 24B Provision of information to assist in formulation of policy
  33. 25 Information requested by EU bodies
  34. 26 Publication of information and advice for consumers etc.
  35. 27 Training and equality of opportunity
  36. 28 General power to charge for services
  37. 28A International recognition of satellite frequency assignments: power to charge fees
  38. 29 Secretary of State guarantees for OFCOM borrowing
  39. 30 Transfers of property etc. from pre-commencement regulators
  40. 31 Transitional functions and abolition of pre-commencement regulators
  41. 32 Meaning of electronic communications networks and services
  42. 32A Meaning of number-based interpersonal communications service
  43. 33 Advance notification to OFCOM
  44. 34 Designations and requirements for the purposes of s. 33
  45. 35 Notification of contraventions of s. 33
  46. 35A Penalties for contravention of section 33
  47. 36 Confirmation decision for contravention of s. 33
  48. 37 Penalties for contravention of s. 33
  49. 38 Fixing of charges
  50. 39 Supplemental provision about fixing charges
  51. 40 Notification of non-payment of charges
  52. 41 Penalties for non-payment of charges
  53. 42 Suspending service provision for non-payment
  54. 43 Enforcement of directions under s. 42
  55. 44 Duty of OFCOM to keep publicly accessible register
  56. 45 Power of OFCOM to set conditions
  57. 46 Persons to whom conditions may apply
  58. 47 Test for setting or modifying conditions
  59. 48 Procedure for setting, modifying and revoking conditions
  60. 48A Consultation for section 45 conditions
  61. 48B EU consultation for section 45 conditions
  62. 48C Delivery of copies of notifications etc. in respect of section 45 conditions
  63. 49 Directions and approvals for the purposes of a s. 45 condition
  64. 49A Consultation for directions, approvals and consents
  65. 49B EU consultation for directions, approvals and consents
  66. 49C Delivery of copies of notifications etc. in respect of directions, approvals and consents
  67. 50 Delivery of copies of notifications etc.
  68. 51 Matters to which general conditions may relate
  69. 52 Conditions relating to customer interests
  70. 53 Approval of codes of practice for the purposes of s. 52
  71. 54 Approval of dispute procedures for the purposes of s. 52
  72. 55 Orders by OFCOM in the absence of conditions under s. 52
  73. 56 The National Telephone Numbering Plan
  74. 56A Conditions for limitations on allocation of telephone numbers
  75. 57 Conditions to secure access to telephone numbers
  76. 58 Conditions about allocation and adoption of numbers
  77. 59 Telephone numbering conditions binding non-providers
  78. 60 Modification of documents referred to in numbering conditions
  79. 61 Withdrawal of telephone number allocations
  80. 62 Numbering reorganisations
  81. 63 General duty as to telephone numbering functions
  82. 64 Must-carry obligations
  83. 65 Obligations to be secured by universal service conditions
  84. 66 Designation of universal service providers
  85. 67 Subject-matter of universal service conditions
  86. 68 Tariffs etc. for universal services
  87. 69 Directories and directory enquiry facilities
  88. 70 Review of compliance costs: universal service conditions
  89. 71 Sharing of burden of universal service obligations
  90. 72 Report on sharing mechanism: universal service obligations
  91. 72A Review of universal service order
  92. 72B Broadband download speeds: duty to give direction under section 72A
  93. 72C Duty to review certain tariffs that are not universal service tariffs
  94. 72D Social tariff conditions: procedure
  95. 72E Consultation by OFCOM on proposed recommendation
  96. 72F Social tariff conditions: general
  97. 72G Review of compliance costs: social tariff conditions
  98. 72H Sharing of burden of social tariff obligations
  99. 72I Report on sharing mechanism: social tariff obligations
  100. 73 Permitted subject-matter of access-related conditions
  101. 74 Specific types of access-related conditions
  102. 74A Access-related conditions in certain cases involving use of radio spectrum
  103. 74B Review of access-related conditions
  104. 75 Conditional access systems and access to digital services
  105. 76 Modification and revocation of conditions imposed under s. 75
  106. 76A Information about electronic communications apparatus available for shared use
  107. 77 Imposition of privileged supplier conditions
  108. 78 Circumstances required for the setting of SMP conditions
  109. 79 Market power determinations
  110. 80 Proposals for identifying markets and for market power determinations
  111. 80A Consultation for market identifications and market power determinations
  112. 80B EU consultation for market identifications and market power determinations
  113. 81 Delivery of copies of notifications under sections 79 and 80A
  114. 82 European Commission’s powers in respect of proposals
  115. 83 Special rules for transnational markets
  116. 84 Review of services market identifications and determinations
  117. 84A Timing of services market identifications and determinations
  118. 85 Review of apparatus market identifications and determinations
  119. 86 Cases where review required
  120. 87 Conditions about network access etc.
  121. 88 Conditions about network access pricing etc.
  122. 89 Conditions about network access in exceptional cases
  123. 89A Functional separation
  124. 89B Functional separation conditions: matters to be considered by OFCOM
  125. 89C Obligation to notify OFCOM of voluntary separation
  126. 90 Conditions about carrier selection and pre-selection
  127. 91 Conditions about regulation of services etc. for end-users
  128. 91A SMP services conditions: wholesale-only undertakings
  129. 92 Conditions about leased lines
  130. 93 Conditions about apparatus supply
  131. 93A Notification to OFCOM of proposed commitments
  132. 93B Notification of proposed commitments relating to very high capacity network
  133. 93C Giving effect to commitments decision
  134. 93D Modification of commitments
  135. 94 Notification of contravention of SMP apparatus conditions
  136. 95 Enforcement notification for contravention of conditions
  137. 96 Penalties for contravention of conditions
  138. 96A Notification of contravention of condition other than SMP apparatus condition
  139. 96B Penalties for contravention of conditions
  140. 96C Enforcement of notification under section 96A
  141. 97 Amount of penalty under s. 96 or 96A
  142. 98 Power to deal with urgent cases
  143. 99 Confirmation of directions under s. 98
  144. 100 Suspending service provision for contraventions of conditions
  145. 100A Suspending service provision for breach of SMP services condition
  146. 101 Suspending apparatus supply for contraventions of conditions
  147. 102 Procedure for directions under ss. 100 and 101
  148. 103 Enforcement of directions under ss. 98, 100 , 100A and 101
  149. 104 Civil liability for breach of conditions or confirmation decision
  150. 105 Consideration and determination of network access questions
  151. 105A Duty to take security measures
  152. 105B Duty to take specified security measures
  153. 105C Duty to take measures in response to security compromises
  154. 105D Duty to take specified measures in response to security compromise
  155. 105E Codes of practice about security measures etc
  156. 105F Issuing codes of practice about security measures
  157. 105G Withdrawing codes of practice about security measures
  158. 105H Effects of codes of practice about security measures
  159. 105I Duty to explain failure to act in accordance with code of practice
  160. 105J Duty to inform users of risk of security compromise
  161. 105K Duty to inform OFCOM of security compromise
  162. 105L Powers of OFCOM to inform others of security compromise
  163. 105M General duty of OFCOM to ensure compliance with security duties
  164. 105N Power of OFCOM to assess compliance with security duties
  165. 105O Power of OFCOM to give assessment notices
  166. 105P Assessment notices: urgency statements
  167. 105Q Assessment notices: applications in respect of urgency statements
  168. 105R Assessment notices: information about entering premises
  169. 105S Enforcement of security duties
  170. 105T Enforcement of security duties: amount of penalties
  171. 105U Enforcement of security duties: proposal for interim steps
  172. 105V Enforcement of security duties: direction to take interim steps
  173. 105W Civil liability for breach of security duties
  174. 105X Relationship between security duties and certain other duties etc
  175. 105Y Statement of policy on ensuring compliance with security duties
  176. 105Z OFCOM reports on security
  177. 105Z1 Designated vendor directions
  178. 105Z2 Further provision about requirements
  179. 105Z3 Consultation about designated vendor directions
  180. 105Z4 Notice of designated vendor directions
  181. 105Z5 Variation and revocation of designated vendor directions
  182. 105Z6 Notice of variation and revocation of designated vendor directions
  183. 105Z7 Designated vendor directions: plans for compliance
  184. 105Z8 Designation notices
  185. 105Z9 Further provision about designation notices
  186. 105Z10 Variation and revocation of designation notices
  187. 105Z11 Laying before Parliament
  188. 105Z12 Monitoring of designated vendor directions
  189. 105Z13 Reports made under monitoring directions
  190. 105Z14 Power of OFCOM to give inspection notices
  191. 105Z15 Inspection notices: further provision
  192. 105Z16 Inspection notices: information about entering premises
  193. 105Z17 Inspection notices: enforcement of compliance
  194. 105Z18 Notification of contravention
  195. 105Z19 Amount of penalty
  196. 105Z20 Enforcement of notification
  197. 105Z21 Enforcement of penalty
  198. 105Z22 Urgent enforcement direction
  199. 105Z23 Urgent enforcement direction: confirmation
  200. 105Z24 Urgent enforcement direction: enforcement
  201. 105Z25 Requirement not to disclose
  202. 105Z26 Enforcement of requirement not to disclose
  203. 105Z27 Power of Secretary of State to require information etc
  204. 105Z28 Restrictions on imposing information requirements
  205. 105Z29 Enforcement of information requirements etc
  206. 106 Application of the electronic communications code
  207. 107 Procedure for directions applying code
  208. 108 Register of persons in whose case code applies
  209. 109 Restrictions and conditions subject to which code applies
  210. 110 Enforcement of restrictions and conditions
  211. 110A Penalties for contravention of code restrictions
  212. 111 Confirmation decision for contravention of code restrictions
  213. 111A Power to deal with urgent cases
  214. 111B Confirmation of direction under section 111A
  215. 112 Penalties for contravention of code restrictions
  216. 113 Suspension of application of code
  217. 114 Procedure for directions under s. 113
  218. 115 Modification and revocation of application of code
  219. 116 Notification of cessation by person to whom code applies
  220. 117 Transitional schemes on cessation of application of code
  221. 118 Compulsory acquisition of land etc.
  222. 119 Power to give assistance in relation to certain proceedings
  223. 120 Conditions regulating premium rate services
  224. 120A Procedure for setting, modifying and revoking premium rate services conditions
  225. 121 Approval of code for premium rate services
  226. 122 Orders by OFCOM in the absence of a code under s. 121
  227. 123 Enforcement of s. 120 conditions
  228. 124 Suspending service provision for contraventions of s. 120 conditions
  229. 124A Obligation to notify subscribers of copyright infringement reports
  230. 124B Obligation to provide copyright infringement lists to copyright owners
  231. 124C Approval of code about the initial obligations
  232. 124D Initial obligations code by OFCOM in the absence of an approved code
  233. 124E Contents of initial obligations code
  234. 124F Progress reports
  235. 124G Obligations to limit internet access: assessment and preparation
  236. 124H Obligations to limit internet access
  237. 124I Code by OFCOM about obligations to limit internet access
  238. 124J Contents of code about obligations to limit internet access
  239. 124K Subscriber appeals
  240. 124L Enforcement of obligations
  241. 124M Sharing of costs
  242. 124N Interpretation
  243. 124O Notification of failure in relation to internet domain registry
  244. 124P Appointment of manager of internet domain registry
  245. 124Q Functions of manager etc
  246. 124R Application to court to alter constitution of internet domain registry
  247. 124S Mobile phone providers' duty to enable billing limits to be applied
  248. 124T Enforcement of duty to enable billing limits to be applied
  249. 124U Rights of end-users in relation to contract termination
  250. 124V Further rights relating to bundled contracts
  251. 124W Enforcement of obligations of providers under sections 124U and 124V
