Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty for Persistent Misuse of Network or Service) Order 2006

rose to move, That the Grand Committee do report to the House that it has considered the Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty for Persistent Misuse of Network or Service) Order 2006 [21st Report from the Joint Committee and 28th Report from the Merits Committee]. The noble Lord said: The purpose of this straightforward order is to strengthen the regulatory regime for persistent misuse of electronic communications networks or electronic communications services, which includes silent calls. ““Misuse”” is defined in the Communications Act 2003 as when a person uses an electronic communications network or service if the effect or likely effect of its use is to cause another person unnecessarily to suffer annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety. Examples of such behaviour—apart from silent calls—include misuse of automated calling systems, number scanning, misuse of calling line identification facilities, misuse for dishonest gain and misuse of allocated telephone numbers. The order aims to ensure that consumers are adequately protected from these types of calls. [The Sitting was suspended for a Division in the House from 4.39 to 4.49 pm.]