Communications Act 2003

Contents

16,176 provisions, too many to show on one page. Open a part or section to read it with its history and connections, or search inside the text.

1. Part 1 · Functions of OFCOM
   1. Charging
   2. Guarantees
   3. Accessible domestic communications apparatus
   4. Advisory committees
   5. Employment in broadcasting
   6. Functions for the protection of consumers
   7. General duties in carrying out functions
   8. General information functions
   9. International matters
   10. Media literacy
   11. OFCOM’s Content Board
   12. Provisions supplemental to transfer of functions
   13. Strategic priorities
   14. Transferred and assigned functions
2. Part 2 · Networks, services and the radio spectrum
   1. Chapter 1 Electronic communications networks and services
   2. Chapter 2 Spectrum use
   3. Chapter 3 Disputes and appeals
3. Part 3 · Television and Radio Services ETC
   1. Chapter 1 The BBC, C4C , S4C and the Gaelic media service
   2. Chapter 2 Regulatory Structure for Independent Television Services
   3. Chapter 3 Regulatory Structure for Independent Radio Services
   4. Chapter 4 Regulatory provisions
   5. Chapter 5 Media ownership and control
   6. Chapter 6 Other provisions about television and radio services
4. Part 3A · Prominence on television selection services
   1. Enforcement
   2. Designated internet programme services
   3. Duties relating to a designated internet programme service
   4. Duties relating to a regulated television selection service
   5. Lists of services
   6. Must-offer and must-carry obligations
   7. Notification by providers of television selection services
   8. Power to require information
   9. References of disputes to OFCOM
   10. Regulated television selection services
   11. Supplemental provisions of Part 3A
5. Part 3B · Regulation of radio selection services
   1. Enforcement
   2. Designated radio selection services
   3. Modification of regulation of radio selection services
   4. Power to require information
   5. Regulation of radio selection services
   6. Relevant internet radio services
   7. Supplemental provisions of Part 3B
6. Part 4 · Licensing of TV reception
   1. 363 Licence required for use of TV receiver
   2. 364 TV licences
   3. 365 TV licence fees
   4. 365A TV licence fee concessions by reference to age
   5. 366 Powers to enforce TV licensing
   6. 367 Interpretation of provisions about dealer notification
   7. 368 Meanings of “television receiver” and “use”
7. Part 4A · On-demand programme services
   1. Chapter 1 Introductory Provisions
   2. Chapter 2 Regulation of on-demand programme services
   3. Chapter 3 Regulation of Tier 1 services
   4. 368I Enforcement of service providers’ principal duties
   5. 368IA Enforcement of section 368E(4)