  252. 125 Dishonestly obtaining electronic communications services
  253. 126 Possession or supply of apparatus etc. for contravening s. 125
  254. 127 Improper use of public electronic communications network
  255. 128 Notification of misuse of networks and services
  256. 129 Enforcement notifications for stopping persistent misuse
  257. 130 Penalties for persistent misuse
  258. 131 Statement of policy on persistent misuse
  259. 132 Powers to require suspension or restriction of a provider’s entitlement
  260. 133 Enforcement of directions under s. 132
  261. 134 Restrictions in leases and licences
  262. 134A OFCOM reports on infrastructure etc
  263. 134AA Additional OFCOM reports on infrastructure etc
  264. 134AB Publication of information required for purpose of preparing reports
  265. 134AC Use of reports
  266. 134B Networks and services matters
  267. 134C OFCOM reports on internet domain names
  268. 134D Comparative overviews of quality and prices
  269. 135 Information required for purposes of certain OFCOM functions
  270. 136 Information required for related purposes
  271. 137 Restrictions on imposing information requirements
  272. 137A Information required from communications providers
  273. 137B Section 137A: confidential matters
  274. 138 Notification of contravention of information requirements
  275. 139 Penalties for contravention of information requirements
  276. 139ZA Higher penalties for certain contraventions
  277. 139A Enforcement of notification under section 138
  278. 139B Power to deal with urgent cases
  279. 139C Confirmation of direction under section 139B
  280. 140 Suspending service provision for information contraventions
  281. 141 Suspending apparatus supply for information contraventions
  282. 142 Procedure for directions under ss. 140 and 141
  283. 143 Enforcement of directions under ss. 140 and 141
  284. 144 Offences in connection with information requirements
  285. 145 Statement of policy on information gathering
  286. 146 Provision of information by OFCOM
  287. 146A Rights of third parties to use information without charge
  288. 147 Repeal of provisions of Telecommunications Act 1984
  289. 148 Powers of local authorities in connection with networks
  290. 149 Grants by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
  291. 150 Grants by district councils
  292. 150A Proposals of EU significance
  293. 151 Interpretation of Chapter 1
  294. 152 General functions of OFCOM in relation to radio spectrum
  295. 153 United Kingdom Plan for Frequency Authorisation
  296. 154 Duties of OFCOM when carrying out spectrum functions
  297. 155 Advisory service in relation to interference
  298. 156 Directions with respect to the radio spectrum
  299. 157 Procedure for directions under s. 156
  300. 158 Special duty in relation to television multiplexes
  301. 159 Grant of recognised spectrum access
  302. 160 Effect of grant of recognised spectrum access
  303. 161 Charges in respect of grants of recognised spectrum access
  304. 162 Conversion into and from wireless telegraphy licences
  305. 163 Payments for use of radio spectrum by the Crown
  306. 164 Limitations on authorised spectrum use
  307. 165 Terms etc. of wireless telegraphy licences
  308. 166 Exemption from need for wireless telegraphy licence
  309. 167 Bidding for wireless telegraphy licences
  310. 168 Spectrum trading
  311. 169 Variation and revocation of wireless telegraphy licences
  312. 170 Wireless telegraphy register
  313. 171 Information requirements in relation to wireless telegraphy licences
  314. 172 Contraventions of conditions for use of wireless telegraphy
  315. 173 Meaning of “repeated contravention” in s. 172
  316. 174 Procedure for prosecutions of wireless telegraphy offences
  317. 175 Special procedure for contraventions by multiplex licence holders
  318. 176 Amount of penalty under s. 175
  319. 177 “Relevant amount of gross revenue” for the purposes of s. 176
  320. 178 Proceedings for an offence relating to apparatus use
  321. 179 Modification of penalties for certain wireless telegraphy offences
  322. 181 Power of arrest
  323. 182 Forfeiture etc. of restricted apparatus
  324. 183 Modification of definition of “undue interference”
  325. 184 Modification of definition of “wireless telegraphy”
  326. 185 Reference of disputes to OFCOM
  327. 185A Power of OFCOM to invite parties to refer dispute
  328. 186 Action by OFCOM on dispute reference
  329. 187 Legal proceedings about referred disputes
  330. 188 Procedure for resolving disputes
  331. 189 Disputes involving other member States
  332. 190 Resolution of referred disputes
  333. 191 OFCOM’s power to require information in connection with dispute
  334. 192 Appeals against decisions by OFCOM, the Secretary of State etc.
  335. 193 Reference of price control matters to the CMA
  336. 193A Recovery of CMA's costs in respect of price control references
  337. 194 Composition of Competition Commission for price control references
  338. 194A Disposal of appeals under section 192 (other than against certain decisions of Secretary of State)
  339. 195 Disposal of appeals under section 192 against certain decisions of Secretary of State
  340. 196 Appeals from the Tribunal
  341. 197 Interpretation of Chapter 3
  342. 198 Functions of OFCOM in relation to the BBC
  343. 198ZA Penalties for failure to provide information
  344. 198A C4C's functions in relation to media content
  345. 198AA C4C’s duties in relation to commissioning programmes
  346. 198B Statements of media content policy and commissioning policy
  347. 198C OFCOM reports on C4C's media content duties and commissioning duties
  348. 198D Directions in relation to C4C's media content duties and commissioning duties
  349. 199 Other Functions of C4C
  350. 200 Removal of members of C4C
  351. 201 Deficits and surpluses of C4C
  352. 202 Borrowing limit for C4C
  353. 203 Function of OFCOM in relation to S4C
  354. 204 Welsh Authority’s function of providing S4C and S4C Digital
  355. 204A S4C’s principal powers and public service remit
  356. 204B Restrictions on S4C’s powers
  357. 204C Publication of approvals under section 204B
  358. 205 Powers to provide other services
  359. 206 Other activities of Welsh Authority
  360. 207 S4C finances
  361. 208 The Gaelic Media Service
  362. 209 Membership of the Service
  363. 210 Supplementary provisions about the Service
  364. 211 Regulation of independent television services
  365. 211A Regulated electronic programme guides
  366. 211B Exempt foreign services
  367. 212 Abolition of function of assigning television frequencies
  368. 213 Abolition of licensing for local cable systems
  369. 214 Digital Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences
  370. 215 Replacement of existing Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences
  371. 216 Renewal of Channel 3 and 5 licences
  372. 216A Renewal of Channel 3 licences: determination of licence areas
  373. 217 Financial terms of licence renewed under s. 216
  374. 218 Duty to secure the provision of a public teletext service
  375. 218A Duty to report on public teletext service
  376. 219 Licensing of the public teletext service
  377. 220 Delegation of provision of public teletext service
  378. 221 Replacement of existing public teletext provider’s licence
  379. 222 Renewal of public teletext licence
  380. 223 Financial terms of licence renewed under s. 222
  381. 224 Meaning of “initial expiry date”
  382. 225 Application for review of financial terms of replacement licences
  383. 226 Application for review of financial terms in consequence of new obligations
  384. 227 Reviews under ss. 225 and 226
  385. 228 Giving effect to reviews under ss. 225 and 226
  386. 229 Report in anticipation of new licensing round
  387. 230 Orders suspending rights of renewal
  388. 231 Replacement of Channel 4 licence
  389. 232 Meaning of “television licensable content service”
  390. 233 Services that are not television licensable content services
  391. 234 Modification of ss. 232 and 233
  392. 235 Licensing of television licensable content services
  393. 236 Direction to licensee to take remedial action
  394. 237 Penalties for contravention of licence condition or direction
  395. 238 Revocation of television licensable content service licence
  396. 239 Action against licence holders who incite crime or disorder
  397. 240 Abolition of separate licences for certain television services
  398. 241 Television multiplex services
  399. 242 Composition of services in television multiplexes
  400. 243 Powers where frequencies reserved for qualifying services
  401. 244 Local digital television services
  402. 245 Regulation of independent radio services
  403. 246 Abolition of function of assigning radio frequencies
  404. 247 Meaning of “radio licensable content services”
  405. 248 Services that are not radio licensable content services
  406. 249 Modification of ss. 247 and 248
  407. 250 Licensing of radio licensable content services
  408. 251 Abolition of separate licences for certain sound services
  409. 252 Extension of licence periods
  410. 253 Extension and modification of existing licences
  411. 254 Renewal of local licences
  412. 255 Extension of special application procedure for local licences
  413. 256 Definition of simulcast radio services
  414. 257 Promotion of simulcast radio services
  415. 258 Radio multiplex services
  416. 258A Small-scale radio multiplex services
  417. 259 Composition of services in radio multiplexes
  418. 260 Digital sound services for inclusion in non-radio multiplexes
  419. 261 Renewal of radio multiplex licences
  420. 262 Community radio
  421. 263 Application of regulatory regimes
  422. 264 OFCOM reports on the fulfilment of the public service remit
  423. 264A OFCOM reports: wider review and reporting obligations
  424. 265 Public service remits of licensed providers
  425. 266 Statements of programme policy
  426. 267 Changes of programme policy
  427. 268 Statements of service policy by the public teletext provider
  428. 269 Changes of service policy
  429. 270 Enforcement of public service remits
  430. 271 Power to amend public service remits
  431. 271A Remedying failure by C4C to perform media content duties
  432. 275 Must-provide services for the purposes of s. 274
  433. 276 Co-operation with the public teletext provider
  434. 277 Programming quotas for independent productions
  435. 278 Programming quotas for original productions
  436. 278A Additional quotas for qualifying audiovisual content
  437. 278B Quotas: meaning of “qualifying audiovisual content” etc
  438. 278C Quotas: further provision about their fulfilment
  439. 279 News and current affairs programmes
  440. 280 Appointed news providers for Channel 3
  441. 281 Disqualification from appointment as news provider
  442. 282 Power to repeal or modify Channel 3 news provider provisions
  443. 283 News providers for Channel 5
  444. 284 News provision on the public teletext service
  445. 285 Code relating to programme commissioning
  446. 286 Regional programme-making for Channels 3 and 5
  447. 287 Regional programmes on Channel 3
  448. 288 Regional programme-making for Channel 4
  449. 289 Regional matters in the public teletext service
  450. 289A Provision of children's programmes
  451. 290 Proposals for arrangements
  452. 291 Obligation as to making and continuance of approved arrangements
  453. 292 OFCOM’s power to impose arrangements
  454. 293 Review of approved networking arrangements etc.
  455. 294 Supplemental provision about networking arrangements
  456. 295 Involvement of C4 Corporation in programme-making
  457. 296 Schools programmes on Channel 4
  458. 297 Channel 4 contribution towards national television archive
  459. 298 Conditions prohibiting interference with other services
  460. 299 Categorisation of listed events
  461. 301 Code relating to listed events
  462. 302 Regulations about coverage of listed events
  463. 303 Code relating to provision for people with disabilities
  464. 304 Procedure for issuing and revising code under s. 303
  465. 305 Meaning of “relevant date” in s. 303
  466. 306 Power to modify targets in s. 303
  467. 307 Observance of code under s. 303
  468. 307A Disabled people: point of contact
  469. 308 Assistance for the visually impaired with the public teletext service
  470. 309 Quotas for independent programmes
  471. 310 Code of practice for electronic programme guides
  472. 311 Conditions to comply with code under s. 310
  473. 311A Report on electronic programme guides and public service channels
  474. 312 Character and coverage of sound broadcasting services
  475. 313 Consultation about change of character of local services
  476. 314 Local news and information in local sound broadcasting services
  477. 315 Variations of radio multiplex licences affecting service characteristics
  478. 315A Local news and information in local digital radio services
  479. 316 Conditions relating to competition matters
  480. 317 Exercise of Broadcasting Act powers for a competition purpose
  481. 318 Review of powers exercised for competition purposes
  482. 319 OFCOM’s standards code
  483. 320 Special impartiality requirements
  484. 321 Objectives for advertisements, sponsorship and product placement
  485. 321A Objectives for advertisements: less healthy food and drink
  486. 322 Supplementary powers relating to advertising
  487. 323 Modification of matters to be taken into account under s. 319
  488. 324 Setting and publication of standards
  489. 325 Observance of standards code
  490. 326 Duty to observe fairness code
  491. 327 Standards with respect to fairness
  492. 328 Duty to publicise OFCOM’s functions in relation to complaints
  493. 329 Proscription orders
  494. 330 Effect of proscription order
  495. 331 Notification for enforcing proscription
  496. 332 Penalties for contravention of notification under s. 331
  497. 333 Party political broadcasts
  498. 334 Retention and production of recordings
  499. 335 Conditions securing compliance with international obligations
  500. 335A Co-operation with other parties to European Convention on Transfrontier Television
  501. 335B Maintenance of list of providers
  502. 336 Government requirements for licensed services
  503. 337 Promotion of equal opportunities and training
  504. 338 Corresponding rules for the BBC and S4C
  505. 338A Power to require information
  506. 338B Penalties for failure to provide information
  507. 339 Review of fulfilment by S4C of public service remit
  508. 340 Directions to S4C to take remedial action
  509. 341 Imposition of penalties on S4C
  510. 342 Contraventions recorded in Welsh Authority’s annual report
  511. 343 Provision of information by S4C
  512. 344 Transmission of statement of findings
  513. 345 Financial penalties imposable on licence holders
  514. 346 Recovery of fees and penalties
  515. 347 Statement of charging principles
  516. 348 Modification of disqualification provisions
  517. 349 Licence holding by local authorities
  518. 350 Relaxation of licence-holding restrictions
  519. 351 Changes of control of Channel 3 services
  520. 352 Action following review under s. 351
  521. 353 Changes of control of Channel 5
  522. 354 Action following review under s. 353
  523. 355 Variation of local licence following change of control
  524. 356 Action following review under s. 355
  525. 357 Meaning of “control”
  526. 358 Annual factual and statistical report
  527. 359 Grants to providers
  528. 359A Power of the Secretary of State to give financial assistance for radio
  529. 360 Amendments of the 1990 and 1996 Acts
  530. 361 Meaning of “available for reception by members of the public”
  531. 362 Interpretation of Part 3
  532. 362AA Designation of internet programme services
  533. 362AB Revocation of designation
  534. 362AC Statement relating to designation functions
  535. 362AD Notifications in relation to designated internet programme services
  536. 362AE Meaning of “television selection service”
  537. 362AF Meaning of “regulated television selection service”
  538. 362AG Advice from OFCOM
  539. 362AH Notification by providers of television selection services
  540. 362AI Lists of services
  541. 362AJ Must-offer obligations in the case of designated internet programme services
  542. 362AK Must-carry obligations
  543. 362AL Guidance as regards agreement objectives
  544. 362AM Meaning of “the agreement objectives”
  545. 362AN Duties relating to a designated internet programme service
  546. 362AO Duties relating to a regulated television selection service
  547. 362AP Code of practice
  548. 362AQ Effects of the code of practice
  549. 362AR Issuing a code of practice
  550. 362AS Power to require information
  551. 362AT References of disputes to OFCOM
  552. 362AU Action by OFCOM on reference of dispute
  553. 362AV Interim measures
  554. 362AW Procedure for resolving disputes
  555. 362AX Resolution of referred disputes
  556. 362AY Effect of referrals on legal proceedings
  557. 362AZ Provisional notices of contravention
  558. 362AZ1 Confirmation decisions: general
  559. 362AZ2 Confirmation decisions: steps
  560. 362AZ3 Confirmation decisions: penalties
  561. 362AZ4 Penalty for failure to comply with confirmation decisions
  562. 362AZ5 Enforcement: guidance
  563. 362AZ6 Fees
  564. 362AZ7 Non-payment of fee
  565. 362AZ8 Information to be included in a notice under section 362AZ7
  566. 362AZ9 Monitoring role for OFCOM
  567. 362AZ10 Notices
  568. 362AZ11 Application of Part 3A
  569. 362AZ12 Interpretation of Part 3A
  570. 362BA Meaning of “radio selection service”
  571. 362BB Meaning of “designated radio selection service”
  572. 362BC Advice from OFCOM
  573. 362BD Revocation of designation of radio selection service
  574. 362BE List of designated radio selection services etc
  575. 362BF Meaning of “internet radio service”
  576. 362BG Meaning of “relevant internet radio service”
  577. 362BH Sections 362BF and 362BG: power to amend
  578. 362BI Access to relevant internet radio services
  579. 362BJ Further provision about access to relevant internet radio services
  580. 362BK Code of practice
  581. 362BL Effects of the code of practice
  582. 362BM Issuing a code of practice
  583. 362BN Complaints procedures
  584. 362BO Power to modify regulation
  585. 362BP Review by OFCOM
  586. 362BQ Power to require information
  587. 362BR Provisional notices of contravention
  588. 362BS Confirmation decisions: general
  589. 362BT Confirmation decisions: steps
  590. 362BU Confirmation decisions: penalties
  591. 362BV Penalty for failure to comply with confirmation decision
  592. 362BW Enforcement: guidance
  593. 362BX Fees
  594. 362BY Non-payment of fee
  595. 362BZ Information to be included in a notice under section 362BY
  596. 362BZ1 Monitoring role for OFCOM
  597. 362BZ2 Notices
  598. 362BZ3 Application of Part 3B
  599. 362BZ4 Interpretation of Part 3B
  600. 363 Licence required for use of TV receiver
  601. 364 TV licences
  602. 365 TV licence fees
  603. 365A TV licence fee concessions by reference to age
  604. 366 Powers to enforce TV licensing
  605. 367 Interpretation of provisions about dealer notification
  606. 368 Meanings of “television receiver” and “use”
  607. 368ZA Audiovisual programmes
  608. 368A Meaning of “on-demand programme service”
  609. 368AA Meaning of non-UK on-demand programme service
  610. 368AB Overview of Part 4A
  611. 368B The appropriate regulatory authority
  612. 368BZA Maintenance of list of providers
  613. 368BA Advance notification to appropriate regulatory authority
  614. 368BB Enforcement of section 368BA
  615. 368BC Accessibility for people with disabilities
  616. 368BD Enforcement of regulations under section 368BC
  617. 368C Duties of the appropriate regulatory authority
  618. 368CA Code on accessibility for people with disabilities
  619. 368CB Quota for European works
  620. 368D Duties of service providers
  621. 368E Harmful material
  622. 368F Advertising
  623. 368FA Advertising: less healthy food and drink
  624. 368G Sponsorship
  625. 368H Prohibition of product placement and exceptions
  626. 368HA Meaning of Tier 1 service
  627. 368HB Power to specify Tier 1 services etc
  628. 368HC Notification to OFCOM
  629. 368HD Lists of Tier 1 providers
  630. 368HE Application etc of Chapter 2 to certain Tier 1 services
  631. 368HF Standards code for Tier 1 services
  632. 368HG Tier 1 standards code: special impartiality requirements
  633. 368HH Tier 1 standards code: matters to be taken into account
  634. 368HI Tier 1 standards code: procedural requirements
  635. 368HJ Duties of Tier 1 providers to comply with Tier 1 standards code
  636. 368HK Complaints relating to Tier 1 standards code
  637. 368HL Accessibility code for Tier 1 services
  638. 368HM Meaning of “relevant date”
  639. 368HN Power to modify requirements in section 368HL
  640. 368HO Tier 1 accessibility code: procedural requirements
  641. 368HP Duty to comply with Tier 1 accessibility code
  642. 368HQ Reports to Secretary of State
  643. 368HR Application of Chapter 3
  644. 368I Enforcement of service providers’ principal duties
  645. 368IA Enforcement of section 368E(4)
  646. 368J Financial penalties
  647. 368K Suspension or restriction of service for contraventions or failures
  648. 368L Suspension or restriction of service for inciting crime or disorder
  649. 368M Supplementary provision about directions
  650. 368N Enforcement of directions under section 368K or 368L
  651. 368NA Fees
  652. 368O Power to require information
  653. 368OZA Information powers: supplementary
  654. 368OA Co-operation with EEA States
  655. 368OB Audience protection reviews etc
  656. 368P Application of Part 4A in relation to the BBC
  657. 368Q Application of Part 4A in relation to the Welsh Authority
  658. 368QA Service of notices by OFCOM
  659. 368R Interpretation of Part 4A
  660. 368Z14 Prohibition of paid-for advertising of less healthy food and drink
  661. 368Z15 Enforcement
  662. 368Z16 Financial penalties
  663. 368Z17 Power to demand information
  664. 368Z18 Guidance
  665. 368Z19 The appropriate regulatory authority
  666. 368Z20 Power to amend this Part to extend prohibition
  667. 368Z21 Interpretation
  668. 369 Matters in relation to which OFCOM have competition functions
  669. 370 OFCOM’s functions under Part 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002
  670. 371 OFCOM’s functions under the Competition Act 1998
  671. 372 Application of the Competition Act 1998 to news provision
  672. 373 Repeal of existing newspaper merger regime
  673. 374 Repeal of exclusion for newspaper mergers from general merger controls
  674. 375 Media public interest considerations
  675. 376 Adaptation of role of OFT in initial investigations and reports
  676. 377 Additional investigation and report by OFCOM
  677. 378 Extension of special public interest regime for certain media mergers
  678. 379 Adaptation of role of OFT in special public interest regime
  679. 380 Additional investigation and report by OFCOM: special public interest cases
  680. 381 Public consultation in relation to media mergers
  681. 382 General information duties in relation to media mergers
  682. 383 Advice and information in relation to media mergers
  683. 384 General advisory functions of OFCOM in relation to media mergers
  684. 385 Other general functions of OFCOM in relation to media mergers
  685. 386 Monitoring role for OFT in relation to media mergers
  686. 387 Enforcement powers in relation to newspaper and other media mergers
  687. 388 Alterations concerning newspaper panel of Competition Commission
  688. 389 Further provision in connection with media mergers
  689. 390 Annual report on the Secretary of State’s functions
  690. 391 Review of media ownership
  691. 392 Penalties imposed by OFCOM
  692. 392A Amount of penalties etc
  693. 392B Liability of parent entities etc
  694. 393 General restrictions on disclosure of information
  695. 394 Service of notifications and other documents
  696. 395 Notifications and documents in electronic form
  697. 396 Timing and location of things done electronically
  698. 397 Purchase of Duchy of Lancaster land
  699. 398 Repeal of certain provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1984
  700. 399 Expenses
  701. 400 Destination of ... fees and penalties
  702. 402 Power of Secretary of State to make orders and regulations
  703. 403 Regulations and orders made by OFCOM
  704. 404 Criminal liability of company directors etc.
  705. 405 General interpretation
  706. 406 Minor and consequential amendments, transitionals and repeals
  707. 407 Pre-consolidation amendments
  708. 408 Transitional provision for anticipatory carrying out of functions
  709. 410 Application of enactments to territorial sea and other waters
  710. 411 Short title, commencement and extent
  711. SCHEDULE 1 Functions transferred to OFCOM
  712. SCHEDULE 2 Transfer schemes
  713. SCHEDULE 3A The electronic communications code
  714. SCHEDULE 4 Compulsory purchase and entry for exploratory purposes
  715. SCHEDULE 8 Decisions not subject to appeal
  716. SCHEDULE 9 Arrangements about carrying on of C4C’s activities
  717. SCHEDULE 11 Approval, imposition and modification of networking arrangements
  718. SCHEDULE 11A Restrictions on product placement
  719. SCHEDULE 12 Corresponding obligations of the BBC and S4C
  720. SCHEDULE 13 Financial penalties under the Broadcasting Acts
  721. SCHEDULE 14 Media ownership rules
  722. SCHEDULE 15 Amendments of Broadcasting Acts
  723. SCHEDULE15A Video-sharing platform services: appropriate measures for the purposes of section 368Z1(1)
  724. SCHEDULE 16 Further amendments in connection with media mergers
  725. Schedule 16A Penalties imposed by OFCOM under Parts 3A and 3B
  726. Schedule 16B Parts 3A and 3B: liability of parent entities etc
  727. SCHEDULE 17 Minor and Consequential Amendments
  728. SCHEDULE 18 Transitional Provisions
  729. SCHEDULE 19 Repeals

