Explanatory Notes

Communications Act 2003

2003 CHAPTER 21

17 July 2003

Commentary on Sections

Part 3: Television and Radio Services

Chapter 2: Regulatory Structure for Independent Television Services
Section 243: Powers where frequencies reserved for qualifying services

543.OFCOM, in fulfilling their spectrum management role, may require providers of television multiplex services to reserve digital capacity on their frequencies for the provision of certain types of service. The Secretary of State may by order provide that OFCOM must ensure that the holders of licences for multiplex services on these reserved frequencies enter into agreements with relevant public service broadcasters for the broadcasting of services provided by those broadcasters on the reserved digital capacity. An order under this section may also require OFCOM to include in the licence conditions requiring any such broadcaster to pay the licence holder for use of the reserved digital capacity. The amount paid is to be agreed between the broadcaster and the television multiplex licensee or (in the absence of any agreement) determined by OFCOM.