   6. Fees
   7. Information
   8. Application and interpretation of Part 4A
   9. Audience protection reviews etc
   10. Financial penalties
   11. Suspension or restriction of service
8. Part 4B · Video-sharing platform services
   1. Enforcement
   2. Fees
   3. Preliminary
   4. Duties of service providers
   5. Duties of the appropriate regulatory authority
   6. Information and reports
   7. Interpretation of Part 4B
   8. List of providers
   9. Notification by providers
   10. Suspension or restriction of service
9. Part 4C · Online advertising of less healthy food and drink
   1. Advertising of less healthy food and drink
10. Part 5 · Competition in communications markets
    1. Chapter 1 Functions of OFCOM under competition legislation
    2. Chapter 2 Media mergers
11. Part 6 · Miscellaneous and Supplemental
    1. Supplemental
    2. Annual report
    3. Disclosure of information
    4. Guidelines as to penalties
    5. Notifications etc. and electronic working
    6. Other miscellaneous provisions
    7. Penalties under Parts 3A and 3B etc
    8. Review of media ownership
12. Schedule 1 · Functions transferred to OFCOM
    1. Wireless telegraphy functions
    2. Functions in relation to the licensing etc. of television services
    3. Functions in relation to C4C
    4. Functions in relation to the licensing of radio services
    5. Functions in relation to the proscription of foreign satellite services
    6. Functions in relation to Gaelic broadcasting
    7. Functions in relation to the national television archive
    8. Warrants to enter and search premises to enforce broadcasting licences provisions
    9. Variation of existing Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences
    10. Reports for the purposes of the review of digital broadcasting
    11. Functions in relation to reservation of digital capacity to the BBC
    12. Functions in relation to listed events
    13. Functions relating to fairness and privacy in broadcasting
13. Schedule 2 · Transfer schemes
    1. Contents of transfer scheme
    2. Effect of transfer scheme
    3. Retrospective modification of a transfer scheme
    4. Compensation
    5. Stamp duty
    6. Interpretation of Schedule
14. Schedule 3 · Amendments of Schedule 2 to the Telecommunications Act 1984
    1. Introductory
    2. Meaning of conduit system and electronic communications apparatus, network or service
    3. Meaning of operator and operator’s system
    4. Provision of a conduit system
    5. General amendments
    6. Power to fly lines
    7. Power to require alteration of apparatus
    8. Undertaker’s works
    9. Notices under the code
    10. Application of code to the Crown
    11. Effect of agreements concerning sharing of apparatus
15. Schedule 3A · The electronic communications code
    1. Part 1 Key concepts
    2. Part 2 Conferral of code rights and their exercise
    3. Part 3 Assignment of code rights, and upgrading and sharing of apparatus
    4. Part 4 Power of court to impose agreement
    5. Part 4A Code rights in respect of land connected to leased premises: unresponsive occupiers
    6. Part 5 Termination and modification of agreements
    7. Part 6 Rights to require removal of electronic communications apparatus
    8. Part 7 Conferral of transport land rights and their exercise
    9. Part 8 Conferral of street work rights and their exercise
    10. Part 9 Conferral of tidal water rights and their exercise
    11. Part 10 Undertaker's works affecting electronic communications apparatus
    12. Part 11 Overhead apparatus
    13. Part 12 Rights to object to certain apparatus
    14. Part 13 Rights to lop trees
    15. Part 14 Compensation under the code
    16. Part 15 Notices under the code
    17. Part 16 Enforcement and dispute resolution
    18. Part 17 Supplementary provisions
16. Schedule 4 · Compulsory purchase and entry for exploratory purposes
    1. Interpretation
    2. General duties with respect to powers under Schedule
    3. Compulsory purchase of land: England and Wales
    4. Compulsory purchase of land: Scotland
    5. Compulsory purchase of land: Northern Ireland
    6. Entry on land for exploratory purposes: England and Wales
    7. Entry on land for exploratory purposes: Scotland
    8. Entry on land for exploratory purposes: Northern Ireland
    9. Acquisition of land by agreement
17. Schedule 5 · Procedure for grants of recognised spectrum access
    1. General procedure for applications
    2. Information to be provided in connection with applications
    3. Notice of proposed refusal of application
    4. Duration of grant
    5. Revocation or modification
    6. Notice of proposed revocation or modification
    7. Restriction on powers of revocation and modification
    8. Interpretation
18. Schedule 7 · Seizure and forfeiture of apparatus
    1. Application of Schedule
    2. Notice of seizure
    3. Notice of claim
    4. Condemnation
    5. Proceedings for condemnation by court
    6. Disposal of unclaimed property
    7. Provisions as to proof
    8. Special provisions as to certain claimants
    9. Saving for owner’s rights
19. Schedule 8 · Decisions not subject to appeal
    1. Prosecutions and civil proceedings
    2. This Act
    3. Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949
    4. Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998
    5. Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006
20. Schedule 9 · Arrangements about carrying on of C4C’s activities
    1. Notification of requirement to submit proposals
    2. Submission of proposed arrangements
    3. Consideration and approval of proposals
    4. Duration of approval and modification of arrangements
    5. Publication of approved arrangements
    6. Duty of C4C to act in accordance with the approved arrangements
    7. nforcement of duties
    8. Penalty for contravention of the arrangements
    9. OFCOM’s duty to take account of need to support C4C’s primary functions
    10. Interpretation of Schedule
21. Schedule 10 · Licensing the public teletext service
    1. Part 1 Applications for and award of licence
    2. Part 2 Conditions and enforcement of licence
    3. Part 3 Interpretation of Schedule
22. Schedule 11 · Approval, imposition and modification of networking arrangements
    1. Application of Schedule
    2. Approval required for modifications
    3. Procedure for giving approval
