Summary
The Communications Act 2003 established Ofcom as the unified regulator for UK communications industries, covering telecommunications, television, radio, and wireless communications. It replaced the patchwork of earlier regulators and sets out the licensing framework for broadcast media, rules on media ownership, and provisions on electronic communications networks.
Key Points
- Established Ofcom as single communications regulator (s.1)
- Duties to further interests of citizens and consumers (s.3)
- Licensing of television and radio services (Parts 1–4)
- Media ownership rules to ensure plurality (Part 5)
- Regulation of electronic communications networks (Part 2)
- Offence of sending grossly offensive messages (s.127)
- Must-carry rules for public service broadcasters