194.Section 73(2) allows OFCOM to set access-related conditions for the purpose of ensuring a level of network access and interoperability which will promote efficiency and sustainable competition and the greatest possible benefit end-users. Section 74 provides that such conditions include those designed to ensure end-to-end connectivity. It also provides that conditions can be set for securing that the use of Application Programme Interfaces (APIs) and Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) is provided on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis.
*end-to-end connectivity is defined in subsection (3) as the ability for two parties to communicate with each other whether they are using the same or different public electronic communications services.
*the meaning of application programme interface is given in subsection (3) as a facility for allowing software to use facilities in other software in order to allow someone to access a programme service or become the ultimate user of any network or service by means of which any programme service is broadcast or otherwise transmitted.
*electronic programme guide is defined in subsection (3) as any facility by means of which a person may ascertain what programmes are included in a service, and may access that service.