    4. Decision of OFCOM whether or not to approve arrangements or modifications
    5. Notification of decisions on imposition of arrangements
    6. Competition tests applying to OFCOM’s decisions
    7. Competition tests applying to OFCOM's decisions: EU principles etc
    8. Other matters to be taken into account
    9. Duty to refuse approval in certain cases
    10. Appeals against decisions relating to competition test
    11. Decisions on an appeal
    12. Appeals against decisions of the Tribunal
    13. Information for OFCOM
    14. Enforcement of information provisions
    15. Confidentiality and defamation
    16. Interpretation of Schedule
23. Schedule 11A · Restrictions on product placement
    1. Introductory
    2. Prohibitions of product placement
    3. Conditions applying to product placement
    4. Minor definitions
24. Schedule 12 · Corresponding obligations of the BBC and S4C
    1. Part 1 The BBC
    2. Part 2 S4C
25. Schedule 13 · Financial penalties under the Broadcasting Acts
    1. Part 1 Broadcasting Act 1990
    2. Part 2 Broadcasting Act 1996
26. Schedule 14 · Media ownership rules
    1. Part 1 Channel 3 services
    2. Part 2 ...
    3. Part 3 Local sound programme services
    4. Part 4 Religious bodies etc.
    5. Part 5 Supplemental provisions of Schedule
27. Schedule 15 · Amendments of Broadcasting Acts
    1. Part 1 Amendments of the 1990 Act
    2. Part 2 Amendments of the 1996 Act
28. SCHEDULE15A · Video-sharing platform services: appropriate measures for the purposes of section 368Z1(1)
    1. Appropriate measures
    2. Interpretation
29. Schedule 16 · Further amendments in connection with media mergers
    1. Competition Act 1980 (c. 21)
    2. Gas Act 1986 (c. 44)
    3. Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29)
    4. Railways Act 1993 (c. 43)
    5. ...
    6. Postal Services Act 2000 (c. 26)
    7. Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)
    8. Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40)
30. Schedule 16A · Penalties imposed by OFCOM under Parts 3A and 3B
    1. (1) Interpretation
    2. (2) Amount of penalties: principles
    3. (3) Maximum amount of penalties
    4. (4) Maximum amount of penalties: group of entities
    5. (5) Power to amend paragraphs 3 and 4
    6. (6) Recovery of penalties
    7. (7) Qualifying worldwide revenue
    8. (8) Interpretation
31. Schedule 16B · Parts 3A and 3B: liability of parent entities etc
    1. (1) Interpretation
    2. (2) Joint provisional notices of contravention
    3. (3) Liability of parent entities for failures by subsidiary entities
    4. (4) Liability of subsidiary entities for failures by parent entities
    5. (5) Liability of fellow subsidiary entities for failures by subsidiary entities
    6. (6) Liability of controlling individuals for failures by entities
    7. (7) General
    8. (8) General
32. Schedule 17 · Minor and Consequential Amendments
    1. Interpretation
    2. ...
    3. Law of Property Act 1925
    4. Public Health Act 1925
    5. London Overground Wires, etc Act 1933
    6. Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949
    7. Coast Protection Act 1949
    8. National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
    9. London County Council (General Powers) Act 1949
    10. Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953
    11. Army Act 1955
    12. Air Force Act 1955
    13. Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Drainage and Navigation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955
    14. Naval Discipline Act 1957
    15. Opencast Coal Act 1958
    16. Pipe-lines Act 1962
    17. London County Council (General Powers) Act 1963
    18. Harbours Act 1964
    19. New Towns Act (Northern Ireland) 1965
    20. Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967
    21. Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967
    22. Countryside Act 1968
    23. Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1969
    24. Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970
    25. Thames Barrier and Flood Prevention Act 1972
    26. Fair Trading Act 1973
    27. Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973
    28. Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973
    29. Consumer Credit Act 1974
    30. House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975
    31. Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975
    32. Welsh Development Agency Act 1975
    33. Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order 1979
    34. Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980
    35. Highways Act 1980
    36. New Towns Act 1981
    37. Acquisition of Land Act 1981
    38. Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981
    39. Civil Aviation Act 1982
    40. Representation of the People Act 1983
    41. Telecommunications Act 1984
    42. Cinemas Act 1985
    43. Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985
    44. Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985
    45. Housing Act 1985
    46. Airports Act 1986
    47. Gas Act 1986
    48. Insolvency Act 1986
    49. Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986
    50. Channel Tunnel Act 1987
    51. Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987
    52. Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988
    53. Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988
    54. Malicious Communications Act 1988
    55. Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
    56. Housing Act 1988
    57. Road Traffic Act 1988
    58. Water Act 1989
    59. Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989
    60. Electricity Act 1989
    61. Local Government and Housing Act 1989
    62. Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989
    63. Town and Country Planning Act 1990
    64. Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
    65. London Local Authorities (No. 2) Act 1990
    66. New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
    67. Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991
    68. Water Industry Act 1991
    69. Water Resources Act 1991
    70. Land Drainage Act 1991
    71. Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991
    72. Charities Act 1992
    73. Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992
    74. Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992
    75. ...
