OpenLegislation

Telecommunications Act 1984

1984 c. 12 · Enacted 12 April 1984 · Extends to United Kingdom

Not fully up to date. 3 changes made by later legislation have not yet been written into this text, which is revised to 6 April 2026.

See the changes not yet applied
ProvisionChangeMade by
s. 1repealedCommunications Act 2003 Sch. 19(1) Note 1
s. 55repealedCommunications Act 2003 Sch. 19(1) Note 1
Sch. 1repealedCommunications Act 2003 Sch. 19(1) Note 1
An Act to provide for the appointment and functions of a Director General of Telecommunications; to abolish British Telecommunications’ exclusive privilege with respect to telecommunications and to make new provision with respect to the provision of telecommunication services and certain related services; to make provision, in substitution for the Telegraph Acts 1863 to 1916 and Part IV of the Post Office Act 1969, for the matters there dealt with and related matters; to provide for the vesting of property, rights and liabilities of British Telecommunications in a company nominated by the Secretary of State and the subsequent dissolution of British Telecommunications; to make provision with respect to the finances of that company; to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1949 to 1967, to make further provision for facilitating enforcement of those Acts and otherwise to make provision with respect to wireless telegraphy apparatus and certain related apparatus; to give statutory authority for the payment out of money provided by Parliament of expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in providing a radio interference service; to increase the maximum number of members of British Telecommunications pending its dissolution; and for connected purposes. [12th April 1984] C1C2C3C4

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—C5

Annotations to the whole text

Modifications

C1

Act amended (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/593, reg. 2, Sch. 1

C2

Act modified (25.7.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2003 for further specified purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 404, 406, 408, 411 (with Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3(2) (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)

C3

Act modified (25.7.2003) by The Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/730), reg. 6(2)(3) (as substituted by The Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1903), reg. 2(6)

C4

Act applied (E.W.S.) (22.12.2017) by The M20 Junction 10a Development Consent Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/1202), art. 17(4) (with arts. 4, 37)

C5

Act modified (E.W.) (6.8.2020) by The A19 Downhill Lane Junction Development Consent Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/746), arts. 1, 15(4) (with art. 5)

