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Part 6General

Interpretation

115General interpretation

(1)In this Act—

(2)A reference in this Act to the emission of electromagnetic energy, or to emission (as opposed to reception), includes a reference to the deliberate reflection (whether continuous or intermittent) of electromagnetic energy by means of apparatus designed or specially adapted for the purpose.

(3)For the purposes of this Act, wireless telegraphy is interfered with if the fulfilment of the purposes of the telegraphy is prejudiced (either generally or in part and, in particular, as respects all, or as respects any, of the recipients or intended recipients of a message, sound or visual image intended to be conveyed by the telegraphy) by an emission or reflection of electromagnetic energy.

(4)Interference with any wireless telegraphy is not to be regarded as undue for the purposes of this Act unless it is also harmful.

(5)For the purposes of this Act interference is harmful if—

(a)it creates dangers, or risks of danger, in relation to the functioning of any service provided by means of wireless telegraphy for the purposes of navigation or otherwise for safety purposes; or

(b)it degrades, obstructs or repeatedly interrupts anything which is being broadcast or otherwise transmitted—

(i)by means of wireless telegraphy; and

(ii)in accordance with a wireless telegraphy licence, regulations under section 8(3) or a grant of recognised spectrum access or otherwise lawfully.

(6)Section 46 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43) has effect for the purpose of construing references in this Act to the supply of any thing as it has effect for the purpose of construing references in that Act to the supply of goods.

(7)In this Act (except Part 5) a reference to the sending or conveying of a message includes a reference to the making of a signal or the sending or conveying of a warning or information, and a reference to the reception of a message is to be construed accordingly.

(8)A reference in this Act to apparatus on board a ship includes a reference to apparatus on a kite or captive balloon flown from a ship.

116“Wireless telegraphy”

(1)In this Act “wireless telegraphy” means the emitting or receiving, over paths that are not provided by any material substance constructed or arranged for the purpose, of energy to which subsection (2) applies.

(2)This subsection applies to electromagnetic energy of a frequency not exceeding 3,000 gigahertz that—

(a)serves for conveying messages, sound or visual images (whether or not the messages, sound or images are actually received by anyone), or for operating or controlling machinery or apparatus; or

(b)is used in connection with determining position, bearing or distance, or for gaining information as to the presence, absence, position or motion of an object or of a class of objects.

(3)The Secretary of State may by order modify the definition of “wireless telegraphy” by substituting a different frequency for the frequency that is for the time being specified in subsection (2).

(4)No order is to be made containing provision authorised by subsection (3) unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.

117“Wireless telegraphy apparatus” and “wireless telegraphy station”

(1)In this Act “wireless telegraphy apparatus” means apparatus for the emitting or receiving, over paths that are not provided by any material substance constructed or arranged for the purpose, of energy to which section 116(2) applies.

(2)In this Act “wireless telegraphy station”—

(a)means a station for the emitting or receiving, over paths that are not provided by any material substance constructed or arranged for the purpose, of energy to which section 116(2) applies; and

(b)includes the wireless telegraphy apparatus of a ship or aircraft.