UK Act of Parliament 2006 United Kingdom

Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006

An Act to consolidate enactments about wireless telegraphy.

Enforced by
Ofcom
Status
Amended (in force with amendments)
Penalty ceiling
Imprisonment 12 of 52 obligations carry up to 2 years imprisonment. 21 carry different penalties and 19 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person36 Occupier1 Director or Officer1

Plus 14 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Occupier — also bound by 235 other Acts
Director or Officer — also bound by 429 other Acts

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

General provision about radio spectrum

3 of 7 sections shown
s.002 United Kingdom Plan for Frequency Authorisation (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must publish and maintain the UK Plan for Frequency AuthorisationStatutory regulator
s.003 Duties of OFCOM when carrying out functions (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must consider spectrum availability and demand when managing radio wavesStatutory regulator
s.007 Special duty in relation to television multiplexes (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must ensure radio capacity for licensed TV multiplex servicesStatutory regulator
4 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
Part 2

Regulation of radio spectrum

21 of 59 sections shown
s.008 Review of long licences Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must review long-term non-transferable wireless licencesStatutory regulator
s.008 Consultation before grant of exclusive licence Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must consult before granting an exclusive wireless licenceStatutory regulator
s.009 Terms, provisions and limitations (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must ensure license terms are fair, transparent, and proportionateStatutory regulator
s.011 Surrender of licence (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to surrender expired or revoked wireless licenceAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.020 Effect of grant of recognised spectrum access (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must protect rights of spectrum access holders when issuing licencesStatutory regulator
s.021 Charges for grant of recognised spectrum access (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Pay required charges for recognised spectrum accessAny Person
s.029 Limitations on authorised spectrum use (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must set clear criteria when limiting radio frequency licencesStatutory regulator
s.030 Spectrum trading (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom may create rules for transferring radio spectrum rightsStatutory regulator
s.032 Statistical information (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Provide statistical information to Ofcom upon requestAny Person
s.032 Information required for purposes of radio spectrum functions Regulated
  • Provide information to Ofcom regarding radio spectrum useAny Person
s.032 Enforcement of notification under section 32C Regulated
  • Comply with Ofcom confirmation decisions and information penaltiesAny Person
s.034 Statement of policy (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must publish and follow its wireless telegraphy information policyStatutory regulator
s.035 Unauthorised use etc of wireless telegraphy station or apparatus (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Use or install unauthorised wireless telegraphy equipmentAny Person
s.036 Keeping available for unauthorised use (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Make wireless equipment available for unauthorised useAny Person
s.037 Allowing premises to be used for unlawful broadcasting (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Permit unlawful broadcasting from your premisesOccupier
s.038 Facilitating unauthorised broadcasting (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Facilitate unauthorised broadcastingAny Person
s.046 Offences (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Breach wireless telegraphy regulationsAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.047 Misleading messages (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Send false safety‑critical wireless messagesAny Person
s.048 Interception and disclosure of messages (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Intercept or disclose wireless messages without authorityAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.051 Apparatus in vehicles (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Give false information on vehicle licence for wireless equipmentAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.053 Surrender of authority (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Fail to surrender wireless telegraphy authority when requiredAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

38 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.008 Restriction on grant of exclusive licence
s.009 Notice to satellite uplinkers
s.009 Restrictions on imposition of limitations etc under section 9
s.009 Review of pre-26 May 2011 limitations etc.
s.030 General duty of OFCOM to allow leasing or transfer
s.032 Restrictions on imposing information requirements
s.032 Notification of contravention of information requirements
s.032 Penalties for contravention of information requirements
s.043 Special procedure for contraventions of certain provisions
Part 2

Regulation of dynamic spectrum access services

4 of 13 sections shown
s.053 Register of providers of dynamic spectrum access services Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must maintain a register of dynamic spectrum access providersStatutory regulator
s.053 Enforcement of notification under section 53E Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must issue a confirmation decision following a contravention noticeStatutory regulator
s.053 Requirement to provide information about gross revenue Regulated
  • Ofcom may require you to provide gross revenue informationAny Person
s.053 Enforcement of notification under section 53K Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must issue a final decision and reasons regarding contraventionsStatutory regulator
9 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.053 Registration of providers of dynamic spectrum access services
s.053 Revocation and variation of registration
s.053 Fees for registration etc
s.053 Notification of contravention of registration restrictions or conditions
s.053 Penalties under section 53E
s.053 Meaning of “relevant amount of gross revenue”
s.053 Provision of information to persons registered under section 53A
s.053 Notification of contravention of information requirements
s.053 Penalties under section 53K
Part 3

Regulation of apparatus

4 of 15 sections shown
Part 4

Approval of apparatus etc

2 of 8 sections shown
s.074 Offences (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Supply or advertise prohibited wireless apparatusAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.075 Default of third person (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Be liable for another’s wireless telegraphy offenceAny Person
6 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
Part 5

