Communications Act receives royal OK

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 17 Jul 2003 at 12:46

Royal assent for the Communications Act means it has just crept into national law before the EU deadline.

The Act will be patrolled by the regulatory body soon-to-known-as Ofcom and will implement the various EU Directives that seek to promote competition and protect consumer interests in the communications sector.

The EU set a deadline of 25 July for these to be transposed into UK law.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: 'This Act creates a modern regulatory framework for the UK's internationally successful, dynamic and competitive communications sector in which businesses can thrive, consumers benefit and citizens' interests are protected.'

Media Secretary Tessa Jowell said: 'Ofcom must now deliver a new regulatory system that will be light touch and unobtrusive wherever possible, but decisive and robust wherever necessary. I have every confidence they have the people, tools and know-how to do this.'

Far from introducing more draconian legislation, many of the Directives encourage deregulation and self-regulation by the industry which will no doubt be welcomed by the likes of BT.

Detailed information can be found at www.communicationsbill.gov.uk.