Communications Act 2003 (c. 21)

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

Chapter 1 U.K. Electronic communications networks and services

Grants for networks and services in Northern Ireland U.K.

149 Grants by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment N.I.

(1) The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment may, in accordance with this section, make payments to persons engaged in, or in commercial activities connected with—

(a) the provision of electronic communications networks and electronic communications services in Northern Ireland; or

(b) improving the extent, quality and reliability of such networks or services.

(2) A payment shall not be made under this section unless in the opinion of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment—

(a) the making of the payment is likely to achieve—

(i) one or more of the purposes set out in subsection (1); and

(ii) any other purposes prescribed by regulations made by that Department with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel; and

(b) the amount of the payment is reasonable having regard to all the circumstances.

(3) Payments under this section shall—

(a) be of such amounts, and

(b) be made subject to such conditions (including conditions as to repayment),

as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment may determine.

(4) This section extends only to Northern Ireland.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 149 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. 149 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)