Section 114: Procedure for directions under s. 113
272.Except in an urgent case, OFCOM must not give a direction under section 113(4) suspending the application of the code to any person (“the operator”) unless they have: (i) notified the operator of the proposed suspension and of the steps (if any) that they are proposing to take under section 113; (ii) provided him with an opportunity of (during a period of not less than one month after the date of notification) making representations about the proposals and of proposing steps for remedying the situation that has given rise to the proposed suspension; and (iii) considered every representation and proposal made to them during that period.
273.As soon as practicable after giving a direction under section 113 in an urgent case, OFCOM must provide the operator with an opportunity to make representations about the effect of the direction and of any steps taken under section 113 in connection with the suspension and to propose steps for remedying the situation that has given rise to the situation.
*Subsection (4) provides that a case is urgent for the purposes of this case if OFCOM consider that it would be inappropriate to allow time, before giving a direction under section 113, for the making and consideration of representations, because the circumstances appearing to OFCOM to require the suspension fall within subsection (5).
*The circumstance listed in subsection (5) include a serious threat to public safety, public health or to national security, serious economic or operational problems for persons (apart from the contravening provider or supplier) who are communications providers or persons who make associated facilities available or serious economic or operational problems for persons who make use of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities.
