Communications Act 2003

142 Procedure for directions under ss. 140 and 141

(1) Except in an urgent case, OFCOM are not to give a direction under section 140 or 141 unless they have—

(a) notified the contravening provider or contravening supplier of the proposed direction and of the conditions (if any) which they are proposing to impose by that direction;

(b) provided him with an opportunity of making representations about the proposals and of proposing steps for remedying the situation; and

(c) considered every representation and proposal made to them during the period allowed by them for the contravening provider or the contravening supplier to take advantage of that opportunity.

(2) That period must be one ending not less than one month after the day of the giving of the notification.

(3) As soon as practicable after giving a direction under section 140 or 141 in an urgent case, OFCOM must provide the contravening provider or contravening supplier with an opportunity of—

(a) making representations about the effect of the direction and of any of its conditions; and

(b) proposing steps for remedying the situation.

(4) A case is an urgent case for the purposes of this section if OFCOM—

(a) consider that it would be inappropriate, because the contraventions in question fall within subsection (5), to allow time, before giving a direction under section 140 or 141, for the making and consideration of representations; and

(b) decide for that reason to act in accordance with subsection (3), instead of subsection (1).

(5) The contraventions fall within this subsection if they have resulted in, or create an immediate risk of—

(a) a serious threat to the safety of the public, to public health or to national security;

(b) serious economic or operational problems for persons (apart from the contravening provider or contravening supplier) who are communications providers or persons who make associated facilities available; or

(c) serious economic or operational problems for persons who make use of electronic communications networks, electronic communications services or associated facilities.

(6) In this section—

• “contravening provider” has the same meaning as in section 140; and

• “contravening supplier” has the same meaning as in section 141.