Section 272: Must-offer obligations in relation to networks
589.This section requires OFCOM to include in the licences for every licensed public service channel, the public teletext service and every licensed television service added to the list of must-carry services under section 64 conditions which they consider appropriate for securing the three following objectives:
that digital channels or services on the list of must-carry services under section 64 are offered for broadcasting and distribution over every appropriate network;
that each provider of those channels or services enters into arrangements which ensure that their digital channels or services and any ancillary services are broadcast or distributed on appropriate networks so that those channels and services are made available for reception by as many members of the intended audience (as defined in subsection (7)) for a given service as possible; and
that such arrangements prohibit the provider of the network from charging for reception of the channels or services.
*An “appropriate network” is defined in subsection (7) as a network used to provide public electronic communications services to a significant number of end-users as their principal means of receiving television programmes.
