Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 1999 (No. 3)
THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY makes this instrument under section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
Dated 15 October 1999.
A.J. SHAW
Chairman
R. HORTON
Deputy Chairman
Australian Communications Authority
Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 1999 (No. 3)1
made under the
Telecommunications Act 1997
Contents
Page
1 Name of instrument 2
2 Commencement 2
3 Amendment of Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 2
Schedule 1 Amendments 3
1 Name of instrument
This instrument is the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 1999 (No. 3).
2 Commencement
This instrument commences on gazettal.
3 Amendment of Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997
Schedule 1 amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997.
Schedule 1 Amendments
(section 3)
[1] Schedule 2, after the item starting with the number prefix (07) 55
insert
(07) 56 | Beaudesert | (07) area code followed by 8 digit local number starting with 56 |
[2] Schedule 4, Part 1, after the item starting with the number prefix 15
insert
1700 | National rate service | 10 digit number | Yes Not shared |
[3] Schedule 12, after the definition of national and international operator call connection service
insert
national rate service means a carriage service:
(a) that is capable of voice telephony or a form of communication that is equivalent to voice telephony; and
(b) that involves translation of the number dialled for a call using the service to a number that identifies the point of termination of the call; and
(c) under which the rate of charge for a call from a standard telephone service (except a public mobile telephone service) does not exceed the highest rate charged by the national universal service provider for a call from a standard service to an Australian geographic number.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Note
1. This instrument amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 31 December 1997, as amended by:
- Telecommunications Numbering Amendment Plan 1998 notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 20 May 1998
- Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment (No. 2) 1998 notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 June 1998.
- Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment (No. 1) 1999 notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 31 March 1999.
- Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment (No. 2) 1999 notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 7 July 1999.
Overview
The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 1999 (No. 3), enacted under section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997, addresses the need for adjustments to the existing numbering plan to accommodate new telecommunications services and areas. This amendment, made by the Australian Communications Authority, was introduced to refine and expand the allocation of telecommunications numbers, ensuring that the growing demand for telecommunications services could be met efficiently. The instrument is designed to update the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 to include new area codes and services, thereby facilitating better organisation and accessibility of telecommunications resources.
Scope and Application
The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 1999 (No. 3) applies to the entities and persons involved in telecommunications services within Australia, affecting the allocation and usage of telecommunications numbers as specified in the amended Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. This amendment, made under the authority of the Telecommunications Act 1997, specifically targets the allocation of number prefixes and the definition of services such as national rate services, thereby impacting the industry's compliance with numbering requirements. The geographic reach of this amendment is nationwide, encompassing all states and territories within Australia. The amendment introduces new number prefixes, such as (07) 56 for Beaudesert, and refines definitions for services like the national rate service, ensuring clarity and consistency in telecommunications numbering. Notably, the amendment excludes any specific entities or industries from its application unless explicitly mentioned in the amended Plan. The instrument also notes that further amendments and clarifications can be introduced through subordinate instruments, thus extending or restricting its application as needed.
Key Provisions
The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 1999 (No. 3) amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. It introduces new area codes and number ranges, and defines certain terms used within the Plan. Specifically, under section 3, the amendment inserts a new area code (07) 56 for Beaudesert, following the existing (07) 55 prefix. In addition, it introduces a new 10-digit number range starting with 1700 for national rate services. The amendment also includes a new definition for "national rate service" in Schedule 12, which specifies the conditions under which such services are provided.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation primarily concern telecommunications providers and service operators. They must adhere to the new numbering allocations and definitions set forth in the amended Plan. For instance, telecommunications providers need to ensure that the new area code for Beaudesert and the new national rate service numbers are correctly implemented in their systems. They must also understand and comply with the definition of "national rate service" to correctly charge for these services. Furthermore, providers must ensure that their services align with the conditions specified in the definition, such as the translation of dialled numbers and the rate of charge.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this legislation can result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within this legislative instrument, breaches of telecommunications regulations in Australia can generally lead to enforcement actions by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Penalties can include fines and other sanctions, with the severity depending on the nature and extent of the breach. In cases of serious or repeated violations, legal proceedings may also be initiated, potentially leading to more severe penalties under relevant Acts.