Part 6

Miscellaneous and Supplemental

Supplemental

Expenses
399
There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament—
a
any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State for or in connection with the carrying out of any of his functions under this Act; and
b
any increase attributable to this Act in the sums which are payable out of money so provided under any other Act.

Destination of ... fees and penalties
400
1
This section applies (subject to section 401) to the following amounts—
a
an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Chapter 1 of Part 2 (including a penalty imposed by virtue of section 191(5));
b
so much of an amount paid to OFCOM under numbering conditions in respect of an allocation of telephone numbers as is an amount determined by reference to an indication given in response to an invitation such as is mentioned in section 58(5)(a);
c
an amount paid to OFCOM in pursuance of an obligation imposed by or under Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 2 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 ;
d
an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under section 42 ... or Part 2A of that Act ;
da
an amount paid to
OFCOM
in respect of a fee charged under section 53D of that Act;
e
a cash bid amount paid to OFCOM under a Broadcasting Act licence for the first year falling within the period for which the licence is in force;
f
an amount paid to OFCOM under such a licence for a subsequent year as the amount equal to a cash bid amount increased by the appropriate percentage;
g
an amount paid to OFCOM under such a licence as an amount representing a percentage of relevant revenue for an accounting period;
h
an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Part 1 or 3 of the 1990 Act, Part 1 or 2 of the 1996 Act or Part 3 of this Act.
ha
an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Part 3A
or 3B
of this Act;
i
an amount paid to
OFCOM
in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Part 3 of the Postal Services Act 2011.
j
an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of a penalty imposed by them under Chapter 6 of Part 7 of the Online Safety Act 2023;
k
an amount paid to OFCOM in respect of an additional fee charged under Schedule 10 to the Online Safety Act 2023.
2
Where OFCOM receive an amount to which this section applies (except an amount mentioned in subsection (1)(j) or (k)), it must be paid into the appropriate Consolidated Fund; but this subsection does not apply to an amount which is required by OFCOM for making an adjustment in respect of an overpayment.
3
The reference in subsection (2) to the payment of an amount into the appropriate Consolidated Fund—
a
in the case of an amount received in respect of matters appearing to OFCOM to have no connection with Northern Ireland, is a reference to the payment of the amount into the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom;
b
in the case of an amount received in respect of matters appearing to OFCOM to have a connection with Northern Ireland but no connection with the rest of the United Kingdom, is a reference to the payment of the amount into the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland; and
c
in any other case, is a reference to the payment of the amount, in such proportions as OFCOM consider appropriate, into each of those Funds.
3A
Where OFCOM receive an amount mentioned in subsection (1)(j) or (k), it must be paid into the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom.
4
OFCOM must, in respect of each financial year, prepare an account showing—
a
the amounts to which this section applies that have been received by them during that year;
b
the sums paid into the Consolidated Funds of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland respectively under this section in respect of those amounts;
c
the aggregate amount of the sums received by them during that year that is retained in accordance with a statement under section 401 for meeting the costs set out in the statement in accordance with subsection (1)(b) of that section during that year;
d
the aggregate amount that they estimate will fall to be so retained out of amounts due to them and likely to be paid or recovered; and
e
the cost to OFCOM of carrying out during that year the functions in respect of which amounts are or are to be retained in accordance with such a statement.
5
OFCOM must send that account to the Comptroller and Auditor General not later than the end of the month of November following the financial year to which it relates.
6
The Comptroller and Auditor General must examine, certify and report on the account and lay copies of it, together with his report, before each House of Parliament.
7
References in this section to penalties imposed by OFCOM under Part 3 of this Act include references to penalties which the BBC is liable to pay to OFCOM by virtue of section 198(3).
8
In this section—
- “the appropriate percentage” has the same meaning as in section 19 of the 1990 Act;
- “cash bid amount” means an amount specified in a cash bid for a Broadcasting Act licence or the amount determined by OFCOM for the purposes of any provision of the 1990 Act or this Part to be what would have been the amount of a cash bid for a licence;
- “financial year” has the same meaning as in the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11);
- “numbering conditions” means conditions the setting of which is authorised by section 58 or 59; and
- “relevant revenue” means any of the following—
  1. the amount which for the purposes of section 19, 52(1), 102(1) or 118 (1) of the 1990 Act is the amount of qualifying revenue for an accounting period;
  2. the amount which for the purposes of section 13(1) or 55(1) of the 1996 Act is the amount of multiplex revenue for an accounting period; or
  3. an amount which for the purposes of paragraph 7 of Schedule 10 to this Act is the amount of qualifying revenue for an accounting period.