    76. Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993
    77. Railways Act 1993
    78. Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993
    79. Value Added Tax Act 1994
    80. Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
    81. Airports (Northern Ireland) Order 1994
    82. Merchant Shipping Act 1995
    83. Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995
    84. British Waterways Act 1995
    85. Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
    86. Housing Act 1996
    87. Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
    88. Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996
    89. Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996
    90. Construction Contracts (Northern Ireland) Order 1997
    91. Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997
    92. Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998
    93. Finance Act 1998
    94. Competition Act 1998
    95. Regional Development Agencies Act 1998
    96. Finance Act 1999
    97. Greater London Authority Act 1999
    98. Electronic Communications Act 2000
    99. Television Licences (Disclosure of Information) Act 2000
    100. Finance Act 2000M
    101. Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
    102. Postal Services Act 2000
    103. Utilities Act 2000
    104. Freedom of Information Act 2000
    105. Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
    106. Transport Act 2000
    107. Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
    108. Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001
    109. Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001
    110. Electronic Communications Act (Northern Ireland) 2001
    111. Office of Communications Act 2002
    112. Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002
    113. Enterprise Act 2002
    114. Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003
33. Schedule 18 · Transitional Provisions
    1. General
    2. Steps taken in anticipation of passing or coming into force of Act
    3. Savings for agreements referring to the termination of a 1984 Act licence
    4. Saving for agreements with special provision for 1984 Act licence holders
    5. General saving for agreements conditional on certain Broadcasting Act licences
    6. Orders under Part 2 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994
    7. Pre-commencement proposals relating to universal service matters
    8. Local loop notifications
    9. Conditions relating to premium rate services and conditions corresponding to SMP or access-related conditions
    10. Pre-commencement proposals relating to market power determinations
    11. Savings for licence conditions relating to accounting
    12. Charges under Telecommunications Act licences
    13. Enforcement of breaches of licence conditions
    14. Saving for agreements having effect by reference to licensing regime
    15. Fees for approvals for the purposes of licence conditions
    16. Allocated telephone numbers
    17. Electronic communications code
    18. Saving for guarantees of liabilities of telecommunications code operators
    19. Compulsory purchase
    20. Notices under section 1D of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949
    21. Notices under regulations under section 3 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998
    22. Disputes about interconnection
    23. Appeals against wireless telegraphy and telecommunications decisions
    24. Section 94 of the Telecommunications Act 1984
    25. Competition Commission: specialist panel members
    26. Transitory amendments to telecommunications terms in Broadcasting Act 1990
    27. Activities of the Welsh Authority
    28. Gaelic Broadcasting
    29. Pre-transfer Broadcasting Act licences
    30. Channels 3 and 5
    31. Saving pending replacement of licences for Channels 3 and 5 and the public teletext service
    32. Digital additional licences
    33. Programme quotas
    34. Continuity in relation to appointed news provider
    35. Networking arrangements
    36. Determination of qualifying revenue
    37. Rules for political broadcasts
    38. Functions under section 88 of the 1990 Act
    39. Notices under section 94 of the 1990 Act
    40. Programme standards: television
    41. Programme standards: radio
    42. Standards code
    43. Local and national radio licences
    44. Section 111B of the 1990 Act
    45. Section 185 of the 1990 Act
    46. Section 28 of the 1996 Act
    47. Section 48 of the 1996 Act
    48. Applications for extension of pre-transfer licences
    49. Applications for renewal of licences under 1990 Act and 1996 Act
    50. Listed events rules
    51. Complaints to the Broadcasting Standards Commission
    52. Codes of practice drawn up by the Broadcasting Standards Commission
    53. Media ownership provisions
    54. TV licences
    55. Functions under the Enterprise Act 2002
    56. Functions under the Competition Act 1998
    57. Newspaper mergers
    58. Orders in Council under section 6 of the Continental Shelf Act 1964
    59. Interpretation of Schedule
34. Schedule 19 · Repeals
    1. Note