Explanatory Notes

Communications Act 2003

2003 CHAPTER 21

17 July 2003

Commentary on Sections

Part 2: Networks, Services and the Radio Spectrum

Chapter 1: Electronic Communications Networks and Services
Section 81: Delivery of copies of notifications under ss. 79 and 80

205.OFCOM must send a copy of every notification published under section 79(4) or 80 to the Secretary of State. OFCOM must also send to the European Commission: (i) a copy of every notification published under section 79(4) with respect to a market power determination in relation to an SMP services market; and (ii) a copy of every notification published under section 80 which relates to a proposal to identify a services market or to make a market power determination in relation to such a market; and which in OFCOM’s opinion would affect trade between member States. A copy of a notification falling within (ii) must also be sent to the regulatory authorities of every other member State.

206.In all other cases when it appears to them appropriate to do so, OFCOM must send a copy of a notification published under section 80 which relates to a proposal to identify a services market or to make a market power determination in relation to such market to the European Commission and such of the regulatory authorities of the other member States as OFCOM think fit.

207.The various requirements in this section to send matters to the European Commission implement Article 16(2) of the Access Directive, Article 36(2) of the Universal Service Directive and Article 7(3) and (5) of the Framework Directive.