Retention by OFCOM of amounts paid under Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006
401
1
OFCOM
have power to make a statement setting out—
a
the principles under which they may retain any or all of the amounts paid to them—
i
in pursuance of obligations imposed by or under Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 2 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006;
ii
in respect of fees charged under section 53D of that Act, and
b
the costs in respect of which the amounts may be retained (which may include costs other than those incurred in the exercise of their functions under those provisions).
2
Where such a statement ... authorises the retention of an amount, OFCOM are not required to pay it into the appropriate Consolidated Fund in accordance with section 400.
3
The provision contained in a statement made by
OFCOM
under this section must be such as appears to them likely to secure, on the basis of such estimates of the likely costs as it is practicable to make, that the amounts retained by
OFCOM
are objectively justifiable and proportionate to the costs in respect of which they are retained.
4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
A statement under this section may include provision which, for the purposes of ... the statement and of the preparation of accounts in accordance with section 400(4), requires an amount actually received in one year—
a
to be treated as referable to costs incurred in that year and in one or more subsequent years; and
b
to be brought into account, in each of those years, in accordance with an apportionment for which provision is made in the statement.
7
A deficit or surplus shown (after applying this subsection for all previous years) by an account prepared under section 400(4) is to be carried forward and taken into account in determining what is required by OFCOM in relation to the following year for meeting the costs set out in the statement in accordance with subsection (1)(b) .
8
A statement ... under this section—
a
if it is expressed to apply for a limited period, does not apply to any amounts paid to OFCOM after the end of that period; and
b
in any event, does not apply to amounts paid to them after a withdrawal of the statement takes effect.
9
OFCOM may revise a statement made under this section.
10
The consent of the Treasury and the Secretary of State is required for the making, revision or withdrawal of a statement under this section.
11
Where OFCOM make or revise a statement of this section they must publish so much of the statement or revised statement as appears to them necessary for demonstrating that the statement or revision complies with subsection (3).

Power of Secretary of State to make orders and regulations
402
1
Every power conferred by section 124P and this Act on the Secretary of State to make orders or regulations, other than the powers conferred by Schedule 4, is a power exercisable by statutory instrument.
2
A statutory instrument containing an order or regulations made in exercise of any such power, other than—
a
an order under section 31 or 411 ...,
aza
regulations under—
i
section 321A(7) (see subsection (9) of that section),
ii
section 368BC (see subsection (7) of that section),
iii
section 368FA(7) (see subsection (9) of that section),
iv
section 368Z14(8) (see subsection (10) of that section), or
v
section 368Z20 (see subsection (5) of that section),
aa
regulations under paragraph 95 of Schedule 3A which amend, repeal or modify the application of primary legislation,
aa
regulations within subsection (2A),
b. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c
any order that is required, by any provision of this Act, to be laid before Parliament and approved in draft, or
d
any regulations that are required, by any provision of this Act, to be laid before Parliament and approved in draft,
shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
2A
A statutory instrument containing (whether alone or with other provisions)
regulations under paragraph 95 of Schedule 3A which amend, repeal or modify the application of primary legislation,
any of the following
may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament
—
zza
regulations under section 245(3C) (specification of country or territory as a “qualifying country”);
zzb
regulations under section 315A which amend any Act of Parliament;
a
regulations under paragraph 27E(4) of Schedule 3A;
b
regulations under paragraph 95 of Schedule 3A which amend, repeal or modify the application of primary legislation.
3
Every power of the Secretary of State to make an order or regulations under this Act, other than an order under section 31 or 411 or an order made in exercise of a power conferred by Schedule 4, includes power—
a
to make different provision for different cases (including different provision in respect of different areas);
b
to make provision subject to such exemptions and exceptions as the Secretary of State thinks fit; and
c
to make such incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as the Secretary of State thinks fit.
4
In this section “
primary legislation
” means—
a
an Act of Parliament,
b
a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales,
c
an Act of the Scottish Parliament, or
d
Northern Ireland legislation.