Proposed changes to this act

No one has proposed a change to this act yet.

729 provisions

362AZ4 Penalty for failure to comply with confirmation decisions

(1) This section applies where— (a) OFCOM have given a confirmation decision to a person, (b) the notice includes requirements to take steps (as provided for by section 362AZ1(7)), and (c) OFCOM are satisfied that the person has failed to comply with one or more of those requirements. (2) OFCOM may give the person a penalty notice. (3) A “penalty notice” is a notice requiring a person to pay to OFCOM a penalty of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM. (4) Before giving the person a penalty notice, OFCOM must— (a) notify the person that they propose to give a penalty notice in respect of the failure to comply with the confirmation decision, specifying the reasons for their proposal and indicating the amount of the proposed penalty, and (b) give the person an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about their proposal. (5) A penalty notice must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) state the amount of the penalty, (c) state the reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (d) specify the period within which the penalty must be paid, and (e) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (6) The period specified under subsection (5)(d) must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the penalty notice is given. (7) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a penalty notice.

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362AZ5 Enforcement: guidance

(1) OFCOM must prepare and publish guidance about the exercise of their powers under sections 362AZ to 362AZ4 and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part). (2) The guidance must include the factors that OFCOM will take into account in deciding whether to exercise any of those powers. (3) OFCOM may revise or replace any guidance published under this section and, where they do so, must publish the revised or replacement guidance. (4) Before preparing guidance under this section (or revising or replacing it), OFCOM must consult— (a) the Secretary of State, and (b) such other persons as they consider appropriate. (5) Guidelines prepared by OFCOM under section 392 (amount of penalties) may, so far as relating to penalties imposed by a confirmation decision under section 362AZ1 or a penalty notice under section 362AZ4, be included in the same document as guidance under this section. (6) In exercising or deciding whether to exercise any of their powers under sections 362AZ to 362AZ4 and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part), OFCOM must have regard to any guidance for the time being published under this section.

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362AZ6 Fees

(1) OFCOM may require a person other than the BBC or S4C who is— (a) a provider of a designated internet programme service, or (b) a provider of a regulated television selection service, to pay to OFCOM a fee of an amount determined by OFCOM. (2) The amount of a fee required under subsection (1) must be determined by OFCOM in accordance with a statement of principles prepared and published by them for the purpose of this section. (3) Those principles must be such as appear to OFCOM to be likely to secure the following objectives— (a) that, on a year by year basis, the aggregate amount of the fees payable to OFCOM under subsection (1) is sufficient to meet, but does not exceed, the annual cost to OFCOM of carrying out their functions under this Part less an appropriate amount to take into account costs that will be met by fees payable— (i) by the BBC under section 198(4), or (ii) by S4C under section 207(6); (b) that the relationship between the aggregate amount of the fees and the cost to OFCOM of carrying out the functions is transparent; (c) that any fee required is justifiable and proportionate having regard to the circumstances of the person required to pay it. (4) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, OFCOM must publish a statement of accounts setting out in respect of that year— (a) the aggregate amount of the fees payable under subsection (1) for that year that have been received by OFCOM, (b) the aggregate amount of the fees payable under subsection (1) for that year that remain outstanding and are likely to be paid or recovered, and (c) the costs to them of carrying out their functions under this Part less an appropriate amount to take into account costs that have been or are to be met by fees payable— (i) by the BBC under section 198(4), or (ii) by S4C under section 207(6). (5) Any deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by the statement of accounts is to be— (a) carried forward, and (b) taken into account in determining what is required to meet the objective described in subsection (3)(a) in relation to the following year. (6) OFCOM may repay a person some or all of a fee paid under subsection (1) if— (a) in the case of a fee paid by the provider of a designated internet programme service, OFCOM revoke the designation of an internet programme service provided by that person under section 362AB at some time during the period to which the fee relates; (b) in the case of a fee paid by the provider of a regulated television selection service— (i) the Secretary of State has revoked the designation of a regulated television selection service provided by that person at some time during the period to which the fee relates, or (ii) the person gives OFCOM a notice under section 362AH(2) or (3) in accordance with section 362AH(4) at some time during the period to which the fee relates. (7) For the purposes of this section, OFCOM’s costs of carrying out their functions under this Part during a financial year include their costs of preparing to carry out those functions during that year. (8) OFCOM— (a) may revise a statement of principles published by them, and (b) where they do so, must publish the statement as revised. (9) Before publishing a statement of principles or a revision of it, OFCOM must consult such persons as they consider appropriate. (10) In this section, a reference to the functions of OFCOM under this Part includes a reference to their functions under Schedules 16A and 16B, so far as relating to this Part. (11) In this section, “financial year” means a period of 12 months ending on 31 March.

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362AZ7 Non-payment of fee

(1) This section applies if— (a) the provider of a designated internet programme service or regulated television selection service is liable to pay a fee to OFCOM under section 362AZ6, and (b) in OFCOM’s opinion, the provider has not paid the full amount of the fee that the provider is liable to pay. (2) OFCOM may give the provider a notice under this subsection specifying— (a) the outstanding amount of the fee that OFCOM consider the provider is due to pay to them under section 362AZ6, and (b) the period within which the provider must pay it. (3) A notice under subsection (2)— (a) may relate to fees required on different occasions; (b) may also state that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty on the provider. (4) The provider may make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about the matters contained in the notice. (5) Subsection (6) applies if— (a) the notice under subsection (2) stated that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty, (b) the period allowed for representations has expired, and (c) OFCOM are satisfied that an amount of the fee or fees is still due to them. (6) OFCOM may give the provider a penalty notice under this subsection requiring the provider to pay to OFCOM a penalty of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM. (7) The penalty may consist of any of the following— (a) a single amount; (b) an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate; (c) a combination of a single amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate. (8) The penalty notice may impose a penalty of a different kind, of a greater amount or (in the case of a penalty calculated by reference to a daily rate) payable over a longer period than that proposed in the notice about the proposed penalty. (9) See section 362AZ8 for information which must be included in notices under this section. (10) Nothing in this section affects OFCOM’s power to bring proceedings (whether before or after the imposition of a penalty by a notice under subsection (6)) for the recovery of the whole or part of an amount due to OFCOM under section 362AZ6. (11) But OFCOM may not bring such proceedings unless a provider has first been given a notice under subsection (2) specifying the amount due to OFCOM.

