Part 2

Networks, services and the radio spectrum
Chapter 1

Electronic communications networks and services

Information provisions

Penalties for contravention of information requirements
139
1
This section applies where a person is given a notification under section 138 which specifies a proposed penalty.
2
OFCOM may specify a penalty if—
a. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
c
no proceedings for an offence under section 144 have been brought against the notified person in respect of the contravention.
3
Where a notification under section 138 relates to more than one contravention, a separate penalty may be specified in respect of each contravention.
4
Where such a notification relates to a continuing contravention, no more than one penalty may be specified in respect of the period of contravention specified in the notification.
4A
But, in relation to a continuing contravention, a penalty may be specified in respect of each day on which the contravention continues after—
a
the giving of a confirmation decision under section 139A(4)(c) which requires immediate action; or
b
the expiry of any period specified in the confirmation decision for complying with a requirement so specified.
4B
The amount of a penalty under subsection (4A) is to be such amount not exceeding £500 per day as
OFCOM
determine to be—
a
appropriate; and
b
proportionate to the contravention in respect of which it is imposed.
5
The amount of any other penalty notified under this section is to be such amount not exceeding £2,000,000 as OFCOM determine to be both—
a
appropriate; and
b
proportionate to the contravention in respect of which it is imposed.
6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
The Secretary of State may by order amend this section so as to substitute a different maximum penalty for the maximum penalty for the time being specified in subsection (5).
10
No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (9) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.
S. 139 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. 139(1) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(a) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
S. 139(2)(a)(b) omitted (26.5.2011) by virtue of The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(c) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
Word in s. 139(5) substituted (13.7.2011) by The Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty for Contravention of Information Requirements) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1773), arts. 1, 2(1) (with art. 2(2))
Words in s. 139(5) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(f) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
S. 139 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. 139(2) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(b) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
Word in s. 139(4) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(d) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
Word in s. 139(3) substituted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(d) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
S. 139(4A)(4B) inserted (26.5.2011) by The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(e) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
S. 139(6)-(8) omitted (26.5.2011) by virtue of The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1210), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 82(g) (with Sch. 3 paras. 2, 18)
Ss. 138-139A applied (with modifications) (31.7.2016) by The Communications (Access to Infrastructure) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/700), regs. 1, 17(6), (7)