Regulations and orders made by OFCOM
403
1
This section applies to any power of OFCOM to make regulations or to make an order or scheme if that power is one to which this section is expressly applied.
2
The powers to which this section applies shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, and the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) is to apply in relation to those powers as if OFCOM were a Minister of the Crown.
3
Where an instrument made under a power to which this section applies falls to be laid before Parliament, OFCOM must, immediately after it is made, send it to the Secretary of State for laying by him.
4
Before making any regulations or order under a power to which this section applies, OFCOM must—
a
give a notice of their proposal to do so to such persons representative of the persons appearing to OFCOM to be likely to be affected by the implementation of the proposal as OFCOM think fit;
b
publish notice of their proposal in such manner as they consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are likely to be affected by it and are not given notice by virtue of paragraph (a); and
c
consider any representations that are made to OFCOM, before the time specified in the notice.
5
A notice for the purposes of subsection (4) must—
a
state that OFCOM propose to make the regulations or order in question;
b
set out the general effect of the regulations or order;
c
specify an address from which a copy of the proposed regulations or order may be obtained; and
d
specify a time before which any representations with respect to the proposal must be made to OFCOM.
6
The time specified for the purposes of subsection (5)(d) must be no earlier than the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day after the latest day on which the notice is given or published for the purposes of subsection (4).
7
Every power of OFCOM to which this section applies includes power—
a
to make different provision for different cases (including different provision in respect of different areas);
b
to make provision subject to such exemptions and exceptions as OFCOM think fit; and
c
to make such incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as OFCOM think fit.
8
The Documentary Evidence Act 1868 (c. 37) (proof of orders and regulations etc.) shall have effect as if—
a
OFCOM were included in the first column of the Schedule to that Act;
b
OFCOM and persons authorised to act on their behalf were mentioned in the second column of that Schedule.

Criminal liability of company directors etc.
404
1
Where an offence under any enactment to which this section applies is committed by a body corporate and is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of—
a
a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or
b
a person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,
he (as well as the body corporate) is guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
2
Where an offence under any enactment to which this section applies—
a
is committed by a Scottish firm, and
b
is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of a partner of the firm,
he (as well as the firm) is guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
3
In this section “director”, in relation to a body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, means a member of the body corporate.
4
The enactments to which this section applies are every enactment contained in—
a
this Act;
b. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
d. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
e
the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12); or
f
Part 3 of the Postal Services Act 2011.
5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

