Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 3)

Overview

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 3) was introduced by the Australian Communications Authority under section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997, aiming to address gaps in the allocation and assignment of telecommunications numbers. This legislative instrument was gazetted on 16 October 2002, by the Authority’s Chair, R Horton, and Deputy Chair, A Horsley. The amendment seeks to ensure efficient and organised use of telecommunications numbers by adjusting specific number ranges for data network access services, operator services, and facsimile services. By introducing these changes, the Amendment aims to facilitate better management and utilisation of the telecommunications numbering system, thereby supporting the overall policy objective of streamlined and effective communication services in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 3) applies to telecommunications numbering plans and services within Australia. It is an amendment to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, and it specifically modifies the allocation of number prefixes for various telecommunications services. The amendment is made under section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 and commenced on the date of its gazettal. This legislative instrument is enacted by the Australian Communications Authority, which is responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications industry in Australia. The amendment affects the allocation of number prefixes for data network access services, operator services, and facsimile services, providing more efficient and organised distribution of telecommunication numbers across these services. The amendment does not specify exclusions or exemptions but rather focuses on reassigning and expanding the number prefixes to accommodate growth and demand in the telecommunications sector. The changes are detailed in the schedules of the amendment, which revise existing entries in the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. The geographic reach of the amendment is national, impacting all telecommunications services and entities operating within Australia. The amendment may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments, but the primary scope remains the restructuring of the numbering plan to support the telecommunications industry's needs.

Key Provisions

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Amendment 2002 (No. 3) (the "Plan") amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. This amendment, effective immediately upon gazettal, primarily modifies the numbering allocations for various telecommunications services. According to Schedule 1, specific number prefixes are reallocated to different services, ensuring efficient use of the number space and accommodating growth in the telecommunications sector. For instance, the prefixes 019 80, 019 81, 019 82, and 019 83, which were previously assigned to data network access services, are now reassigned to low-charge data network access services, with these services being chargeable on a ten-digit basis and not shared among different service providers (Schedule 1, items starting with number prefixes 019 80, 019 81, 019 82 and 019 83). The Plan imposes obligations on telecommunications providers and users to adhere to the updated numbering plan. These obligations include the proper allocation and use of the newly assigned number prefixes. For example, data network access services now require a ten-digit number format, starting with 019 80, 019 81, 019 82, or 019 83, ensuring that these services are easily identifiable and accessible to users. Similarly, operator services and facsimile services are allocated specific number ranges and formats, ensuring clarity and ease of use for consumers. These changes necessitate that service providers update their systems and ensure their customers are aware of the new numbering arrangements. Failure to comply with the provisions of the amended Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 could result in civil or criminal penalties. While the exact penalties are not specified within the text of the Plan, breaches of telecommunications regulations can typically result in fines or other legal consequences as prescribed under the overarching Telecommunications Act 1997. The amendments are designed to maintain orderly and efficient telecommunications services, and non-compliance can disrupt these services, potentially affecting consumers and businesses relying on these communications infrastructures.