Postal, Telegraphic and Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1908, No. 20, amends the Telephone Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these amended regulations address the need to better regulate the connection of places outside the existing network of telephone exchanges, as well as the use of public telephones. This legislative instrument seeks to formalise and standardise the procedures and charges for extending telephone lines beyond established networks and ensures that public telephones are used in accordance with prescribed fees, thereby maintaining the integrity and accessibility of public communication services. The policy objective of these amendments is to provide a clear framework for the expansion of telephone services to areas previously outside the network, while also enforcing the payment of fees for the use of public telephones to ensure their maintenance and availability. These regulations came into effect on 7 March 1908, providing a structured approach to the evolving needs of telecommunication services in Australia at the time.

Scope and Application

The amended Telephone Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901 apply to any individual or entity seeking to connect places outside the network of a telephone exchange to a telephone exchange within the network, as well as to persons using public telephones within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations are designed to govern the connection of external places to a telephone exchange network, specifying a limit of 25 miles for the total length of line used for such connections, with varying charges based on the distance from the exchange network. Additionally, the regulations mandate that any person using a public telephone must first pay the prescribed fee, with non-compliance being subject to penalties under the Act. The regulations set out detailed charge structures and penalties, indicating the broad jurisdictional reach of the Commonwealth in regulating telecommunications infrastructure and public telephone usage. The regulations also detail specific exclusions and thresholds, such as the maximum allowable distance for line extensions and the penalties for unauthorised use of public telephones.

Key Provisions

The amended Telephone Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901 introduce new provisions concerning the connection of places outside the network of a telephone exchange (Regulation 10a) and the use of public telephones (Regulation 49b). Regulation 10a allows for the connection of places outside a telephone exchange network, subject to certain conditions. Specifically, the total length of the line connecting such places must not exceed 25 miles. The charges for this service are set out in Regulation 10a(3), which specifies different rates depending on the distance of the connection from the exchange network. For connections not exceeding 5 miles beyond the network's limits, the charge is equivalent to that for a similar length within the network. For connections exceeding 5 miles but not more than 25 miles, the charge is based on the first 5 miles at the in-network rate, with an additional charge of 15 shillings per annum for each quarter mile or part thereof beyond the 5-mile limit. It is important to note that these charges are calculated based on the actual length of the line rather than the radial distance. The regulations impose certain obligations on parties or entities governed by them. For instance, entities or individuals seeking to connect places outside the telephone exchange network must adhere to the specified length limitations and associated charges. Furthermore, Regulation 49b establishes that any person using a public telephone without having paid the prescribed fee commits an offence. This regulation ensures that public telephones are used in accordance with the set fees, promoting fair and regulated use of public telecommunications infrastructure. Under these regulations, there are specific consequences for non-compliance. Regulation 49b explicitly states that any person who uses or attempts to use a public telephone without paying the prescribed fee is guilty of an offence and is liable for a penalty. On summary conviction, this penalty can amount to no more than Five pounds. This provision serves as a deterrent against unauthorised use of public telephones, ensuring that users comply with the payment requirements and thereby maintaining the integrity of the public telecommunications system.