General interpretation
405
1
In this Act, except in so far as the context otherwise requires—
- “the 1990 Act” means the Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42);
- “the 1996 Act” means the Broadcasting Act 1996 (c. 55);
- “access” is to be construed in accordance with subsection (4);
- “apparatus” includes any equipment, machinery or device and any wire or cable and the casing or coating for any wire or cable;
- “associated facility” has the meaning given by section 32;
- “the Audiovisual Media Services Directive” means
Directive 2010/13/EU
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services;
- “the BBC” means the British Broadcasting Corporation;
- “
BEREC
” means the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications;
- “body”
(without more) means any body or association of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, including a firm;
- “broadcast” means broadcast by wireless telegraphy, and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;
- “Broadcasting Act licence” means a licence under Part 1 or 3 of the 1990 Act or under Part 1 or 2 of the 1996 Act;
- “business” includes any trade or profession;
- “C4C” means the Channel Four Television Corporation;
- “communications provider” means a person who (within the meaning of section 32(4)) provides an electronic communications network or an electronic communications service;
- “the Consumer Panel” means the panel established under section 16;
- “consumers” has the meaning given by subsection (5);
- “Content Board” means the committee of OFCOM established and maintained under section 12;
- “contravention” includes a failure to comply, and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;
- “customers”, in relation to a communications provider or a person who makes an associated facility available, means the following (including any of them whose use or potential use of the network, service or facility is for the purposes of, or in connection with, a business)—
  1. the persons to whom the network, service or facility is provided or made available in the course of any business carried on as such by the provider or person who makes it available;
  2. the persons to whom the communications provider or person making the facility available is seeking to secure that the network, service or facility is so provided or made available;
  3. the persons who wish to be so provided with the network or service, or to have the facility so made available, or who are likely to seek to become persons to whom the network, service or facility is so provided or made available;
- “distribute”, in relation to a service, does not include broadcast, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;
- “the EECC Directive” means Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code;
- “electronic communications network” and “electronic communications service” have the meanings given by section 32;
- “enactment” includes any enactment comprised in an Act of the Scottish Parliament or in any Northern Ireland legislation;
- “the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum” means—
  1. the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006; and
  2. the provisions of this Act so far as relating to that Act;
- “frequency” includes frequency band;
- “holder”, in relation to a Broadcasting Act licence, is to be construed in accordance with subsection (7), and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;
- “information” includes accounts, estimates and projections and any document;
- “intelligible” is to be construed in accordance with subsection (9);
- “international obligation of the United Kingdom” includes ... any obligation which will or may arise under any international agreement or arrangements to which the United Kingdom is a party;
- “modification” includes omissions, alterations and additions, and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly;
- “
non-UK on-demand programme service
” has the meaning given by section 368AA(1);
- “OFCOM” means the Office of Communications;
- “on-demand programme service” has the meaning given by section 368A(1);
...
- “
postal services
” has the meaning given by section 27 of the Postal Services Act 2011;
- “pre-commencement regulator” means any of the following—
  1. the Broadcasting Standards Commission;
  2. the Director General of Telecommunications;
  3. the Independent Television Commission;
  4. the Radio Authority;
- “programme” includes an advertisement and, in relation to a service, anything included in that service which is an individual item (irrespective of length);
- “programme service” means—
  1. a television programme service;
...
  3. an additional television service;
  4. a digital additional television service;
  5. a radio programme service; or
  6. a sound service provided by the BBC;
and expressions used in this definition and in Part 3 have the same meanings in this definition as in that Part;
- “provide” and cognate expressions, in relation to an electronic communications network, electronic communications service or associated facilities, are to be construed in accordance with section 32(4);
...
- “
the public service remit for television in the United Kingdom
” has the meaning given by section 264;
- “the radio transfer date” means the date on which the Radio Authority’s functions under Part 3 of the 1990 Act and Part 2 of the 1996 Act are transferred under this Act to OFCOM;
- “representation”, in relation to a proposal or the contents of any notice or notification, includes an objection to the proposal or (as the case may be) to the whole or any part of those contents;
- “
S4C
” means the body corporate given the name S4C (or Sianel Pedwar Cymru) by section 56(1) of the 1990 Act;
- “subordinate legislation” means—
  1. any subordinate legislation, within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30); or
  2. any statutory rules (within the meaning of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12));
- “television and radio services” means—
  1. programme services apart from those provided by the BBC; and
  2. services provided by the BBC in relation to which OFCOM have functions;
- “television programme” means any programme (with or without sounds) which—
  1. is produced wholly or partly to be seen on television; and
  2. consists of moving or still images or of legible text or of a combination of those things;
- “the television transfer date” means the date on which the Independent Television Commission’s functions under Part 1 of the 1990 Act and Part 1 of the 1996 Act are transferred under this Act to OFCOM;
- “TV licence” means a licence for the purposes of section 363;
- “
Tier 1 service
” has the meaning given by section 368HA;
- “very high capacity network” has the meaning given by section 4(12A);
- “the Welsh Authority” means the authority whose name is, by virtue of section 56(1) of the 1990 Act, Sianel Pedwar Cymru;
- “
wireless telegraphy
” has the same meaning as in the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006;
- “
wireless telegraphy licence
” means a licence granted under section 8 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006.
2
Any power under this Act to provide for the manner in which anything is to be done includes power to provide for the form in which it is to be done.
3
References in this Act to OFCOM’s functions under an enactment include references to their power to do anything which appears to them to be incidental or conducive to the carrying out of their functions under that enactment.
4
References in this Act to access—
a
in relation to an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, are references to the opportunity of making use of the network or service; and
b
in relation to a programme service, are references to the opportunity of viewing in an intelligible form the programmes included in the service or (as the case may be) of listening to them in such a form.
5
For the purposes of this Act persons are consumers in a market for a service, facility or apparatus, if they are—
a
persons to whom the service, facility or apparatus is provided, made available or supplied (whether in their personal capacity or for the purposes of, or in connection with, their businesses);
b
persons for whose benefit the service, facility or apparatus is provided, made available or supplied or for whose benefit persons falling within paragraph (a) arrange for it to be provided, made available or supplied;
c
persons whom the person providing the service or making the facility available, or the supplier of the apparatus, is seeking to make into persons falling within paragraph (a) or (b); or
d
persons who wish to become persons falling within paragraph (a) or (b) or who are likely to seek to become persons falling within one or both of those paragraphs.
5A
References in this Act to consumers in a market for a service include, where the service is a postal service, addressees.
6
References in this Act to services in relation to which OFCOM have functions include references to any services in relation to which OFCOM are required to set standards under section 319.
7
In this Act references, in relation to a time or a period, to the holder of a Broadcasting Act licence or of a particular description of such licence are references to the person who held that licence at that time or (as the case may be) to every person who held that licence for the whole or a part of that period.
8
For the purposes of this Act the fact that a service is not in an intelligible form shall be disregarded, except where express provision is made to the contrary, in determining whether it has been provided—
a
for general reception;
b
for reception by particular persons; or
c
for reception at a particular place or in a particular area.
9
For the purposes of this Act something is not to be regarded as in an intelligible form if it cannot readily be understood without being decrypted or having some comparable process applied to it.