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362AZ8 Information to be included in a notice under section 362AZ7

(1) A notice under section 362AZ7(2) stating that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty must— (a) state the reasons why OFCOM propose to impose the penalty, (b) state whether OFCOM propose that the penalty should consist of a single amount, an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or a combination of the two, (c) indicate the amount of the proposed penalty, including (in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate) the daily rate and how the penalty would be calculated, (d) in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, specify or describe the period for which OFCOM propose that the amount should be payable, (e) state the reasons for proposing a penalty of that amount, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM propose to take into account, and (f) specify the period within which representations in relation to the proposed penalty may be made. (2) A penalty notice under section 362AZ7(6) must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) state whether the penalty consists of a single amount, an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or a combination of the two, and how it is calculated, (c) in relation to a single amount, state that amount, (d) in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, state the daily rate, (e) state the reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (f) specify a reasonable period within which the penalty must be paid, and (g) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (3) A penalty notice under section 362AZ7(6) must also specify the amount of the fee that is (in OFCOM’s opinion) due to be paid to OFCOM. (4) The period specified under subsection (2)(f) for the payment of a single amount must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the penalty notice is given. (5) Subsection (6) applies in relation to a penalty notice under section 362AZ7(6) that includes a requirement to pay an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate. (6) Such a notice must— (a) state the date from which the amount begins to be payable, which must not be earlier than the day after the day on which the notice is given; (b) provide for the amount to continue to be payable at the daily rate until— (i) the date on which the full amount of the fee (as specified in the penalty notice) has been paid to OFCOM, or (ii) an earlier date specified in the penalty notice. (7) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a penalty notice under section 362AZ7(6).

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362AZ9 Monitoring role for OFCOM

OFCOM have the function of obtaining, compiling and keeping under review information about matters which may be relevant to— (a) designating or revoking the designation of an internet programme service under section 362AA or 362AB; (b) designating or revoking the designation of a television selection service or specifying or ceasing to specify a description of television selection services under section 362AF; (c) deciding whether to take enforcement action under this Part and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part).

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362AZ10 Notices

(1) This section applies in relation to a notice that may or must be given by OFCOM to a person under any provision of this Part or Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part). (2) OFCOM may give a notice to a person by— (a) delivering it by hand to the person, (b) leaving it at the person’s proper address, (c) sending it by post to the person at that address, or (d) sending it by email to that person’s email address. (3) A notice to a body corporate may be given to any officer of that body. (4) A notice to a partnership may be given to any partner or to a person who has the control or management of the partnership business. (5) A notice to an entity that is not a legal person under the law under which it is formed (other than a partnership) may be given to any member of the governing body of the entity. (6) In the case of a notice given to a person who is a provider of a regulated television selection service, the person’s proper address for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (2), and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 in its application to those paragraphs, is any address (within or outside the United Kingdom) at which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of the person or (where that person is an entity) any director or other officer of that entity. (7) In the case of a notice given to a person other than a provider of a regulated television selection service, a person’s proper address for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (2), and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 in its application to those paragraphs, is— (a) in the case of an entity, the address of the entity’s registered or principal office; (b) in any other case, the person’s last known address. (8) In the case of an entity registered or carrying on business outside the United Kingdom, or with offices outside the United Kingdom, the reference in subsection (7) to its principal office includes— (a) its principal office in the United Kingdom, or (b) if the entity has no office in the United Kingdom, any place in the United Kingdom at which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of any director or other officer of that entity. (9) For the purposes of subsection (2)(d), a person’s email address is— (a) any email address published for the time being by that person as an address for contacting that person, or (b) if there is no such published address, any email address by means of which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of that person or (where that person is an entity) any director or other officer of that entity. (10) A notice sent by email is treated as given 48 hours after it was sent, unless the contrary is proved. (11) In this section— “director” includes any person occupying the position of a director, by whatever name called; “officer”, in relation to an entity, includes a director, a manager, a partner, an associate, a secretary or, where the affairs of the entity are managed by its members, a member.

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362AZ11 Application of Part 3A

(1) A duty imposed on a provider of a television selection service by or under this Part applies in relation to that service only so far as it is made available for use by members of the public in the United Kingdom. (2) References in this Part to a television selection service include such a service provided from outside the United Kingdom (as well as such a service provided from within the United Kingdom). (3) References in this Part to an internet programme service include such a service provided from outside the United Kingdom (as well as such a service provided from within the United Kingdom). (4) The power to require the provision of information by an information notice includes power to require the provision of information held outside the United Kingdom. (5) Section 362AZ2(4) (requirements enforceable in civil proceedings against a person) applies whether or not the person is in the United Kingdom.

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362AZ12 Interpretation of Part 3A

(1) In this Part— “the agreement objectives” has the meaning given by section 362AM; “BBC company”, “C4 company” and “S4C company” have the same meaning as in Part 3 (see section 362); “designated internet programme service” has the meaning given by section 362AA; “entity” means a body or association of persons or an organisation, regardless of whether the body, association or organisation is— formed under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, or a legal person under the law under which it is formed; “information notice” has the meaning given by section 362AS; “internet programme service” has the meaning given by section 362AA; “licensed public service channel” has the same meaning as in Part 3 (see section 362); “listed channel” has the meaning given by section 362AM; “programme” means such programme as is described in section 368ZA; “provision”— in relation to an internet programme service, is to be construed in accordance with subsection (2); in relation to a television selection service, is to be construed in accordance with section 362AE(5); “public service broadcaster” has the meaning given by section 264; “public service remit” has the meaning given by section 362AA; “public service remit content” has the meaning given by section 362AA; “regulated television selection service” has the meaning given by section 362AF; “television selection service” has the meaning given by section 362AE. (2) The person, and the only person, who is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as providing an internet programme service is the person who has general control of the service. (3) In the case of an internet programme service where the programmes provided to a user of the service are contained in a single on-demand programme service, the person with general control of the service is the person who has editorial responsibility for the on-demand programme service (see section 368A(4)). (4) In the case of any other internet programme service, the person with general control of the service is the person who has general control over which— (a) on-demand programme services, (b) non-UK on-demand programme services, and (c) services that fall within section 362AA(10)(c), are included in the service. (5) For the purposes of this Part— (a) the provision of an internet programme service by the BBC does not include its provision by a BBC company; (b) the provision of an internet programme service by C4C does not include its provision by a C4 company; (c) the provision of an internet programme service by S4C 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 S4C over decisions by a BBC company, C4 company or S4C company about what is to be comprised in a service is to be disregarded for the purposes of determining who has general control of the service. (6) For the purposes of this Part, a person (“P”) is associated with a public service broadcaster if, and only if— (a) P is a body corporate which is controlled by the public service broadcaster; or (b) where the public service broadcaster is the provider of a Channel 3 service or Channel 5, P and the public service broadcaster are bodies corporate which are both controlled by the same person. (7) In subsection (6) “controlled” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the 1990 Act. (8) A reference in this Part to access, in relation to a programme provided by an internet programme service, is a reference to the opportunity of viewing in an intelligible form a programme so provided. (9) For the purposes of this Part, a reference to an internet programme service being included in a television selection service is a reference to being one of the internet programme services that are, or whose programmes are, available for selection and access by means of the television selection service. (10) 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 by 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.

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362BA Meaning of “radio selection service”

(1) In this Part, “radio selection service” means a service provided by means of the internet which enables, or among other things enables, a user of the service— (a) to make a selection between internet radio services provided by different providers, and (b) to cause a selected internet radio service to play, by giving spoken commands that are recorded by equipment connected to the internet. (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section so as to alter the definition of “radio selection service”. (3) The amendments that may be made by virtue of subsection (2) include— (a) amendments adding, removing or altering a thing that a radio selection service is to enable a user to do, and (b) amendments adding, removing or altering a way in which a radio selection service may be caused to operate. (4) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (2) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (5) Before making regulations under subsection (2), the Secretary of State must consult OFCOM. (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (2) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

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362BB Meaning of “designated radio selection service”

(1) For the purposes of this Part, a “designated radio selection service” is a radio selection service designated by the Secretary of State by regulations. (2) The Secretary of State may designate a radio selection service under subsection (1) only if the Secretary of State considers that the level of use of the service in the United Kingdom to listen to internet radio services is significant (and the Secretary of State may consider the level of use to be significant if the Secretary of State considers it to be significant in certain circumstances, such as while in a vehicle). (3) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must have received a report under section 362BC relating to the radio selection service in question. (4) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of radio selection services; (b) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of internet radio services; (c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (5) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this section so as to add or remove a condition that must be satisfied before a radio selection service may be designated under subsection (1) or to alter such a condition. (6) Subsection (4) applies in relation to the making of regulations under subsection (5) as it applies in relation to the making of regulations under subsection (1). (7) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (5) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (8) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (5) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

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362BC Advice from OFCOM

(1) OFCOM may prepare reports making recommendations about the exercise of the power under section 362BB(1). (2) Where— (a) the Secretary of State proposes to make regulations under section 362BB(1), and (b) the Secretary of State has not received a report under subsection (1) relating to the radio selection service or services that would be affected by the proposed regulations, the Secretary of State must request OFCOM to prepare a report making recommendations about exercising the power under section 362BB(1) in relation to that service or those services. (3) Where the Secretary of State makes a request under subsection (2), OFCOM must prepare such a report as soon as practicable. (4) A report under subsection (1) or (3) relating to the exercise of the power under section 362BB(1) must include OFCOM’s assessment, in relation to each radio selection service in question, of— (a) the number of members of the public using the service; (b) the manner in which the service is used by those persons; (c) whether the level of use of the service is significant; (d) such matters as OFCOM consider likely to affect the matters referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c). (5) Where OFCOM prepares a report under subsection (1) or (3), OFCOM must— (a) give it to the Secretary of State, and (b) publish it. (6) If the Secretary of State exercises the power under section 362BB(1) in a manner which differs from recommendations made in a report under this section, the Secretary of State must publish, no later than the time at which the regulations are made, a statement of the reasons for doing so. (7) OFCOM must draw up, and from time to time review and revise, a statement about the principles and methods to be followed by OFCOM when preparing reports under subsection (1) or (3). (8) OFCOM must publish the statement and any revised statement.

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362BD Revocation of designation of radio selection service

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations revoke the designation of a designated radio selection service. (2) The provider of a designated radio selection service may request the Secretary of State to revoke its designation. (3) The Secretary of State must revoke the designation of a designated radio selection service by regulations under subsection (1) if the Secretary of State considers that the level of use of the service in the United Kingdom to listen to internet radio services is not significant. (4) Before revoking the designation of a designated radio selection service, the Secretary of State must have received a report from OFCOM making recommendations about the exercise of the power under subsection (1) in relation to that service. (5) Where the Secretary of State requests OFCOM to prepare a report making recommendations about the exercise of the power under subsection (1) in relation to a designated radio selection service, OFCOM must— (a) prepare such a report in relation to that service as soon as practicable, (b) give it to the Secretary of State, and (c) publish it.

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362BE List of designated radio selection services etc

(1) OFCOM must establish and maintain an up to date list of designated radio selection services and their providers. (2) A provider of a designated radio selection service must give notice to OFCOM if the service ceases to be provided. (3) A notice given to OFCOM under this section must— (a) be sent in such manner as OFCOM may require; (b) contain such information as OFCOM may require. (4) OFCOM must publish the list on a publicly accessible part of their website.

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362BF Meaning of “internet radio service”

(1) In this Part, “internet radio service” means a service, or a dissociable section of a service, which consists in the provision by a person of programmes consisting wholly of sound (together with any ancillary services) with a view to their being made available for reception by members of the public by being distributed by means of the internet (whether by the provider of the service or another person). (2) In this section, “ancillary service”, in relation to an internet radio service, means a service which is provided by the provider of that internet radio service and consists in the provision of a service (other than advertising) which— (a) is ancillary to the programmes included in that internet radio service and is directly related to their contents, or (b) relates to the promotion or listing of such programmes.

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362BG Meaning of “relevant internet radio service”

(1) In this Part, “relevant internet radio service” means an internet radio service for the time being included in the list maintained by OFCOM under subsection (2). (2) OFCOM must establish and maintain an up to date list of the internet radio services in relation to which the conditions in subsections (3) and (5) are satisfied and their providers. (3) The condition in this subsection is that, in the opinion of OFCOM, the provider of the service has in place an effective system or process for securing that the service corresponds to a UK radio service that is provided by the provider of the internet radio service. (4) For the purposes of subsection (3), an internet radio service corresponds to a UK radio service if, disregarding advertisements, all of the programmes included in the internet radio service are broadcast on the UK radio service at the same time as they are provided by the internet radio service. (5) The condition in this subsection is that the provider of an internet radio service— (a) has given notice to OFCOM requesting that the service be included in the list, and (b) has not since then given notice to OFCOM under subsection (6) or (7). (6) The provider of an internet radio service included in the list may give notice to OFCOM requesting that the service be removed from the list. (7) The provider of an internet radio service included in the list must give notice to OFCOM if— (a) that person ceases to be the provider of the service, (b) that person ceases to be the provider of the UK radio service to which it relates, or (c) the service ceases to be provided. (8) A notice given to OFCOM under this section must— (a) be sent in such manner as OFCOM may require; (b) contain such information as OFCOM may require. (9) OFCOM must take appropriate steps to keep the list up to date, including by carrying out further assessments of whether a provider of an internet radio service has in place such system or process as is described in subsection (3). (10) OFCOM must publish the list on a publicly accessible part of their website. (11) In this section— “digital sound programme service” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 1996 Act (see section 40 of that Act); “restricted service” has the same meaning as in section 245; “short-duration restricted service” means a restricted service authorised to be provided by a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act where the period specified in the licence as the period for which the licence is in force is less than 12 months; “sound broadcasting service” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the 1990 Act (see section 126 of that Act); “UK radio service” means— a sound broadcasting service, other than a short-duration restricted service, provided by the BBC or authorised to be provided by a licence under Part 3 of the 1990 Act, or a digital sound programme service provided by the BBC or authorised to be provided by a licence under Part 2 of the 1996 Act.

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362BH Sections 362BF and 362BG: power to amend

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations— (a) amend section 362BF so as to alter the definition of “internet radio service”; (b) amend section 362BG so as to alter the definition of “relevant internet radio service”. (2) The amendments that may be made by virtue of subsection (1)(a) include amendments adding or removing a condition that must be satisfied in relation to a service or altering such a condition. (3) The amendments that may be made by virtue of subsection (1)(b) include amendments adding or removing a condition that must be satisfied in relation to an internet radio service or altering such a condition. (4) The conditions for which provision may be made by virtue of subsection (3) include conditions preventing or restricting charging for allowing the internet radio service in question to be played. (5) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (1) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (6) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) OFCOM, (b) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of radio selection services, (c) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of internet radio services, and (d) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by each House of Parliament.

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362BI Access to relevant internet radio services

(1) The provider of a designated radio selection service must take all reasonable steps to secure that users of the service— (a) are able, within a reasonable period beginning with the inclusion of an internet radio service in the list under section 362BG— (i) to select that internet radio service, and (ii) to cause that service to play, by giving spoken commands as described in section 362BA(1), and (b) are able to continue to do so while that internet radio service is included in the list. (2) The provider of a designated radio selection service must take all reasonable steps to secure that, where the service is used as described in subsection (1)— (a) no items are played before the selected service is caused to play, other than— (i) a brief identification of the selected service, (ii) if the service employs another service (or other services) provided by means of the internet to cause the selected service to play, a brief identification of that other service (or one of those other services), and (iii) if the provider of the selected service agrees, one or more advertisements, and (b) the playing of the selected service is not interrupted. This subsection is subject to subsection (5). (3) Subsection (4) applies if the provider of a relevant internet radio service requests the provider of a designated radio selection service to secure that the service employs a particular method as regards that relevant internet radio service when complying with subsection (1) (for example, a method that involves the service employing another service provided by means of the internet to cause that relevant internet radio service to play). (4) Where this subsection applies, the provider of the designated radio selection service must take all reasonable steps to secure that, on an occasion when the service is being used as described in subsection (1) in relation to that relevant internet radio service, the service employs that method, subject to subsection (5). (5) Subsections (2) and (4) are not to be taken to require the provider of a designated radio selection service to override the preferences of a user of the service as to the way in which the service operates. (6) A provider of a designated radio selection service— (a) must not charge a provider of a relevant internet radio service for doing what that provider of a designated radio selection service is required to do by subsection (1), (2) or (4) in relation to that relevant internet radio service, and (b) must not enter into an agreement that provides for the payment by a provider of a relevant internet radio service of charges, which would breach, or are capable of breaching, the prohibition in paragraph (a).

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362BJ Further provision about access to relevant internet radio services

(1) The provider of a designated radio selection service must draw up a statement about how the provider intends to comply with the duties and prohibition in section 362BI. (2) The provider must keep the statement under review and, if appropriate, revise it. (3) The provider must publish the statement and any revised statement.

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362BK Code of practice

(1) OFCOM must issue a code of practice describing actions that OFCOM recommend for the purpose of securing that the manner in which a designated radio selection service operates complies with the duties and prohibition in section 362BI. (2) OFCOM may— (a) revise a code of practice issued under this section and issue the code as revised; (b) withdraw a code of practice issued under this section and issue a new code of practice. (3) OFCOM must— (a) publish a code of practice issued under this section in such manner as they consider appropriate; (b) keep a code of practice issued under this section under review. (4) If requested by the Secretary of State to review all or part of a code of practice issued under this section, OFCOM must review the code or that part of it. (5) The actions recommended in a code of practice issued under this section may include— (a) actions relating to particular descriptions of designated radio selection services; (b) actions relating to particular descriptions of relevant internet radio services.

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362BL Effects of the code of practice

(1) The provider of a designated radio selection service is to be treated as complying with a duty or prohibition in section 362BI if the provider takes the actions described in the code of practice which are recommended for the purpose of complying with that duty or prohibition. (2) A failure by the provider of a designated radio selection service to act in accordance with a provision of the code of practice does not of itself make the provider liable to legal proceedings before a court or tribunal. (3) In any legal proceedings before a court or tribunal, the court or tribunal must take into account a provision of the code of practice in determining any question arising in the proceedings if— (a) the question relates to a time when the provision was in force, and (b) the provision appears to the court or tribunal to be relevant to the question. (4) OFCOM must take into account a provision of the code of practice in determining any question arising in connection with the carrying out by them of a relevant function if— (a) the question relates to a time when the provision was in force, and (b) the provision appears to OFCOM to be relevant to the question. (5) In this section, “relevant function” means a function conferred on OFCOM by any of sections 362BR to 362BW (enforcement).

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362BM Issuing a code of practice

(1) Before issuing a code of practice under section 362BK, OFCOM— (a) must publish a draft of the code or (as the case may be) a draft of the revisions of the existing code; (b) must consult the following about the draft— (i) the Secretary of State; (ii) persons who appear to OFCOM to represent providers of internet radio services; (iii) persons who appear to OFCOM to represent providers of radio selection services; (iv) such other persons as OFCOM consider appropriate; (c) may make such alterations to the draft as OFCOM consider appropriate following the consultation. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to revisions of the code of practice if— (a) OFCOM give the Secretary of State a draft of the revisions of the existing code, and (b) the Secretary of State agrees that it is not necessary for subsection (1) to apply in relation to the revisions.

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362BN Complaints procedures

The provider of a designated radio selection service must establish and maintain procedures for the handling and resolution of complaints made by providers of relevant internet radio services that the provider is failing, or has failed, to comply with a duty or prohibition in section 362BI.

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362BO Power to modify regulation

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this Part so as to add to the duties and prohibitions imposed on providers of radio selection services or to alter or remove such a duty or prohibition. (2) The provision that may be made by regulations under subsection (1) includes— (a) provision about enabling the use of a radio selection service to select and cause to play any relevant internet radio service of a particular sort (for example, a service characterised by the nature of its contents or the identity of its provider); (b) provision about the terms and conditions that may be offered by the provider of a radio selection service to the provider of a relevant internet radio service for or in connection with the use of the service to access the relevant internet radio service; (c) provision about the charges that may be imposed by the provider of a radio selection service on the provider of a relevant internet radio service in connection with the use of the service to access the relevant internet radio service; (d) provision about the publication of information about such terms, conditions and charges. (3) The power in section 402(3)(c) for regulations under subsection (1) to make consequential provision includes power to make provision which amends any enactment. (4) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must have received a report of a review under section 362BP. (5) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of internet radio services; (b) persons who appear to the Secretary of State to represent providers of radio selection services; (c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by each House of Parliament.