Contents

  1. Part I: Introductory
  2. 1The Director General of Telecommunications.
  3. 2Abolition of British Telecommunications’ exclusive privilege.
  4. 3General duties of Secretary of State and Director.
  5. 4Meaning of “telecommunication system” and related expressions.
  6. Part II: Provision of Telecommunication Services
  7. Licensing etc. of telecommunication systems
  8. 5Prohibition on running unlicensed systems.
  9. 6Exceptions to section 5.
  10. 7Power to license systems.
  11. 7ALicensing procedures
  12. 8Special provisions applicable to certain licences.
  13. 9Public telecommunication systems.
  14. 10The telecommunications code.
  15. 11Provisions supplementary to section 10.
  16. Modification of licences
  17. 12Modification of licence conditions by agreement.
  18. 12AAgreement required for the purposes of section 12.
  19. 13Licence modification references to Commission.
  20. 13AReferences under section 13: time limits
  21. 13BReferences under section 13: powers of investigation
  22. 14Reports on licence modification references.
  23. 15Modification of licence conditions following report.
  24. Enforcement of licences
  25. 16Securing compliance with licence conditions.
  26. 17Procedural requirements.
  27. 18Validity and effect of orders.
  28. 19Register of licences and orders.
  29. Approvals etc. for the purposes of licences
  30. 20Approval of contractors.
  31. 21Register of approved contractors.
  32. 22Approval etc. of apparatus.
  33. 23Register of approved apparatus etc.
  34. 24Approval etc. of meters.
  35. 25Delegation of functions under sections 22 and 24.
  36. 26Grants and loans to persons exercising certain functions.
  37. 27Recognition of bodies representing consumers etc.
  38. Standards of performance
  39. 27AStandards of performance in individual cases.
  40. 27BOverall standards of performance.
  41. 27CInformation with respect to levels of performance.
  42. 27DInformation to be given to customers about overall performance.
  43. 27EProcedures for dealing with complaints.
  44. 27FDisputes about discrimination etc. in fixing charges.
  45. 27GBilling disputes.
  46. 27HDeposits.
  47. 27IComplaints about deposits.
  48. 27JDisconnections.
  49. 27KEnforcement of standards of performance, etc.
  50. 27LDefinitions for sections 27A to 27K.
  51. Marking etc. of telecommunication apparatus
  52. 28Information etc. to be marked on or to accompany telecommunication apparatus.
  53. 29Information etc. to be given in advertisements.
  54. 30Enforcement provisions.
  55. Rating of telecommunications operators
  56. 31Rating in England and Wales.
  57. 32Rating in Scotland.
  58. 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  59. Acquisition etc. of land by public telecommunications operators
  60. 34Compulsory purchase of land in England and Wales.
  61. 35Compulsory purchase of land in Scotland.
  62. 36Compulsory purchase of land in Northern Ireland.
  63. 37Entry, for exploratory purposes, on land in England and Wales.
  64. 38Entry, for exploratory purposes, on land in Scotland.
  65. 39Entry, for exploratory purposes, on land in Northern Ireland.
  66. 40Acquisition of land by agreement.
  67. 41Purchase of Duchy of Lancaster land.
  68. Offences
  69. 42Fraudulent use of telecommunication system.
  70. 42APossession or supply of anything for fraudulent purpose in connection with use of telecommunication system.
  71. 43Improper use of public telecommunication system.
  72. 44Modification etc. of messages.
  73. 45Disclosure of messages etc.
  74. 46Assaults etc. on persons engaged in the business of public telecommunications operator.
  75. Regulations
  76. 46APowers to make regulations.
  77. Appeals
  78. 46BAppeals
  79. Part III: Other Functions of Director
  80. 47General functions.
  81. 48Publication of information and advice.
  82. 49Investigation of complaints.
  83. 50Functions under 1973 and 1980 Acts.
  84. 51Co-ordination of functions under Part II and wireless telegraphy functions.
  85. 52Power to give assistance in relation to certain proceedings.
  86. 53Power to require information etc.
  87. 54Power to establish advisory bodies. Repealed
  88. 55Annual and other reports.
  89. Part IV: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  90. 56–59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  91. Part V: Transfer of Undertaking of British Telecommunications
  92. Vesting of property etc. of British Telecommunications in a company nominated by the Secretary of State
  93. 60Vesting of property etc. of British Telecommunications in a company nominated by the Secretary of State.
  94. 61Initial Government holding in the successor company.
  95. 62Conversion of certain loans transferred to the successor company.
  96. 63Government investment in securities of the successor company.
