Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 2)
The AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY makes this Plan under section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.
Dated 14 August 2002
A J SHAW
Chair
R HORTON
Deputy Chair
Australian Communications Authority
1 Name of Plan
This Plan is the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 2).
2 Commencement
This Plan commences on gazettal.
3 Amendment of Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997
Schedule 1 amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997.
Schedule 1 Amendments
(section 3)
Do not delete: Schedule Part Placeholder
[1] Subsection 3.34 (2)
omit
and 3
insert
and 2
[2] Subsection 3.35 (1), table
substitute
Column 1 | Shows the number, or the first digits of the number (the prefix) |
Column 2 | Describes the structure for the number |
Column 3 | Describes any limits on the use of the number |
Column 4 | Explains whether an incoming call from outside Australia may be routed to the number |
[3] Subsection 3.35 (2)
omit
and 3
insert
and 2
[4] Section 3.36
substitute
3.36 Incoming international access
(1) If an item of Schedule 4A or Schedule 4B has ‘No’ in the incoming international access column, a number identified in column 1 of the item must not be used in connection with the supply of a carriage service that routes an incoming call from outside Australia to the number.
(2) If an item of Schedule 4A or Schedule 4B has ‘Yes’ in the incoming international access column, a number identified in column 1 of the item may be used in connection with the supply of a carriage service that routes an incoming call from outside Australia to the number.
(3) In this section:
incoming international access column means:
(a) for Schedule 4A — column 3; and
(b) for Schedule 4B — column 4.
[5] Schedule 4B
substitute
Schedule 4B Local rate numbers
(section 3.35)
Column 1 Number prefix | Column 2 Number structure | Column 3 Limits on use of the number | Column 4 Is incoming international access available? |
13 00 13 01 13 02 13 03 13 04 13 05 13 06 13 07 13 08 13 09 | 10 digit number | | Yes |
13 1 13 2 13 3 13 40 13 41 13 42 13 43 13 44 | 6 digit number | | Yes |
13 45 | 8 digit number | May be used only for monitoring security alarms | Yes |
13 46 13 47 13 48 13 49 13 5 13 6 13 7 13 8 13 9 | 6 digit number | | Yes |
Overview
The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 2) was enacted to address issues in the existing numbering plan for telecommunications services, specifically relating to the assignment and regulation of telephone numbers. This amendment was introduced by the Australian Communications Authority under the authority granted by section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. The primary objective of this legislative instrument is to refine and update the structure of telecommunications numbering to better align with contemporary needs, ensuring clarity and efficiency in the allocation of numbers for various services, particularly those involving incoming international calls. By amending the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, this Plan seeks to provide clearer guidelines on the use of certain number prefixes, particularly those designated for local rate services and their eligibility for incoming international access. This amendment ensures that the numbering plan remains relevant and effective in managing the expanding landscape of telecommunications services in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 2) made under the Telecommunications Act 1997 applies to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, affecting telecommunications services and numbers provided within Australia. This amendment specifically alters the structure and limitations of certain number prefixes used in telecommunications services, dictating whether these numbers can handle incoming international calls and setting conditions for their use. The amendments extend to local rate numbers, which are regulated to ensure they are used appropriately, such as for monitoring security alarms, and also determine whether these numbers can be accessed from outside Australia. The amendment is effective from the date of gazettal and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting telecommunications providers, service users, and any entities utilising telecommunications services governed by the amended Plan. Exclusions and specific exemptions are outlined within the schedules of the amendment, detailing the permitted uses and restrictions on certain number prefixes. The application and enforcement of the amendment may also be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 2) amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, and it comes into effect immediately upon gazettal. The core amendment is detailed in Schedule 1, which revises specific sections of the original plan. Notably, section 3.34 now includes a new subsection 3, which replaces the previous subsection 4, and section 3.35 is modified to replace subsection (1) and update the table. This table, which now includes four columns, describes the structure and limits on the use of numbers and specifies whether incoming calls from outside Australia can be routed to those numbers. Additionally, section 3.36 clarifies the conditions under which numbers can be used for incoming international calls, depending on whether the incoming international access column in Schedules 4A or 4B indicates 'Yes' or 'No'.
This legislation imposes specific obligations on telecommunications service providers and other entities governed by the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. For instance, it mandates that numbers listed in Schedule 4A or 4B with 'No' in the incoming international access column cannot be used for services that route incoming calls from outside Australia. Conversely, numbers marked with 'Yes' in the incoming international access column are permitted for such services. The Act also necessitates that providers adhere to the number structures and usage limits specified in the amended Schedule 4B, ensuring that numbers are used appropriately and within the defined parameters. This includes understanding the specific conditions for using numbers in high-security contexts, such as monitoring security alarms, which may have additional restrictions.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 2) can lead to various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, breaches of telecommunications regulations generally attract significant penalties under the Telecommunications Act 1997. These penalties can include substantial fines, which may be substantial given the regulatory nature of telecommunications services. In more severe cases, ongoing non-compliance or deliberate misuse of numbers could result in criminal charges, leading to further civil or criminal liabilities for the offending parties. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the jurisdiction's legal framework.