(1) The Minister may direct a provider of publicly available mobile number-based interpersonal communications services to transmit a public warning to end-users of its service, for and on behalf of the Government, in the event of an imminent or developing major emergency or disaster.

(2) A provider shall immediately comply with a direction under paragraph (1).

(3) A direction under paragraph (1) shall include the public warning and the manner in which it shall be transmitted.

(4) A provider shall have regard to any guidance issued by the Minister in relation to a direction under paragraph (1).

(5) A transmission by a provider pursuant to a direction under paragraph (1) shall be free of charge to end-users of its service.

(6) A provider that fails to comply with a direction under paragraph (1) commits an offence.

(7) In proceedings for an offence under paragraph (6), it shall be a defence for a provider against which such proceedings are brought to prove that it took all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the direction.