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362BP Review by OFCOM

(1) OFCOM may prepare reports that review the adequacy of the regulation of radio selection services by this Part. (2) Where— (a) the Secretary of State proposes to make regulations under section 362BO(1), and (b) the Secretary of State has not received a report under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must request OFCOM to prepare a report that reviews the adequacy of the regulation of radio selection services by this Part. (3) Where the Secretary of State makes a request under subsection (2), OFCOM must prepare such a report as soon as practicable. (4) OFCOM must give the Secretary of State a report prepared under subsection (1) or (3). (5) OFCOM must publish reports given to the Secretary of State under this section.

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362BQ Power to require information

(1) OFCOM may by notice (an “information notice”) require a person within subsection (4) to provide them with any information that they require for the purpose of carrying out their functions under this Part. (2) The power conferred by subsection (1) includes power to require a person within subsection (4) to obtain or generate information. (3) The power conferred by subsection (1) must be exercised in a way that is proportionate to the use to which the information is to be put by OFCOM. (4) The persons within this subsection are— (a) a provider of a radio selection service; (b) a provider of an internet radio service; (c) a person who provides a relevant ancillary service in relation to a radio selection service or an internet radio service; (d) a person who was within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) at a time to which the required information relates; (e) a person who is not within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) but who appears to OFCOM to have, or to be able to obtain or generate, information required by them as mentioned in subsection (1). (5) The information that OFCOM may require under subsection (1) includes, in particular, information that they require for any one or more of the following purposes— (a) the purpose of preparing a report under section 362BC (advice from OFCOM about the designation of a radio selection service); (b) the purpose of preparing a report under section 362BD (advice from OFCOM about revoking the designation of a radio selection service); (c) the purpose of assessing compliance with section 362BE(2) (duty of providers of radio selection services to notify OFCOM); (d) the purpose of assessing whether a service is a relevant internet radio service (see sections 362BF and 362BG); (e) the purpose of assessing compliance with section 362BG(7) (duty of providers of certain services to notify OCFOM); (f) the purpose of assessing compliance with a duty or prohibition under section 362BI or 362BJ (access duties of providers of designated radio selection services etc); (g) the purpose of preparing or reviewing a code of practice under section 362BK (code of practice relating to duties and prohibition under section 362BI); (h) the purpose of assessing compliance with the duty under section 362BN (duty to establish and maintain complaints procedures); (i) the purpose of preparing a report under section 362BP (reports reviewing adequacy of the regulation of designated radio selection services by this Part); (j) the purpose of assessing compliance with any requirements imposed by a confirmation decision under section 362BS; (k) the purpose of determining the appropriate fee that a provider is required to pay under section 362BX; (l) the purpose of OFCOM’s monitoring role under section 362BZ1; (m) the purpose of ascertaining the amount of a person’s or a group of entities’ qualifying worldwide revenue for the purposes of paragraph 3 or 4 of Schedule 16A. (6) An information notice must— (a) specify or describe the information to be provided, (b) specify why OFCOM require the information, (c) specify the form and manner in which the information must be provided, and (d) contain information about the consequences of not complying with the notice. (7) An information notice must specify when the information must be provided which may be— (a) on or by a specified date, or (b) within a specified period. (8) The power conferred by subsection (1) does not include power to require the provision of information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege, or (in Scotland) to confidentiality of communications, could be maintained in legal proceedings. (9) A person to whom an information notice is given must provide the information in accordance with any requirements included in the notice (subject to subsection (10)). (10) The duty under subsection (9) does not require a disclosure of information if that disclosure would contravene the data protection legislation (but, in determining whether a disclosure would do so, that duty is to be taken into account). (11) For the purposes of subsection (4)(c), a service is a “relevant ancillary service” in relation to a radio selection service or an internet radio service if it facilitates the provision of that service (or part of it), whether directly or indirectly. (12) In this section, a reference to the functions of OFCOM under this Part includes a reference to their functions under Schedules 16A and 16B, so far as relating to this Part. (13) In this section, “data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).

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362BR Provisional notices of contravention

(1) OFCOM may give a notice under this section (a “provisional notice of contravention”) to a person if they consider that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person has failed, or is failing, to comply with any duty or prohibition under section 362BE, 362BG, 362BI, 362BJ or 362BN. (2) OFCOM may also give a provisional notice of contravention to a person to whom an information notice has been given if they consider that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person has failed, or is failing, to comply with the duty under section 362BQ(9). (3) A provisional notice of contravention must— (a) specify the duty or prohibition as regards which (in OFCOM’s opinion) there are reasonable grounds for believing the person has failed, or is failing, to comply, and (b) give OFCOM’s reasons for that opinion. (4) A provisional notice of contravention may also specify steps that OFCOM consider the person needs to take in order to— (a) comply with the duty or prohibition, or (b) remedy the failure to comply with it. (5) A provisional notice of contravention may also state that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty on the person and, in such a case, the notice must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for proposing to impose the penalty, (b) indicate the amount in sterling of the proposed penalty, and (c) give OFCOM’s reasons for proposing a penalty of that amount, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM propose to take into account. (6) A provisional notice of contravention must— (a) state that the person may make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about the matters contained in the notice, and (b) specify the period within which such representations may be made. (7) A provisional notice of contravention may be given in respect of a failure by the same person to comply with more than one duty or prohibition and, in such a case, the notice may include a proposal to impose a single penalty in respect of some or all of those duties or duties and prohibition (as an alternative to separate penalties). (8) Where a provisional notice of contravention is given in respect of a continuing failure to comply with a duty or prohibition, the notice— (a) may be given in respect of any period during which the failure has continued, (b) must specify that period, and (c) may include a proposal to impose no more than one penalty in respect of that period. (9) Where a provisional notice of contravention is given to a person in respect of a failure to comply with a duty or prohibition, a further provisional notice of contravention in respect of a failure to comply with that same duty or prohibition may be given to that person only— (a) in respect of a separate instance of the failure that occurs after the first notice is given, (b) where a period is specified in the first notice in accordance with subsection (8)(b), in respect of the continuation of the failure after the end of that period, or (c) if the notice is withdrawn without a confirmation decision under section 362BS having been given to the person in respect of that failure. (10) OFCOM may give a provisional notice of contravention to— (a) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a designated radio selection service, or (b) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a relevant internet radio service, if that person was a provider of a designated radio selection service or (as the case may be) a relevant internet radio service at the time of the failure to which the notice relates.

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362BS Confirmation decisions: general

(1) This section applies where— (a) OFCOM have given a provisional notice of contravention to a person in relation to a failure to comply with a duty or duties or a prohibition, and (b) the period allowed for representations has expired. (2) After considering any representations that have been made (and any supporting evidence), OFCOM must decide whether or not to give the person a further notice under this section (a “confirmation decision”). (3) OFCOM may decide to give a person a confirmation decision only if they are satisfied that the person has failed, or has been failing, to comply with the notified duty or one or more of the notified duties. (4) For the purposes of this section and sections 362BT and 362BU, a “notified duty” means a duty or prohibition specified in the provisional notice of contravention. (5) If OFCOM decide not to give a person a confirmation decision (whether because they are not satisfied as described in subsection (3) or for any other reason), they must inform the person of that fact. (6) A confirmation decision must— (a) state that OFCOM are satisfied that the person has failed, or has been failing, to comply with one or more notified duties, and (b) give OFCOM’s reasons for being satisfied as described in paragraph (a). (7) A confirmation decision may require the person to take such steps as OFCOM consider appropriate for either or both of the following purposes— (a) complying with a notified duty or duties; (b) remedying the failure to comply with that duty or those duties. (8) Where a provisional notice of contravention stated that OFCOM proposed to impose a penalty in relation to a notified duty or (by virtue of section 362BR(7)) in relation to notified duties, a confirmation decision may require the person to pay a penalty, of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM, in relation to that duty or (as the case may be) those duties. (9) The amount determined by OFCOM under subsection (8) may be greater than the amount indicated in the provisional notice of contravention in accordance with section 362BR(5)(b). (10) OFCOM may give a confirmation decision to— (a) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a designated radio selection service, or (b) a person who was but is no longer a provider of a relevant internet radio service, if that person was a provider of a designated radio selection service or (as the case may be) a relevant internet radio service at the time of the failure to which the decision relates.

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362BT Confirmation decisions: steps

(1) This section applies where a confirmation decision requires the person to whom it is given to take steps as provided for by section 362BS(7). (2) The notice must— (a) specify the steps that are required and the notified duty or duties to which each relates, (b) give OFCOM’s reasons for requiring those steps to be taken, (c) specify a reasonable period within which each of the steps specified in the notice must be taken, and (d) contain information about the consequences of not taking the steps (including information about further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (3) Where a confirmation decision requires a person to take steps, the person to whom the notice is given has a duty to take those steps. (4) The duty under subsection (3) is 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) for any other appropriate remedy or relief.

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362BU Confirmation decisions: penalties

(1) This section applies where a confirmation decision imposes one or more penalties (see section 362BS(8)). (2) In relation to each penalty imposed, the notice must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) specify each notified duty to which the penalty relates, (c) give OFCOM’s reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (d) specify a reasonable period within which the penalty must be paid, and (e) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (3) The period specified under subsection (2)(d) for the payment of a penalty must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the confirmation decision is given. (4) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a confirmation decision.

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362BV Penalty for failure to comply with confirmation decision

(1) This section applies where— (a) OFCOM have given a confirmation decision to a person, (b) the notice includes requirements to take steps (as provided for by section 362BS(7)), and (c) OFCOM are satisfied that the person has failed to comply with one or more of those requirements. (2) OFCOM may give the person a penalty notice. (3) A “penalty notice” is a notice requiring a person to pay to OFCOM a penalty of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM. (4) Before giving the person a penalty notice, OFCOM must— (a) notify the person that they propose to give a penalty notice in respect of the failure to comply with the confirmation decision, specifying the reasons for their proposal and indicating the amount of the proposed penalty, and (b) give the person an opportunity to make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about their proposal. (5) A penalty notice must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) state the amount of the penalty, (c) state the reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (d) specify the period within which the penalty must be paid, and (e) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (6) The period specified under subsection (5)(d) must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the penalty notice is given. (7) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a penalty notice.

