Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998

1 Charges for wireless telegraphy licences

(1) In this Act “wireless telegraphy licence” means any licence under the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 other than a television licence as defined in section 1(7) of that Act.

(2) On the issue or renewal of a wireless telegraphy licence and, where regulations under this section so provide, subsequently at such times during the term of the licence as may be prescribed by the regulations, there shall be paid to the Secretary of State by the person to whom the licence is issued—

(a) such sums as may be prescribed by the regulations, or

(b) if the regulations so provide, such sums (whether on the issue or renewal of the licence or subsequently) as the Secretary of State may in the particular case determine.

(3) Regulations under this section—

(a) may make different provision for different cases (including, in particular, different provision for different areas),

(b) may confer exemptions from provisions of the regulations or provide for such exemptions to be conferred by the Secretary of State in particular cases,

(c) may provide for sums paid to be refunded, in whole or in part, in such cases as may be specified in the regulations or in such cases as the Secretary of State thinks fit, and

(d) may include such transitional provision as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

(4) Where sums will or may become payable under regulations under this section subsequently to the issue or renewal of a licence, the Secretary of State may, on the issue or renewal of the licence, require such security to be given, by way of deposit or otherwise, for the payment of the sums which will or may become payable as he thinks fit.

(5) Regulations under this section shall not apply in relation to any licence granted in accordance with regulations under section 3.

(6) Any regulations under section 2(1) of the [1949 c. 54.] Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 which—

(a) relate to wireless telegraphy licences within the meaning of this Act, and

(b) are in force immediately before the commencement of this section,

shall be taken to have been made under this section; and accordingly may be amended or revoked by regulations under this section.

(7) Any reference in a wireless telegraphy licence granted before the commencement of this section to section 2(1) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 shall be construed, in relation to any time after that commencement, as a reference to this section.