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The General Authorisation Regime

For communications networks and service providers the most significant recent operational change has been the ending of the licensing regime and the withdrawal and revocation of Telecommunication Act licences.

Prior to the 25 July 2003 any company operating in the UK had to do so under the appropriate telecommunications licence. The process required most companies to apply to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for a licence before being able to operate and supply services to consumers.

The licensing regime has now been replaced by a general authorisation regime with the General Conditions of Entitlement (that is, conditions which apply to all) and specific conditions (that is, conditions which apply to individuals).

• General Conditions
  Conditions which apply to all communications networks and service providers
• Specific Conditions
  Conditions which apply to individuals

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