We take enforcement action to protect and manage the radio spectrum.
We have a range of measures at our disposal in seeking to secure compliance with the law and to ensure a proportionate response to transgressions. We may:
Ofcom upholds the principles of firm and impartial enforcement underpinned by the principle of proportionality.
Legislation gives the courts considerable scope to punish offenders and to deter others, including imprisonment for some offences. Unlimited fines may be imposed by higher courts. The courts can also order offenders to forfeit expensive equipment and to pay Ofcom's prosecution costs.
Targeting involves relating enforcement action to the risks. Our resources are not infinite and we are therefore more likely to focus on more serious circumstances. It is neither possible nor necessary to investigate all issues of interference or non-compliance for the purposes of protecting and managing the radio spectrum.
In selecting which complaints or reports of interference to investigate, and in deciding the level of resources to be used, Ofcom will consider the following:
Consistency of approach does not mean uniformity. It means taking a similar approach in similar circumstances to achieve similar ends.
Transparency includes helping stakeholders to understand what is expected of them and what they should expect from Ofcom.
Ofcom is accountable for our actions. We report annually to Parliament and we publish information about our enforcement activities.
Ofcom will exercise discretion in deciding whether incidents or complaints should be investigated.
In England and Wales, the decision to proceed with a court case rests with Ofcom. We decide whether to prosecute after considering the strength of the evidence and the guidance set down by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
No prosecution may go ahead unless the prosecutor considers there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution would be in the public interest.
The Code for Crown Prosecutors requires that the decision to prosecute is kept under continuous review so that any new facts or circumstances, in support of or undermining the prosecution’s case, are taken into account in the decision to continue or terminate the proceedings. Where the circumstances warrant it and the evidence to support a case is available, enforcing authorities may prosecute without prior warning or recourse to alternative sanctions.
In Scotland, the Procurator Fiscal decides whether to bring a prosecution. This may be based on a recommendation by Ofcom. Ofcom decides whether to report a case to the Procurator Fiscal with a view to prosecution.
Before prosecutions can be instituted, the Procurator Fiscal will need to be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and that prosecution is in the public interest. Therefore, in Scotland the decision to prosecute is made by the prosecutor rather than by Ofcom, however Ofcom's views will typically be taken into account.
18 March 2015
Ofcom has this week issued compliance notices to Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Solaris Mobile Limited setting out steps they must take to comply with conditions that came with some of their spectrum holdings.
The European Commission selected these companies as pan-European operators for mobile satellite services in 2009. Using spectrum bands 1980 MHz to 2010 MHz and 2170 MHz to 2200 MHz, they could provide services such as broadcast, mobile and radio and other uses via satellite across Europe.
In the UK, Ofcom authorised Inmarsat and Solaris to deliver these until 2027. Their authorisations required them to be providing these services by 14 May 2011. To date, both companies have not yet taken the necessary steps to meet their commitments under the assigned frequencies.
As a result, Ofcom has notified both companies that they must put this spectrum to use no later than 1 December 2016.
If the companies do not meet these requirements by the dates specified, Ofcom will consider taking further regulatory action, in conjunction with other EC member states. This could include a fine and/or revocation of that company’s authorisation in the UK.
The Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 is the principal legislation on the regulation of radio spectrum in the UK and the powers available to Ofcom. We are responsible for authorising civil use of the radio spectrum and achieve this by granting wireless telegraphy licences under the Act. We also make regulations exempting users of particular equipment from the requirement to hold such a licence.
We may take enforcement action against those operating without a licence or in contravention of their licence conditions. We will often try to help people bring themselves within the law, but where necessary or appropriate will prosecute or take other enforcement action under Wireless Telegraphy legislation, for example to prevent interference or other harm.
