The UK implemented the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) in December 2020 through updates to the Communications Act 2003 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006. This also necessitated changes to the more granular telecoms rules that apply to communications providers enforced by Ofcom contained in the General Conditions of Entitlement (GCs).
This article considers the changes to the GCs that apply from December 2021. There are two further sets of changes that will come in during 2022:
You can read more about the UK’s approach to implementation here.
The new version of the General Conditions applicable from December 2021 will bring with it a number of changes to the definitions, including adding the definition of “Number-based Interpersonal Communications Service” to bring the GCs into alignment with the Communications Act 2003. In addition to the changes to the definitions, the following GCs will also be updated:
GC | Subject |
C1.8 | Conditions and procedures for contract termination |
C1.9 | Prohibition on handset locking |
C1.11 - C1.12 | Contract duration |
C1.23 - C1.36 | Information on bundles in end-of-contract notifications and annual best tariff notifications |
C2.19 - C2.21 | Sharing information with third parties |
C2.3 - C2.4 and C2.16 | Publication of information |
C3.7 and C3.13 - C3.14 | Billing – providing up-to-date information and service usage notifications |
C5.15 | Providing communication materials in accessible formats |
Many of these changes update the existing requirements, particularly in relation to consumer protection, and we have highlighted below a few key or new requirements:
The new GCs will also contain further rules on accessibility for users with disabilities, transparency and information publication.
Communications providers will need to be ready to comply with the new GCs from 19 December 2021 and will also need to begin preparing their services, systems and processes for the other new rules coming in June 2022 and December 2022.
For further information contact Matt Buckwell
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