The Wireless Telegraphy Acts are laws regulating radio communications in the United Kingdom.
Wireless telegraphy as a concept is defined in British law as "the sending of electro-magnetic energy over paths not provided by a material substance."
The term telegraphy, although best known in relation to the electric telegraph, relates to the sending of messages over long-distances. Wireless telegraphy is differentiated from electrical telegraphy in that the messages are transmitted via electromagnetic means (light or radio) rather than via a physical electrical cable connection.
The guardian of the UK's electromagnetic spectrum is the communications regulator, Ofcom.
Brief history of the UK Wireless Telegraphy Acts
Wireless Telegraphy Acts in other Countries
Ireland
- Wireless Telegraphy Act 1904 and 1906 (pre-independence acts repealed in 1926)
- Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 The principal act
- Wireless Telegraphy Act 1956 concerned with use of radio in vehicles
- Broadcasting Authority Act 1960 Establishes RTÉ and makes amendments to the 1926 act in relation to Television and interference
- Wireless Telegraphy Act 1972 Concerned mainly with TV (receiver) licencing
- Broadcasting Authority (amendment) Act 1976 Amendments concerning cable TV
- Broadcasting And Wireless Telegraphy Act 1988 Concerned mainly with unlicenced broadcasting
- Broadcasting And Wireless Telegraphy Act 1990 Amendments concerning cable TV
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