Communications Act 2003 (c. 21)

Part 2 U.K. Networks, services and the radio spectrum

Chapter 1 U.K. Electronic communications networks and services

Powers to deal with emergencies U.K.

133 Enforcement of directions under s. 132 U.K.

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if he provides an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or makes available any associated facility—

(a) while his entitlement to do so is suspended by a direction under section 132; or

(b) in contravention of a restriction contained in such a direction.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

(3) The duty of a person to comply with a condition of a direction under section 132 shall be a duty owed to every person who may be affected by a contravention of the condition.

(4) Where a duty is owed by virtue of subsection (3) to a person—

(a) a breach of the duty that causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(b) an act which—

(i) by inducing a breach of the duty or interfering with its performance, causes that person to sustain loss or damage, and

(ii) is done wholly or partly for achieving that result,

shall be actionable at the suit or instance of that person.

(5) In proceedings brought against a person by virtue of subsection (4)(a) it shall be a defence for that person to show that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the condition in question.

(6) Sections [F1 96A] to 99 apply in relation to a contravention of conditions imposed by a direction under section 132 as they apply in relation to a contravention of conditions set under section 45 [F2 , other than SMP apparatus conditions] .

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in s. 133(6) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 78 (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 17)

F2 Words in s. 133(6) inserted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 78 (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 17)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 133 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))

I2 S. 133 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)