  97. 64Exercise of Secretary of State’s functions through nominees.
  98. 65Target investment limit for Government shareholding.
  99. 66Financial structure of the successor company.
  100. 67Temporary restrictions on successor company’s borrowings etc.
  101. 68Liability of Secretary of State in respect of liabilities vesting in successor company.
  102. 69Dissolution of British Telecommunications.
  103. Miscellaneous and supplemental
  104. 70Application of law in relation to offer of shares or debentures of the successor company.
  105. 71Application of Trustee Investments Act 1961 in relation to investment in the successor company.
  106. 72Tax provisions.
  107. 73Interpretation of Part V.
  108. Part VI
  109. Amendment and enforcement of Wireless Telegraphy Acts
  110. 74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  111. 75Alteration of penalties and mode of trial for certain offences under the 1949 Act.
  112. 76Arrest without warrant for certain offences under the 1949 Act.
  113. 77Substitution of new section for section 7 of the 1967 Act.
  114. 78. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  115. 79Seizure of apparatus and other property used in committing certain offences under the 1949 Act.
  116. 80Proceedings in England and Wales or Northern Ireland for forfeiture of restricted apparatus. Repealed
  117. 81Proceedings in Scotland for forfeiture of restricted apparatus. Repealed
  118. 82Amendments with respect to forfeiture on conviction.
  119. 83Disposal of apparatus and other property seized by virtue of section 79.
  120. Approvals
  121. 84Approval of wireless telegraphy apparatus etc.
  122. Marking etc. of apparatus
  123. 85Information etc. to be marked on or to accompany apparatus.
  124. 86Information etc. to be given in advertisements.
  125. 87Offences under section 85 or 86 due to default of third person.
  126. Miscellaneous and supplemental
  127. 88Wireless telegraphy functions of Director. Repealed
  128. 89Abolition of advisory committee. Repealed
  129. 90Radio interference service. Repealed
  130. 91Construction of references to conclusion of proceedings.
  131. 92Interpretation of Part VI and minor amendments.
  132. Part VII: Miscellaneous and Supplemental
  133. Miscellaneous
  134. 93Grants to promote interests of disabled persons.
  135. 94Directions in the interests of national security etc. Repealed
  136. 95Orders under the 1973 and 1980 Acts.
  137. 96Prohibitions and restrictions applying to lessees with respect to telecommunications. Repealed
  138. 97Contributions by local authorities towards provision of facilities.
  139. 98Use of certain conduits for telecommunication purposes.
  140. 99Section 99
  141. 100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  142. Supplemental
  143. 101General restrictions on disclosure of information.
  144. 102Offences by bodies corporate.
  145. 103Summary proceedings.
  146. 104Orders and schemes.
  147. 105Financial provisions.
  148. 106General interpretation.
  149. 107Application to territorial waters and the continental shelf etc.
  150. 108Extension to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
  151. 109Amendments, transitional provisions and repeals.
  152. 110Short title, commencement and extent.
  153. Schedule 1: Director General of Telecommunications
  154. 1Paragraph 1
  155. 2Paragraph 2
  156. 3Paragraph 3
  157. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  158. 5Paragraph 5
  159. 6Paragraph 6
  160. 7Paragraph 7
  161. 8Paragraph 8
  162. Schedule 2: The Telecommunications Code Repealed
  163. Arrangement of paragraphs Repealed
  164. Interpretation of code Repealed
  165. 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
  166. Agreement required to confer right to execute works et ceteralaetc. Repealed
  167. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  168. Agreement required for obstructing access et ceteralaetc. Repealed
  169. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  170. Effect of rights and compensation Repealed
  171. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  172. Power to dispense with the need for required agreement Repealed
  173. 5Paragraph 5 Repealed
  174. Acquisition of rights in respect of apparatus already installed Repealed
  175. 6Paragraph 6 Repealed
  176. Court to fix financial terms where agreement dispensed with Repealed
  177. 7Paragraph 7 Repealed
  178. Notices and applications by potential subscribers Repealed
  179. 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
  180. Street works Repealed
  181. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  182. Power to fly lines Repealed
  183. 10Paragraph 10 Repealed
  184. Tidal waters et ceteralaetc. Repealed
  185. 11Paragraph 11 Repealed
