Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings into force on 25th July 2003 the provisions of the Communications Act 2003 listed in Schedule 1 and on 18th September 2003 the provisions listed in Schedule 2.

By virtue of article 3(1) the Director General of Telecommunications and the Secretary of State will for a transitional period exercise the functions of the Office of Communications in respect of the “transitionally commenced provisions” defined in article 1(2); and article 3(2) contains transitional provisions relating to the electronic communications code.

Articles 4 to 6 contain transitional provisions relating to sections 264, 348 (and Schedule 14) and 362.

Including the provisions which by virtue of section 411(2) and (3) of the Act came into force on Royal assent, the following provisions will be in force by 18th September: