Communications Act 2003

5 Directions in respect of networks and spectrum functions

(1) This section applies to the following functions of OFCOM—

(a) their functions under Part 2; and

(b) their functions under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum that are not contained in that Part.

(2) It shall be the duty of OFCOM to carry out those functions in accordance with such general or specific directions as may be given to them by the Secretary of State.

(3) The Secretary of State’s power to give directions under this section shall be confined to a power to give directions for one or more of the following purposes—

(a) in the interests of national security;

(b) in the interests of relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom;

(c) for the purpose of securing compliance with international obligations of the United Kingdom;

(d) in the interests of the safety of the public or of public health.

(4) The Secretary of State is not entitled by virtue of any provision of this section to direct OFCOM to suspend or restrict—

(a) a person’s entitlement to provide an electronic communications network or electronic communications service; or

(b) a person’s entitlement to make available associated facilities.

(5) The Secretary of State must publish a direction under this section in such manner as appears to him to be appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in his opinion, are likely to be affected by it.

(6) The Secretary of State is not required by subsection (5) to publish a direction, and he may exclude matter from a direction he does publish, if he considers the publication of the direction or matter to be—

(a) against the interests of national security; or

(b) against the interests of relations with the government of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom.

(7) Subsection (4) does not affect the Secretary of State’s powers under section 132.