  186. Linear obstacles Repealed
  187. 12Paragraph 12 Repealed
  188. Arbitration in relation to linear obstacles Repealed
  189. 13Paragraph 13 Repealed
  190. Alteration of apparatus crossing a linear obstacle Repealed
  191. 14Paragraph 14 Repealed
  192. Use of certain conduits Repealed
  193. 15Paragraph 15 Repealed
  194. Compensation for injurious affection to neighbouring land et ceteralaetc. Repealed
  195. 16Paragraph 16 Repealed
  196. Objections to overhead apparatus Repealed
  197. 17Paragraph 17 Repealed
  198. Obligation to affix notices to overhead apparatus Repealed
  199. 18Paragraph 18 Repealed
  200. Tree lopping Repealed
  201. 19Paragraph 19 Repealed
  202. Power to require alteration of apparatus Repealed
  203. 20Paragraph 20 Repealed
  204. Restriction on right to require the removal of apparatus Repealed
  205. 21Paragraph 21 Repealed
  206. Abandonment of apparatus Repealed
  207. 22Paragraph 22 Repealed
  208. Undertaker’s works Repealed
  209. 23Paragraph 23 Repealed
  210. Notices under code Repealed
  211. 24Paragraph 24 Repealed
  212. Electronic communications networks: determination of applications to install facilities Repealed
  213. 24AParagraph 24A Repealed
  214. Appeals in Northern Ireland Repealed
  215. 25Paragraph 25 Repealed
  216. Application to the Crown Repealed
  217. 26Paragraph 26 Repealed
  218. Savings for and exclusion of certain remedies et ceteralaetc. Repealed
  219. 27Paragraph 27 Repealed
  220. Application of code to existing systems Repealed
  221. 28Paragraph 28 Repealed
  222. Effect of agreements concerning sharing of apparatus Repealed
  223. 29Paragraph 29 Repealed
  224. Schedule 3: Penalties and Mode of Trial under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949
  225. 1Paragraph 1
  226. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  227. 3Paragraph 3
  228. Schedule 4: Minor and Consequential Amendments
  229. Interpretation
  230. 1Paragraph 1
  231. General
  232. 2Paragraph 2
  233. Enactments relating to statutory undertakers, etc.
  234. 3Paragraph 3
  235. The Telegraph Acts 1863 and 1868
  236. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  237. The Foreign Enlistment Act 1870
  238. 5Paragraph 5
  240. 6Paragraph 6 Repealed
  241. The Military Tramways Act 1887
  242. 7Paragraph 7 Repealed
  244. 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
  246. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  247. The Telegraph Act 1899
  248. 10Paragraph 10
  250. 11Paragraph 11 Repealed
  251. The Official Secrets Act 1911
  252. 12Paragraph 12
  254. 13Paragraph 13 Repealed
  255. The Official Secrets Act 1920
  256. 14Paragraph 14 Repealed
  258. 15Paragraph 15 Repealed
  259. The Law of Property Act 1925
  260. 16Paragraph 16
  261. The Roads Improvement Act 1925
  262. 17Paragraph 17
  263. The Public Health Act 1925
  264. 18Paragraph 18
  265. The Bridges Act 1929
  266. 19Paragraph 19
  268. 20Paragraph 20 Repealed
  269. The Civil Defence Act (Northern Ireland) 1939
  270. 21Paragraph 21
  271. The Water Act 1945
  272. 22Paragraph 22
  273. The Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947
  274. 23Paragraph 23
  276. 24Paragraph 24 Repealed
  277. The Roads Act (Northern Ireland) 1948
  278. 25Paragraph 25
  279. The Special Roads Act 1949
  280. 26Paragraph 26
  281. The Coast Protection Act 1949
  282. 27Paragraph 27
  283. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
  284. 28Paragraph 28
  285. The Public Utilities Street Works Act 1950
  286. 29Paragraph 29
  288. 30Paragraph 30 Repealed
  289. The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953
  290. 31Paragraph 31
  292. 32Paragraph 32 Repealed
  293. The Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Drainage and Navigation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955
  294. 33Paragraph 33
  296. 34Paragraph 34 Repealed
  297. The Housing Act 1957
  298. 35Paragraph 35
  299. The Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1958
  300. 36Paragraph 36
  301. The Local Government (Omnibus Shelters and Queue Barriers) (Scotland) Act 1958
  302. 37Paragraph 37
  303. The Opencast Coal Act 1958
  304. 38Paragraph 38
  305. The Flood Prevention (Scotland) Act 1961
  306. 39Paragraph 39
  307. The Public Health Act 1961
  308. 40Paragraph 40
  309. The Pipe-lines Act 1962
  310. 41Paragraph 41
  311. The Water Resources Act 1963
  312. 42Paragraph 42
  313. The Harbours Act 1964
  314. 43Paragraph 43
  315. The New Towns Act (Northern Ireland) 1965
  316. 44Paragraph 44
  317. The Housing (Scotland) Act 1966
  318. 45Paragraph 45
  319. The Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967
  320. 46Paragraph 46
  321. The New Towns (Scotland) Act 1968
  322. 47Paragraph 47
  323. The Countryside Act 1968
  324. 48Paragraph 48