Prohibition of broadcasting from sea or air

11 of 19 sections shown
s.077 Broadcasting from ships and aircraft (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Unauthorised broadcast from ship or aircraftAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.078 Broadcasting from marine structures etc (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Broadcast from unauthorised marine structureAny Person
s.079 Broadcasting from prescribed areas of high seas (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Make unauthorised broadcast from non‑British ship in prescribed high seasAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.080 Acts connected with broadcasting (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Operate illegal broadcast equipment from high seasAny Person
s.081 Management of station (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Participate in management of unlawful broadcasting stationAny Person
s.082 Facilitating broadcasting from ships or aircraft (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Facilitate unauthorised broadcasting from ships or aircraftAny Person
s.084 Maintaining or repairing apparatus (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Repair or maintain broadcasting equipment unlawfullyAny Person
s.085 Acts relating to broadcast material (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Supply, create or advertise material for an unlawful broadcastAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.087 Procuring person to commit offence abroad (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Procure overseas breach of UK wireless telegraphy rulesAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.092 Further provisions (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Assault, obstruct or refuse an enforcement officerAny Person
s.093 Penalties and proceedings (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Violate wireless telegraphy lawsAny Person
8 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
Part 6

General

12 of 31 sections shown
s.098 Obstruction and failure to assist (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Obstruct or refuse to assist wireless telegraphy inspectorsAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.100 Obstruction (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Intentionally obstruct an officer exercising seizure powersAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.101 Detention and disposal of property (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Ofcom must return or dispose of seized property within set timeframesStatutory regulator

amended 1 time (opens in a new tab)

s.106 Continuing offences (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Continue using unlicensed wireless equipment after convictionAny Person
s.110 Criminal liability of company directors etc (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Personal liability for directors and officers for wireless telegraphy offencesDirector or Officer
s.111 General restrictions (opens in a new tab) Imprisonment
  • Disclose wireless telegraphy information without consentAny Person

2 years imprisonment · amended 11 times (opens in a new tab)