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362BW Enforcement: guidance

(1) OFCOM must prepare and publish guidance about the exercise of their powers under sections 362BR to 362BV and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part). (2) The guidance must include the factors that OFCOM will take into account in deciding whether to exercise any of those powers. (3) OFCOM may revise or replace any guidance published under this section and, where they do so, must publish the revised or replacement guidance. (4) Before preparing guidance under this section (or revising or replacing it), OFCOM must consult— (a) the Secretary of State, and (b) such other persons as they consider appropriate. (5) Guidelines prepared by OFCOM under section 392 (amount of penalties) may, so far as relating to penalties imposed by a confirmation decision under section 362BS or a penalty notice under section 362BV, be included in the same document as guidance under this section. (6) In exercising or deciding whether to exercise any of their powers under sections 362BR to 362BV and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part), OFCOM must have regard to any guidance for the time being published under this section.

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362BX Fees

(1) OFCOM may require any of the following persons to pay to OFCOM a fee of an amount determined by OFCOM— (a) a provider of a relevant internet radio service; (b) a provider of a designated radio selection service. (2) The amount of a fee required under subsection (1) must be determined by OFCOM in accordance with a statement of principles prepared and published by them for the purpose of this section. (3) Those principles must be such as appear to OFCOM to be likely to secure the following objectives— (a) that, on a year by year basis, the aggregate amount of the fees payable to OFCOM under subsection (1) is sufficient to meet, but does not exceed, the annual cost to OFCOM of carrying out their functions under this Part less an appropriate amount to take into account costs that will be met by fees payable by the BBC under section 198(4); (b) that the relationship between the aggregate amount of the fees and the cost to OFCOM of carrying out the functions is transparent; (c) that any fee required is justifiable and proportionate having regard to the circumstances of the person required to pay it. (4) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, OFCOM must publish a statement of accounts setting out in respect of that year— (a) the aggregate amount of the fees payable under subsection (1) for that year that have been received by OFCOM, (b) the aggregate amount of the fees payable under subsection (1) for that year that remain outstanding and are likely to be paid or recovered, and (c) the costs to them of carrying out their functions under this Part less an appropriate amount to take into account costs that have been or are to be met by fees payable by the BBC under section 198(4). (5) Any deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by the statement of accounts is to be— (a) carried forward, and (b) taken into account in determining what is required to meet the objective described in subsection (3)(a) in relation to the following year. (6) OFCOM may repay a person some or all of a fee paid under subsection (1) if, in the case of a fee paid by the provider of a designated radio selection service— (a) the Secretary of State has revoked the designation of a designated radio selection service provided by that person at some time during the period to which the fee relates, or (b) the person gives OFCOM a notice under section 362BE(2) in accordance with section 362BE(3) at some time during the period to which the fee relates. (7) For the purposes of this section, OFCOM’s costs of carrying out their functions under this Part during a financial year include their costs of preparing to carry out those functions during that year. (8) OFCOM— (a) may revise a statement of principles published by them, and (b) where they do so, must publish the statement as revised. (9) Before publishing a statement of principles or a revision of it, OFCOM must consult such persons as they consider appropriate. (10) In this section, a reference to the functions of OFCOM under this Part includes a reference to their functions under Schedules 16A and 16B, so far as relating to this Part. (11) In this section, “financial year” means a period of 12 months ending on 31 March.

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362BY Non-payment of fee

(1) This section applies if— (a) the provider of a relevant internet radio service or a designated radio selection service is liable to pay a fee to OFCOM under section 362BX, and (b) in OFCOM’s opinion, the provider has not paid the full amount of the fee that the provider is liable to pay. (2) OFCOM may give the provider a notice under this subsection specifying— (a) the outstanding amount of the fee that OFCOM consider the provider is due to pay to them under section 362BX, and (b) the period within which the provider must pay it. (3) A notice under subsection (2)— (a) may relate to fees required on different occasions; (b) may also state that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty on the provider. (4) The provider may make representations to OFCOM (with any supporting evidence) about the matters contained in the notice. (5) Subsection (6) applies if— (a) the notice under subsection (2) stated that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty, (b) the period allowed for representations has expired, and (c) OFCOM are satisfied that an amount of the fee or fees is still due to them. (6) OFCOM may give the provider a penalty notice under this subsection requiring the provider to pay to OFCOM a penalty of an amount in sterling determined by OFCOM. (7) The penalty may consist of any of the following— (a) a single amount; (b) an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate; (c) a combination of a single amount and an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate. (8) The penalty notice may impose a penalty of a different kind, of a greater amount or (in the case of a penalty calculated by reference to a daily rate) payable over a longer period than that proposed in the notice about the proposed penalty. (9) See section 362BZ for information which must be included in notices under this section. (10) Nothing in this section affects OFCOM’s power to bring proceedings (whether before or after the imposition of a penalty by a notice under subsection (6)) for the recovery of the whole or part of an amount due to OFCOM under section 362BX. (11) But OFCOM may not bring such proceedings unless a provider has first been given a notice under subsection (2) specifying the amount due to OFCOM.

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362BZ Information to be included in a notice under section 362BY

(1) A notice under section 362BY(2) stating that OFCOM propose to impose a penalty must— (a) state the reasons why OFCOM propose to impose the penalty, (b) state whether OFCOM propose that the penalty should consist of a single amount, an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or a combination of the two, (c) indicate the amount of the proposed penalty, including (in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate) the daily rate and how the penalty would be calculated, (d) in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, specify or describe the period for which OFCOM propose that the amount should be payable, (e) state the reasons for proposing a penalty of that amount, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM propose to take into account, and (f) specify the period within which representations in relation to the proposed penalty may be made. (2) A penalty notice under section 362BY(6) must— (a) give OFCOM’s reasons for their decision to impose the penalty, (b) state whether the penalty consists of a single amount, an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, or a combination of the two, and how it is calculated, (c) in relation to a single amount, state that amount, (d) in relation to an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate, state the daily rate, (e) state the reasons for the amount of the penalty, including any aggravating or mitigating factors that OFCOM have taken into account, (f) specify a reasonable period within which the penalty must be paid, and (g) contain information about the consequences of not paying the penalty (including information about the further kinds of enforcement action that it would be open to OFCOM to take). (3) A penalty notice under section 362BY(6) must also specify the amount of the fee that is (in OFCOM’s opinion) due to be paid to OFCOM. (4) The period specified under subsection (2)(f) for the payment of a single amount must be at least 28 days beginning with the day on which the penalty notice is given. (5) Subsection (6) applies in relation to a penalty notice under section 362BY(6) that includes a requirement to pay an amount calculated by reference to a daily rate. (6) Such a notice must— (a) state the date from which the amount begins to be payable, which must not be earlier than the day after the day on which the notice is given; (b) provide for the amount to continue to be payable at the daily rate until— (i) the date on which the full amount of the fee (as specified in the penalty notice) has been paid to OFCOM, or (ii) an earlier date specified in the penalty notice. (7) Schedule 16A contains further provision about the imposition of a penalty by a penalty notice under section 362BY(6).

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362BZ1 Monitoring role for OFCOM

OFCOM have the function of obtaining, compiling and keeping under review information about matters which may be relevant to— (a) designating or revoking the designation of a radio selection service (see sections 362BB and 362BD); (b) deciding whether to take enforcement action under this Part and Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part).

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362BZ2 Notices

(1) This section applies in relation to a notice that may or must be given by OFCOM to a person under any provision of this Part or Schedule 16B (so far as relating to this Part). (2) OFCOM may give a notice to a person by— (a) delivering it by hand to the person, (b) leaving it at the person’s proper address, (c) sending it by post to the person at that address, or (d) sending it by email to that person’s email address. (3) A notice to a body corporate may be given to any officer of that body. (4) A notice to a partnership may be given to any partner or to a person who has the control or management of the partnership business. (5) A notice to an entity that is not a legal person under the law under which it is formed (other than a partnership) may be given to any member of the governing body of the entity. (6) In the case of a notice given to a person who is a provider of a designated radio selection service, the person’s proper address for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (2), and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 in its application to those paragraphs, is any address (within or outside the United Kingdom) at which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of the person or (where that person is an entity) any director or other officer of that entity. (7) In the case of a notice given to a person other than a provider of a designated radio selection service, a person’s proper address for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (2), and section 7 of the Interpretation Act 1978 in its application to those paragraphs, is— (a) in the case of an entity, the address of the entity’s registered or principal office; (b) in any other case, the person’s last known address. (8) In the case of an entity registered or carrying on business outside the United Kingdom, or with offices outside the United Kingdom, the reference in subsection (7) to its principal office includes— (a) its principal office in the United Kingdom, or (b) if the entity has no office in the United Kingdom, any place in the United Kingdom at which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of any director or other officer of that entity. (9) For the purposes of subsection (2)(d), a person’s email address is— (a) any email address published for the time being by that person as an address for contacting that person, or (b) if there is no such published address, any email address by means of which OFCOM believe, on reasonable grounds, that the notice will come to the attention of that person or (where that person is an entity) any director or other officer of that entity. (10) A notice sent by email is treated as given 48 hours after it was sent, unless the contrary is proved. (11) In this section— “director” includes any person occupying the position of a director, by whatever name called; “officer”, in relation to an entity, includes a director, a manager, a partner, an associate, a secretary or, where the affairs of the entity are managed by its members, a member.

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362BZ3 Application of Part 3B

(1) A duty or prohibition imposed on a provider of a designated radio selection service by or under this Part applies in relation to that service only so far as it is made available for use by members of the public in the United Kingdom. (2) References in this Part to a radio selection service include such a service provided from outside the United Kingdom (as well as such a service provided from within the United Kingdom). (3) The power to require the provision of information by an information notice includes power to require the provision of information held outside the United Kingdom. (4) Section 362BT(4) (requirements enforceable in civil proceedings against a person) applies whether or not the person is in the United Kingdom.

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362BZ4 Interpretation of Part 3B

(1) In this Part— “ancillary service”, in relation to an internet radio service, has the meaning given by section 362BF (except in the expression “relevant ancillary service”); “designated radio selection service” has the meaning given by section 362BB; “entity” means a body or association of persons or an organisation, regardless of whether the body, association or organisation is— formed under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom, or a legal person under the law under which it is formed; “information notice” has the meaning given by section 362BQ; “internet radio service” has the meaning given by section 362BF; “provide”, in relation to a sound broadcasting service or digital sound programme service, has the same meaning as in Part 3 (see section 362(2) and (3)); “radio selection service” has the meaning given by section 362BA; “relevant internet radio service” has the meaning given by section 362BG. (2) A reference in this Part to the playing of an internet radio service includes a reference to providing its ancillary services (if any).

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363 Licence required for use of TV receiver

(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.

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