Section 72: Report on sharing mechanism: universal service obligations, Communications Act 2003

This section applies where regulations under section 71 provide for a scheme for the assessment, collection and distribution of contributions under subsection (3) of that section.

OFCOM must prepare and publish a report setting out, in relation to the period to which it applies—

every determination by OFCOM that has had effect in relation to a time in that period as a determination of the costs of providing anything contained in the universal service order;

the market benefits for each designated universal service provider that have accrued to him during that period from his designation and from the application to him of universal service conditions; and

the contribution made under section 71(3) by every person who has made a contribution during that period.

The first report under this section must be prepared in relation to the period of twelve months beginning with the coming into force of the first regulations to be made under section 71.

Every subsequent report must be prepared in relation to the period of twelve months beginning with the end of the period to which the previous report applied.

Every report under this section—

must be prepared as soon as practicable after the end of the period to which it is to apply; and

must be published as soon as practicable after its preparation is complete.

OFCOM are not required under this section—

to publish any matter that is confidential in accordance with subsection (7) or (8); or

to publish anything that it would not be reasonably practicable to publish without disclosing such a matter.

A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

it relates specifically to the affairs of a particular body; and

publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM's opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that body.

A matter is confidential under this subsection if—

it relates to the private affairs of an individual; and

publication of that matter would or might, in OFCOM's opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that individual.

The publication of a report under this section must be a publication in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in their opinion, are affected by the matters to which it relates.

Section 72: Report on sharing mechanism: universal service obligations

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