19 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
Schedules

Schedules

1 of 133 shown
s.sch006 Seizure and forfeiture of restricted apparatus (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Claim ownership of seized wireless equipment to prevent forfeitureAny Person
132 other schedules
s.sch001 (1) An application for a grant of a wireless telegraphy...
s.sch001 (1) The time limits fixed for the purposes of paragraph...
s.sch001 The grounds on which a licence may be refused by...
s.sch001 Where OFCOM propose to refuse a licence they must—
s.sch001 A wireless telegraphy licence continues in force, unless previously revoked...
s.sch001 OFCOM may revoke a wireless telegraphy licence or vary its...
s.sch001 OFCOM may not revoke or vary a wireless telegraphy licence...
s.sch001 (1) Where OFCOM propose to revoke or vary a wireless...
s.sch001 (1) The terms that OFCOM may include in a wireless...
s.sch002 (1) An application for a grant of recognised spectrum access...
s.sch002 The grounds on which a grant of recognised spectrum access...
s.sch002 (1) Where OFCOM propose to refuse an application for a...
s.sch002 A grant of recognised spectrum access continues in force, unless...
s.sch002 OFCOM may revoke or modify a grant of recognised spectrum...
s.sch002 (1) Where OFCOM propose to revoke or modify a grant...
s.sch002 (1) The conditions that OFCOM may include in a grant...
s.sch003 (1) On suspending the authority, the Secretary of State must...
s.sch003 (1) The person to whom the authority was issued may...
s.sch003 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies— (a) after the Secretary of State...
s.sch003 The Secretary of State is to pay—
s.sch004 (1) This Schedule applies to an offence under this Act...
s.sch004 (1) This paragraph applies to proceedings for a relevant offence....
s.sch004 In any proceedings, a certificate— (a) that payment of a...
s.sch004 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as...
s.sch004 In this Schedule “relevant officer” means— (a) in relation to...
s.sch004 (1) The fixed penalty for a relevant offence is such...
s.sch004 (1) If OFCOM have reason to believe that a person...
s.sch004 (1) A fixed penalty notice must— (a) state the alleged...
s.sch004 If it appears to a person who has issued a...
s.sch004 A person who issues (or withdraws) a fixed penalty notice...
s.sch004 (1) This paragraph applies if a fixed penalty notice is...
s.sch004 (1) If the alleged offender decides to pay the fixed...
s.sch004 If the fixed penalty specified in a fixed penalty notice...
s.sch005 (1) Where a person is convicted of a relevant offence,...
s.sch005 (1) Where a person is convicted of an offence under...
s.sch005 Apparatus may be ordered to be forfeited under paragraph 1...
s.sch005 Apparatus ordered to be forfeited under paragraph 1 or 2...
s.sch005 (1) A court that orders apparatus to be forfeited under...
s.sch005 Section 140 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43)...
s.sch005 The following provisions (under which a court convicting a person...
s.sch006 (1) This Schedule applies to restricted apparatus seized—
s.sch006 (1) In proceedings for condemnation that are instituted in England...
s.sch006 (1) In the case of proceedings for condemnation instituted in...
s.sch006 Where an appeal has been made (whether by case stated...
s.sch006 (1) This paragraph applies where a requirement is imposed by...
s.sch006 In proceedings arising out of the seizure of restricted apparatus,...
s.sch006 In any proceedings, the condemnation by a court of restricted...
s.sch006 (1) This paragraph applies for the purposes of—
s.sch006 Neither the imposition of a requirement by or under this...
s.sch006 (1) OFCOM must give notice of the seizure of the...
s.sch006 A person claiming that the restricted apparatus is not liable...
s.sch006 (1) A notice of claim must be given within one...
s.sch006 The restricted apparatus is to be taken to have been...
s.sch006 (1) Where a notice of claim in respect of the...
s.sch006 Where the restricted apparatus is condemned or taken to have...
s.sch006 Proceedings for condemnation are civil proceedings and may be instituted—...
s.sch006 Proceedings for the condemnation of restricted apparatus instituted in a...
s.sch007 In section 14 of the Defamation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955...
s.sch007 In section 3 (licences under Part 1 of that Act)...
s.sch007 In section 86 (licences under Part 3 of that Act)...
s.sch007 (1) Section 89 (offences giving rise to disqualification) is amended...
s.sch007 In section 202 (general interpretation) in subsection (1), for the...
s.sch007 In section 11 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 (interpretation...
s.sch007 In section 91 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (report...
s.sch007 In section 302 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995...
s.sch007 In section 3 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 (licences under...
s.sch007 In section 42 of that Act (licences under Part 2...
s.sch007 In section 108 of the Police Act 1997 (interpretation of...
s.sch007 (1) Section 5 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (offences...
s.sch007 In Schedule 10 to the Terrorism Act 2000 (munitions and...
s.sch007 The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 is amended as...
s.sch007 (1) Section 3 (lawful interception without an interception warrant) is...
s.sch007 In section 18 (exceptions to section 17) in subsection (12)(c),...
s.sch007 In section 81 (general interpretation) in subsection (1), in the...
s.sch007 The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows.
s.sch007 In section 14 (consumer research) in subsection (2), for “the...
s.sch007 In section 190 (resolution of disputes referred to OFCOM) in...
s.sch007 In section 192(1) (appeals: decisions subject to appeal)—
s.sch007 In section 364 (TV licences) in subsection (2)(f), for “the...
s.sch007 In section 7 of the Theatres Act 1968 (exceptions for...
s.sch007 In section 366 (powers to enforce TV licensing) in subsection...
s.sch007 In section 393 (general restrictions on disclosure of information) in...
s.sch007 In section 400 (destination of licence fees and penalties), in...
s.sch007 (1) Section 401 (power of OFCOM to retain costs of...
s.sch007 (1) Section 405 (general interpretation) is amended as follows.
s.sch007 In section 410 (application of enactments to territorial sea and...
s.sch007 In Schedule 8 (decisions not subject to civil appeal), omit...
s.sch007 In section 146 of the Income Tax (Trading and Other...
s.sch007 In Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Commissioners for...
s.sch007 In section 190 of the Port of London Act 1968...
s.sch007 In section 142 of the Local Government Act 1972 (provision...
s.sch007 In section 53 of the Thames Barrier and Flood Prevention...
s.sch007 In section 9 of the Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and...
s.sch007 In Article 26(2) of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern...
s.sch007 The Broadcasting Act 1990 is amended as follows.
s.sch008 The substitution of provisions of this Act for provisions repealed...
s.sch008 An order under Part 2 of the Deregulation and Contracting...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph has effect in relation to wireless telegraphy...
s.sch008 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where, immediately before the commencement of...
s.sch008 The repeal by this Act of sections 11 and 12...
s.sch008 The repeal by this Act of part of section 3(1)(ii)...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph has effect in relation to prosecutions to...
s.sch008 In relation to an offence committed before 2 May 2022,...
s.sch008 In relation to an offence committed before 18th September 2003...
s.sch008 In relation to an offence committed on or after 18th...
s.sch008 In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of...
s.sch008 Anything done, or having effect as if done, under or...
s.sch008 Schedule 4 to this Act does not apply to offences...
s.sch008 In relation to an offence committed before 18th September 2003...
s.sch008 Nothing in section 104 of, and Schedule 6 to, this...
s.sch008 The repeals made by this Act do not affect the...
s.sch008 (1) An Order in Council made under a provision that...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph applies in the case of an Order...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph applies if paragraph 25 of Schedule 7...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph applies if— (a) section 180 of the...
s.sch008 Section 121(3) of this Act does not apply to an...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph applies to any transitional or transitory provision...
s.sch008 A reference (express or implied) in this Act or another...
s.sch008 (1) A reference (express or implied) in an enactment, or...
s.sch008 Paragraphs 1 to 4 have effect in place of section...
s.sch008 Paragraphs 2 and 4(1) do not apply to an Order...
s.sch008 (1) The repeal by this Act of an enactment previously...
s.sch008 A reference to an enactment repealed by this Act which...
s.sch008 (1) This paragraph has effect during the period of two...

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