AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA AUTHORITY
Telecommunications Act 1997
Subsection 56(1)
CARRIER LICENCE
I, Dominic Byrne, delegate of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, acting under subsection 56(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997, grant a carrier licence to Steele Technology Pty Ltd (ACN 633 412 718).
Note: See Division 3 of Part 3 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 which provides for the conditions of a carrier licence and contains other provisions relating to those conditions. The Telecommunications Act 1997 is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation which may be accessed at www.legislation.gov.au.
Dated: 9 July 2020
Dominic Byrne
Delegate of the Australian Communications and Media Authority
Overview
The Telecommunications Act 1997 was enacted to establish a framework for regulating telecommunications services and ensuring that the Australian public has access to a reliable and efficient telecommunications network. This Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive legal structure that governs the licensing, operation, and regulation of telecommunications services in Australia. The Act is administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which is tasked with ensuring compliance and facilitating the provision of telecommunications services. The policy objective of the Act is to promote competition, innovation, and consumer protection in the telecommunications industry while maintaining a robust and reliable network infrastructure.
The grant of a carrier licence to Steele Technology Pty Ltd under this Act exemplifies the regulatory function of the ACMA. By issuing such licences, the ACMA ensures that telecommunications providers meet specific standards and conditions that protect the interests of consumers and support the overall objectives of the Act. The Act provides a clear and cohesive legal basis for the operation of telecommunications services, thereby facilitating the delivery of efficient and effective communications across the country.
Scope and Application
The Telecommunications Act 1997 applies to entities involved in the provision of telecommunications services in Australia, such as carriers like Steele Technology Pty Ltd, as evidenced by the carrier licence granted to them by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The Act encompasses a broad range of conduct and transactions related to telecommunications services, ensuring that these entities operate within the regulatory framework established by the Commonwealth of Australia. The jurisdictional reach of the Act is national, applying across all states and territories, thereby ensuring uniform regulation of the telecommunications industry throughout Australia. Division 3 of Part 3 of the Act specifies the conditions of a carrier licence, which are integral to the operation of telecommunications services. Additionally, the Act extends its application through subordinate instruments, such as regulations and determinations, which provide further detail and operational guidance on the licensing and conduct requirements for telecommunications carriers. The Act does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within this particular licence grant, but these may be addressed in other sections of the Act or in associated regulatory instruments.
Key Provisions
The Telecommunications Act 1997, under the authority of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, grants a carrier licence to Steele Technology Pty Ltd, as detailed in Subsection 56(1). This licence allows Steele Technology Pty Ltd to operate as a telecommunications carrier, providing services within the parameters established by the Act. The specific conditions of this licence are outlined in Division 3 of Part 3 of the Act, which includes a range of stipulations regarding the provision and quality of telecommunications services, as well as other regulatory requirements.
Obligations under the Act include adherence to the terms and conditions set forth in the carrier licence. Steele Technology Pty Ltd must ensure compliance with all legislative requirements, including those related to the provision of services, network management, customer service, and data protection. The company is also required to maintain proper records, report any significant operational changes to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, and meet any additional obligations specified by the Authority.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1997 may result in various consequences. Offences under the Act can lead to civil or criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. For instance, if Steele Technology Pty Ltd fails to adhere to the specified conditions of their carrier licence, they may face enforcement actions, financial penalties, or even revocation of their licence. The maximum penalties for breaches can include substantial fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties are detailed within the Act, and the Authority has the discretion to determine the appropriate course of action based on the specifics of the non-compliance.