  325. The Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968
  326. 49Paragraph 49
  327. The Post Office Act 1969
  328. 50Paragraph 50 Repealed
  329. The Roads (Scotland) Act 1970
  330. 51Paragraph 51
  331. The Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970
  332. 52Paragraph 52
  334. 53Paragraph 53 Repealed
  335. The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972
  336. 54Paragraph 54 Repealed
  337. The Electricity Supply (Northern Ireland) Order 1972
  338. 55Paragraph 55
  339. The Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972
  340. 56Paragraph 56
  341. The Fair Trading Act 1973
  342. 57Paragraph 57 Repealed
  343. The Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973
  344. 58Paragraph 58
  345. The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973
  346. 59Paragraph 59
  347. The Consumer Credit Act 1974
  348. 60Paragraph 60
  349. The Housing (Scotland) Act 1974
  350. 61Paragraph 61
  352. 62Paragraph 62 Repealed
  353. The Scottish Development Agency Act 1975
  354. 63Paragraph 63
  356. 64Paragraph 64 Repealed
  357. The Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976
  358. 65Paragraph 65
  359. The Land Drainage Act 1976
  360. 66Paragraph 66
  361. The Development of Rural Wales Act 1976
  362. 67Paragraph 67 Repealed
  363. The Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1977
  364. 68Paragraph 68 Repealed
  365. The Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977
  366. 69Paragraph 69 Repealed
  368. 70Paragraph 70 Repealed
  369. The Land Registration (Scotland) Act 1979
  370. 71Paragraph 71 Repealed
  371. The Estate Agents Act 1979
  372. 72Paragraph 72 Repealed
  373. The Competition Act 1980
  374. 73Paragraph 73 Repealed
  375. The Water (Scotland) Act 1980
  376. 74Paragraph 74
  377. The Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980
  378. 75Paragraph 75
  379. The Highways Act 1980
  380. 76Paragraph 76
  381. The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1980
  382. 77Paragraph 77 Repealed
  383. The British Telecommunications Act 1981
  384. 78Paragraph 78 Repealed
  385. The New Towns Act 1981
  386. 79Paragraph 79
  387. The Acquisition of Land Act 1981
  388. 80Paragraph 80
  389. The Broadcasting Act 1981
  390. 81Paragraph 81
  391. The Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981
  392. 82Paragraph 82
  393. The Planning Blight (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1981
  394. 83Paragraph 83
  395. The Civil Aviation Act 1982
  396. 84Paragraph 84
  397. The Cinematograph (Amendment) Act 1982
  398. 85Paragraph 85
  399. Enactments relating to London
  400. 86Paragraph 86
  401. Enactments relating to call boxes
  402. 87Paragraph 87
  403. The London Building Acts and enactments relating to highways, etc.
  404. 88Paragraph 88
  405. General adaptations of local enactments
  406. 89Paragraph 89
  407. Saving in respect of offences under section 5
  408. 90Paragraph 90
  409. Schedule 5: General Transitional Provisions and Savings
  410. Part I: Provisions and Savings coming into force on Appointed Day
  411. 1Paragraph 1
  412. 2Paragraph 2
  413. 3Paragraph 3
  414. 4Paragraph 4
  415. 5Paragraph 5
  416. 6Paragraph 6
  417. 7Paragraph 7
  418. 8Paragraph 8
  419. 9Paragraph 9
  420. 10Paragraph 10
  421. 11Paragraph 11
  422. 12Paragraph 12
  423. 13Paragraph 13
  424. 14Paragraph 14
  425. 15Paragraph 15
  426. 16Paragraph 16
  427. 17Paragraph 17
  428. 18Paragraph 18
  429. 19Paragraph 19
  430. Part II: Provisions and Savings Coming into Force on Transfer Date
  431. 20Paragraph 20
  432. 21Paragraph 21
  433. 22Paragraph 22
  434. 23Paragraph 23
  435. 24Paragraph 24
  436. 25Paragraph 25
  437. 26Paragraph 26
  438. 27Paragraph 27
  439. 28Paragraph 28
  440. 29Paragraph 29
  441. 30Paragraph 30
  442. 31Paragraph 31
  443. 32Paragraph 32
  444. 33Paragraph 33
  445. 34Paragraph 34
  446. 35Paragraph 35
  447. 36Paragraph 36
  448. 37Paragraph 37
  449. 38Paragraph 38
  450. 39Paragraph 39
  451. 40Paragraph 40
  452. 41Paragraph 41
  453. 42Paragraph 42
  454. 43Paragraph 43
  455. 44Paragraph 44
  456. 45Paragraph 45
  457. 46Paragraph 46
  458. 47Paragraph 47
  459. 48Paragraph 48
  460. 49Paragraph 49
  461. 50Paragraph 50
  462. 51Paragraph 51
  463. Schedule 6
  464. 1Paragraph 1
  465. 2Paragraph 2
  466. 3Paragraph 3
  467. 4Paragraph 4
  468. 5Paragraph 5
  469. 6Paragraph 6
  470. 7Paragraph 7
  471. 8Paragraph 8
  472. 9Paragraph 9
  473. 10Paragraph 10
  474. 11Paragraph 11
  475. 12Paragraph 12
  476. 13Paragraph 13
  477. 14Paragraph 14
  478. Schedule 7: Repeals
  479. IRepeals Coming into Force on Appointed Day
  480. IIRepeals coming into Force on Transfer Date
  481. IIIRepeals Coming into Force on Dissolution of British Telecommunications
  482. IVWireless Telegraphy Repeals