Section 189: Disputes involving other member States
408.This section requires OFCOM to consult with the regulatory authorities of other member States prior to handling, considering or making a determination of a dispute referred to them under section 185 or referred back to them under subsection (6) of section 186 if the dispute relates partly to anything done by means of an electronic communications network falling with the jurisdiction of those authorities.
*Under subsection (2), a dispute falls within the jurisdiction of other regulatory authorities when it relates to the activities that are carried out by a party to the dispute in more than one member State or by different parties in different member States and the other regulatory authorities are the authorities for those activities in the other member State or one of the other member States.
409.Where a dispute involves other regulatory authorities, subsection (5) imposes a duty on OFCOM to agree with them, so far as practicable, the steps to be taken in relation to the dispute. Subsection (6) requires OFCOM to resolve the dispute within such period of time as may be agreed with the other regulatory authorities.
410.This section implements Article 21(2) of the Framework Directive.