Minor and consequential amendments, transitionals and repeals
406
1
Schedule 17 (which provides for minor and consequential amendments in connection with the other provision made by this Act) shall have effect.
2
The Secretary of State may by order make such consequential modifications of any enactment as—
a
correspond to amendments of any other enactment that are made by Schedule 17; and
b
appear to him to be appropriate in consequence of that provision of this Act.
3
The Secretary of State may by order make any provision that he thinks fit for substituting a reference in any enactment or subordinate legislation to something defined for the purposes of this Act, or of any provisions contained in this Act, for a reference to something equivalent or similar that was defined for the purposes of the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12), or of provisions contained in that Act.
4
The Secretary of State may by order make such further consequential modifications of—
a
an enactment extending only to Scotland,
b
an enactment extending only to Northern Ireland,
c
a local enactment, or
d
the provision of any subordinate legislation,
as appear to him to be appropriate in consequence of any provision of this Act.
5
If it appears to the Secretary of State that a local enactment contains a provision which corresponds to a provision the effect of which is modified by an amendment in Schedule 17 of this Act of a listed provision, it shall be his duty to exercise his powers under this section to secure that a modification corresponding to that effected by that amendment is made to the local enactment.
6
Schedule 18 (which contains transitional provisions in connection with the other provision made by this Act) shall have effect.
7
Subject to the provisions of Schedule 18 and to the savings and commencement provisions set out in the notes to Schedule 19, the enactments and instruments specified in Schedule 19 (which include provisions that are spent or have ceased to be of any practical utility) are hereby repealed or revoked to the extent specified in the second column of that Schedule.
8
In this section “local enactment” means—
a
a local or personal Act;
b
a public general Act relating only to London;
c
an order or scheme made under an Act which has been confirmed by Parliament or brought into operation in accordance with special Parliamentary procedure;
d
an enactment in a public general Act but amending a local enactment.
9
In subsection (5) “listed provision” means the provisions of the following enactments—
a
sections 11 and 14 of the London Overground Wires, etc. Act 1933 (c. xliv);
b
section 7(6) of the London County Council (General Powers) Act 1949 (c. lv);
c
section 17(2) of the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Drainage and Navigation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955 (c. 15 (N.I.));
d
section 17(4)(a) of the London County Council (General Powers) Act 1963 (c. xvii);
e
section 7(6) of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1969 (c. lii);
f
section 20(1)(a) of the Thames Barrier and Flood Prevention Act 1972 (c. xlv);
g
section 32 of and paragraph 3(2)(b) of Schedule 2 and Part 10 of Schedule 7 to the Channel Tunnel Act 1987 (c. 53);
h
section 25(1) of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (c. 4);
i
section 5 of the London Local Authorities (No. 2) Act 1990 (c. xxx);
j
paragraphs 1(c) and 16 of Schedule 2, paragraph 3(2)(c) of Schedule 4 and paragraph 21 of Schedule 7 to the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993 (c. 42);
k
section 3(1) of the British Waterways Act 1995 (c. i);
l
paragraphs 6(4) and 15(4) of Schedule 6 and Part 4 of Schedule 15 to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996 (c. 61).
10
This section has effect subject to section 408.

Pre-consolidation amendments
407
1
The Secretary of State may by order make such modifications of—
a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b
the enactments relating to broadcasting, and
c
enactments referring to enactments falling within paragraph ... (b),
as in his opinion facilitate, or are otherwise desirable in connection with, the consolidation of those enactments or any of them.
2
No order is to be made under this section unless a Bill for repealing and re-enacting—
a
the enactments modified by the order, or
b
enactments relating to matters connected with the matters to which enactments modified by the order relate,
has been presented to either House of Parliament.
3
An order under this section is not to come into force until immediately before the commencement of the Act resulting from that Bill.
4
No order is to be made containing provision authorised by this section unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.
5
In this section “the enactments relating to broadcasting” means—
a
the 1990 Act;
b
the 1996 Act;
c
Part 3 of this Act; and
d
the other provisions of this Act so far as relating to the 1990 Act, the 1996 Act or that Part.

