ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises the relevant legislation, and sets out some guiding principles which those who are unfamiliar with it may wish to bear in mind in ordering their affairs – although where a competition issue does arise, a standard text on the subject should be consulted, or specialist advice sought. Section 2 of the 1998 Act prohibits agreements or concerted practices between undertakings which have as their object or effect an appreciable prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the UK or a part of it and which may affect trade within the UK or a part of it, unless they fall within an excluded category or are exempt. The 2003 Act implements in the UK the regulation of the telecommunications sector under the Common Regulatory Framework (CRF) which applies across the European Union.
