Explanatory Notes

Communications Act 2003

2003 CHAPTER 21

17 July 2003

Commentary on Sections

Part 2: Networks, Services and the Radio Spectrum

Chapter 1: Electronic Communications Networks and Services
Section 91: Conditions about regulation of services etc. for end-users

230.This section deals with the situation where the relevant services market is one for the end-users of public electronic communications services, and where access-related conditions, and SMP conditions set under sections 87 to 90, are not sufficient to allow OFCOM to perform their duty under section 4. In such a case, OFCOM may set conditions obliging the provider to comply with such regulatory controls as OFCOM consider appropriate.

231.If such regulatory controls are imposed on tariffs, or on other matters to which costs are relevant, the provider may be obliged to use such cost accounting systems as OFCOM direct, to have those systems annually audited and to publish an annual statement as to its compliance with those obligations. OFCOM must provide the European Commission with whatever information they require about conditions authorised by this section. This section implements Article 17 of the Universal Service Directive, Article 6(2) of the Authorisation Directive and Article 16(4) of the Framework Directive.