Transitional provision for anticipatory carrying out of functions
408
1
This section applies where an order under section 411 bringing into force—
a
a provision of Part 1, 2 or 6, or
b
a provision of Chapter 1 of Part 5,
states that that provision is brought into force at a particular time for the purpose only of enabling specified networks and services functions, or specified spectrum functions, to be carried out during the transitional period by the Director General of Telecommunications or the Secretary of State.
2
In relation to times falling in the transitional period, that provision is to have effect as if—
a
references in that provision to OFCOM, and
b
references to OFCOM inserted by that provision in any other enactment,
were references, in accordance with subsection (3), to the Director General of Telecommunications or to the Secretary of State.
3
The references have effect—
a
as references to the Director General of Telecommunications to the extent that the provision is brought into force for the purpose of enabling specified networks and services functions to be carried out; and
b
as references to the Secretary of State, to the extent that the provision is brought into force for the purpose of enabling specified spectrum functions to be carried out.
4
An order bringing a provision into force as mentioned in subsection (1) may include provision specifying the extent to which it is to be taken, for the purposes of subsection (3), to have been brought into force for the purpose of enabling particular functions to be carried out.
5
In relation to times after the end of the transitional period for a provision which has been brought into force for enabling specified functions to be carried out by the Director General of Telecommunications or the Secretary of State, anything which—
a
was done, during that period, by or in relation to that Director or the Secretary of State, and
b
was so done for the purposes of, or in connection with, the carrying out of those functions,
is to have effect as if had been done by or in relation to OFCOM.
6
In this section “the transitional period”, in relation to a provision brought into force as mentioned in subsection (1) by an order under section 411, means the period which—
a
begins with the time when it is so brought into force; and
b
ends with the time from which that order, or a subsequent order under that section, brings the provision into force for the purpose of conferring on OFCOM the functions in question.
7
In this section “networks and services functions” means any of the following functions of OFCOM under this Act—
a
their functions under sections 24 and 25;
b
their functions under Chapter 1 of Part 2;
c
their functions under Chapter 3 of Part 2, except to the extent that those functions relate to—
i
disputes relating to rights or obligations conferred or imposed by or under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum; or
ii
decisions made under those enactments;
d
their functions under Chapter 1 of Part 5, except to the extent that those functions relate to broadcasting or related matters;
e
their functions under Schedule 18 to this Act in relation to the abolition of licensing (within the meaning of that Schedule).
8
In this section “spectrum functions” means—
a
the functions under the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum which by virtue of this Act are conferred on OFCOM; and
b
the functions conferred on OFCOM by so much of Chapter 3 of Part 2 as relates to the disputes and decisions mentioned in subsection (7)(c).

Modifications consequential on regulations implementing Directives
409
1
This section applies if it appears to the Secretary of State that regulations under section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68) for giving effect to EU obligations imposed by the Communications Directives have come into force before the passing of this Act.
2
The Secretary of State may by order—
a
repeal any relevant provision of this Act which appears to him to be unnecessary, or to have become spent, in consequence of the regulations;
b
make such other modifications of the relevant provisions of this Act as he considers appropriate in consequence of the regulations;
c
revoke provision made by the regulations; and
d
make transitory or transitional provision in relation to anything done by or under the regulations.
3
The Secretary of State’s power under this section includes power to make consequential amendments of enactments not contained in this Act.
4
In this section—
- “the Communications Directives” means—
  1. the Access Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/19/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities;
  2. the Authorisation Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services;
  3. the Framework Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services;
  4. the Universal Service Directive, that is to say, Directive 2002/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services;
- “relevant provision of this Act” means a provision contained in—
  1. Part 1, 2 or 6; or
  2. Chapter 1 of Part 5.
5
No order is to be made containing provision authorised by this section unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

Application of enactments to territorial sea and other waters
410
1
This section applies to—
a
provision made by or under Part 2 of this Act;
b
any provision of the enactments relating to the management of the radio spectrum that are not contained in that Part or the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 ; and
c
any provision of Chapter 1 of Part 5 of this Act so far as it relates to a matter as respects which provision falling within paragraph (a) or (b) is made or a matter as respects which the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 makes provision .
2
Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide—
a
for an area of the territorial sea to be treated, for the purposes of any provision to which this section applies, as if it were situated in such part of the United Kingdom as may be specified in the Order; and
b
for jurisdiction with respect to questions arising in relation to the territorial sea under any such provision to be conferred on courts in a part of the United Kingdom so specified.
3
An Order in Council under section 11 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17) or section 87 of the Energy Act 2004 (application of civil law to offshore installations etc.) may make provision for treating—
a
an installation with respect to which provision is made under that section and which is outside the territorial sea but in waters to which that section applies, and
b
waters within 500 metres of the installation,
as if for the purposes of provisions to which this section applies, they were situated in such part of the United Kingdom as is specified in the Order.
4
The jurisdiction conferred on a court by an Order in Council under this section is in addition to any jurisdiction exercisable apart from this section by that or any other court.
5
Subsection (3) of section 402 applies to the power to make an Order in Council under this section as it applies to any power of the Secretary of State to make an order under this Act, but as if references in that subsection to the Secretary of State were references to Her Majesty in Council.
6
A statutory instrument containing an Order in Council under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
7
In this section—
- “installation” includes any floating structure or device maintained on a station by whatever means, and installations in transit;
- “the territorial sea” means the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom.

