Annex: Transposition Notes for the Postal Services Directive (2008/6/Ec) Articles 3, 4(1) and 5: Provision of the universal postal service Implementation
513.These Articles are implemented by sections 29, 30, 31, 36, 42 and 49 of, and Schedule 6 to, the Act.
514.Section 29 provides that OFCOM must carry out their functions in relation to postal services in a way that they consider will secure the provision of a universal service and the provision of sufficient access points to meet the reasonable needs of users of the universal postal service.
515.Section 30 provides that OFCOM must set out in an order a description of the services they consider should be provided in the UK as a universal service. This must include at least the minimum requirements as set out in Article 3 and Section 31. Section 31 sets out the services that must as a minimum be included in a universal service, including the requirement to service the whole UK at affordable prices.
516.Sections 36 and 42 allow OFCOM to impose conditions on postal operators for the purpose of securing the universal service to the required standards.
517.Section 49 allows OFCOM to impose conditions which include those necessary to secure essential requirements.
518.Schedule 6 provides the test that must be met before imposing or modifying regulatory conditions and includes that there must be no undue discrimination.