Short title, commencement and extent
411
1
This Act may be cited as the Communications Act 2003.
2
This Act (except the provisions listed in subsection (3), which come into force on the passing of this Act) shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint; and different days may be appointed under this subsection for different purposes.
3
Those provisions are sections 31(1) to (4) and (6) and 405 and this section.
4
An order under subsection (2) may include provision making such transitional or transitory provision, in addition to that made by Schedule 18, as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with the bringing into force of any provisions of this Act; and the power to make transitional or transitory provision includes power to make—
a
different provision for different cases (including different provision in respect of different areas);
b
provision subject to such exemptions and exceptions as the Secretary of State thinks fit; and
c
such incidental, supplemental and consequential provision as he thinks fit.
5
This Act extends to Northern Ireland.
6
Subject to subsection (7), Her Majesty may by Order in Council extend the provisions of this Act, with such modifications as appear to Her Majesty in Council to be appropriate, to any of the Channel Islands or to the Isle of Man.
7
Subsection (6) does not authorise the extension to any place of a provision of this Act so far as it gives effect to an amendment of an enactment that is not itself capable of being extended there in exercise of a power conferred on Her Majesty in Council.
8
Subsection (3) of section 402 applies to the power to make an Order in Council under this section as it applies to any power of the Secretary of State to make an order under this Act, but as if references in that subsection to the Secretary of State were references to Her Majesty in Council.
S. 408(1)(4) power partly exercised: 25.7.2003 and 18.9.2003 appointed for specified provisions and purposes by {S.I. 2003/1900}, art. 2
S. 411(2)(4) power partly exercised: 25.7.2003 and 18.9.2003 appointed for specified provisions and purposes by {S.I. 2003/1900}, art. 2; different dates appointed for further specified provisions and purposes by {S.I. 2003/3142}, arts. 2, 3, 4
S. 406 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))
Words in s. 405(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/246), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 42(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
S. 400(3A) inserted (10.1.2024) by Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50), ss. 206(4), 240(1); S.I. 2023/1420, reg. 2(z26)
S. 411(6): power extended (24.5.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), ss. 54(3), 55(1)(b)
S. 404(5) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)
S. 401(3) substituted for S. 401(3)-(5) (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(5), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
Words in s. 405(1) substituted (1.11.2020) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1062), regs. 1(2), 50(a) (with Pt. 7)
Words in s. 401(2) omitted (31.7.2017) by virtue of Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(4), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
Words in s. 400(1)(d) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 32(b)
S. 411(6): power to extend conferred (27.4.2017) by Broadcasting (Radio Multiplex Services) Act 2017 (c. 12), s. 2(2)(4)
Words in s. 410(3) inserted (5.10.2004) by virtue of Energy Act 2004 (c. 20), ss. 87(5), 198(2); S.I. 2004/2575, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
S. 402 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))
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 68(2); S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3
S. 402(2A)(a)(b) inserted (15.3.2021 for specified purposes, 26.12.2022 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 1.7.2023 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act 2021 (c. 7), s. 3(3)(b)(4), Sch. para. 3(b)(ii); S.I. 2022/1308, reg. 3(c)
S. 405(5A) inserted (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 68(3); S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3
Words in s. 400(2) inserted (10.1.2024) by Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50), ss. 206(3), 240(1); S.I. 2023/1420, reg. 2(z26)
S. 402(2)(b) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)
Words in s. 407(1)(c) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)
Words in s. 400(1)(d) inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 8(4)(a), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(c)
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(c), Sch. 4 para. 48; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(x)
S. 401 heading substituted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(10), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
S. 402 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)
S. 403 applied by 1996 c. 55, s. 104ZA(3) (as inserted (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 302(1), 411(2) (with Sch. 18 para. 51(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11))
Words in s. 402(2)(a) omitted (28.6.2022) by virtue of Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(4), Sch. 18 para. 6(a)
S. 408 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)
Words in s. 400(1)(d) omitted (27.6.2017) by virtue of Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 9(10), 118(2) (with s. 9(13))
Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(2)(a)
Words in s. 401(10) inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(9), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
S. 403 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)
S. 410 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))
Words in s. 400(4)(c) substituted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(2), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
Words in s. 402(1) inserted (6.4.2024) by Digital Economy Act 2010 (c. 24), ss. 20(3), 47(3)(a); S.I. 2023/792, art. 3(b)
S. 406(2)-(5) (8)-(10) 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)
S. 403 applied by 1998 c. 6, s. 6 (as substituted (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), s. 411(2), Sch. 17 para. 150 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3)); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11))
S. 402(2)(d) and word inserted (17.11.2021) by Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (c. 31), ss. 25(3)(b), 28(1)(e)
S. 400(1)(ha) inserted (24.5.2024 for specified purposes, 23.8.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(1)(a)(3)(b), Sch. 3 para. 4; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(w)
S. 404(4)(d) repealed (25.6.2013) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(2), Sch. 21 para. 2
S. 403 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))
Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(4)
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (21.12.2020) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy (Amendment) (European Electronic Communications Code and EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 64(b)
S. 404(4)(f) and word inserted (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 67(b); S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3
Words in s. 403(6) substituted (21.12.2020) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy (Amendment) (European Electronic Communications Code and EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 63
Words in s. 400(1)(c) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 32(a)
S. 402(2A) inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), s. 118(6), Sch. 3 para. 47(3); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(jj)
Words in s. 410(1)(b) inserted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 35(a)
Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(2)(b)
S. 399 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))
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (1.11.2020) by The Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1062), regs. 1(2), 50(b) (with Pt. 7)
Word in s. 400 heading omitted (10.1.2024) by virtue of Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50), ss. 206(5), 240(1); S.I. 2023/1420, reg. 2(z26)
Words in s. 401(8) omitted (31.7.2017) by virtue of Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(8), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
S. 402(2)(aa) substituted (15.3.2021 for specified purposes, 26.12.2022 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 1.7.2023 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act 2021 (c. 7), s. 3(3)(b)(4), Sch. para. 3(a); S.I. 2022/1308, reg. 3(c)
Words in s. 401(6) omitted (31.7.2017) by virtue of Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(6), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
S. 406(6) in force at 1.4.2004 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11)
S. 404 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)
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (19.12.2009) by Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2979), regs. 1(1), 11(b)
S. 400(1)(j)(k) inserted (10.1.2024) by Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50), ss. 206(2), 240(1); S.I. 2023/1420, reg. 2(z26)
S. 401(1) substituted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(3), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (21.12.2020) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy (Amendment) (European Electronic Communications Code and EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1419), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 64(a)
S. 406(1)(7) in force at 1.4.2004 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 4(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 11)
Words in s. 405(1) omitted (23.8.2024) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 61(a); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(v)
S. 408 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))
S. 407 in force at 18.9.2003 by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
S. 404 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))
Words in s. 405(1) substituted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 34(3)
Words in s. 410(1)(c) inserted (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 7 para. 35(b)
Words in s. 401(7) substituted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 100(7), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(bb)
S. 407(1)(a) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)
S. 400(1)(i) inserted (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 66; S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3
S. 402(4) inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), s. 118(6), Sch. 3 para. 47(4); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(jj)
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(d), Sch. 7 para. 3(4); S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(z1)
S. 400(1)(da) inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 8(4)(b), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(c)
S. 399 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)
Words in s. 400(1)(ha) inserted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(f), Sch. 9 para. 4; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(z3)
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 99 (with Sch. 3 para. 2)
S. 406(1)(6)(7) in force at 29.12.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)
S. 403 applied (1.10.2011) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), ss. 63, 93(2), (3); S.I. 2011/2329, art. 3
Words in s. 402(2A) substituted (15.3.2021 for specified purposes, 26.12.2022 for E.W. in so far as not already in force, 1.7.2023 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act 2021 (c. 7), s. 3(3)(b)(4), Sch. para. 3(b)(i); S.I. 2022/1308, reg. 3(c)
S. 402(2)(aa) inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), s. 118(6), Sch. 3 para. 47(2); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(jj)
Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3, 6 (with art. 3(2)(3), 4(2), 6(4)(5))
S. 402(2)(aza) inserted (28.6.2022) by Health and Care Act 2022 (c. 31), s. 186(4), Sch. 18 para. 6(b)
S. 406(1)(6)(7) in force at 18.9.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, art. 2(2), Sch. 2
S. 410 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)
Words in s. 405(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/246), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 42(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
S. 402(2A)(zzb) inserted (17.10.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), ss. 44(10), 55(3)(e); S.I. 2024/1033, reg. 3(d)
S. 400 in force at 29.12.2003 by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 11)
S. 402(2A)(zza) inserted (17.10.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), ss. 46(4), 55(3)(e); S.I. 2024/1033, reg. 3(f)
S. 404(4)(b)(c) repealed (8.2.2007) by Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (c. 36), s. 126(2), Sch. 9 Pt. 1 (with Sch. 8 Pt. 1)
Words in s. 405(1) omitted (1.1.2026) by virtue of Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 61(b); S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(u)
Words in s. 405(1) inserted (1.1.2026) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(a), Sch. 2 para. 61(c); S.I. 2025/1049, reg. 3(u)