Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2004

Overview

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2004 was enacted to provide a clear framework for the allocation of specific telecommunications numbers. This legislative instrument was introduced under subsection 3.39(1) of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 by the Australian Communications Authority. The primary objective of this Declaration is to delineate which freephone and local rate numbers are available for auction, ensuring that certain numbers are reserved for specific services. The Declaration commenced on 5 July 2004, and it specifically excludes certain 10-digit numbers from the auction process to maintain the integrity and functionality of particular telecommunications services. The enacting body, the Australian Communications Authority, aimed to create a transparent and efficient system for the allocation of telecommunications numbers.

Scope and Application

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2004 applies to entities and individuals involved in the allocation and use of telecommunications numbers within Australia. Specifically, it pertains to the allocation of freephone and local rate numbers, which are critical for various industries and services that rely on these numbers for customer accessibility and service delivery. This Declaration outlines which numbers are available for auction and which are reserved for specific services such as International Country Direct services, ensuring that the numbering plan is effectively managed and distributed. The geographic reach of this Declaration is nationwide, covering the entire Commonwealth of Australia. It sets out exclusions such as specific 10-digit numbers reserved for particular services, thereby providing clarity on the availability of numbers for general use. The Declaration also extends its application through subordinate instruments, which may further specify rules and regulations concerning the allocation and use of these numbers.

Key Provisions

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2004, issued under subsection 3.39(1) of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, provides specific details regarding the allocation of certain telecommunications numbers for auction. The Declaration commences on 5 July 2004 and outlines which freephone and local rate numbers are available for allocation through auction. According to section 3(1), all six-digit numbers starting with '13' and all ten-digit numbers starting with '1300' or '1800' are available for auction, with certain exceptions as noted in section 3(2). The exceptions listed in section 3(2) include the ten-digit numbers reserved for International Country Direct services, as per Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000, and specific ten-digit numbers such as 1300 975 707 to 1300 975 711 and 1800 160 401 to 1800 975 711. Entities and parties subject to the Act must adhere to the specified provisions regarding the allocation of telecommunications numbers. They are required to ensure that the numbers they utilise or seek to allocate comply with the conditions set out in the Declaration. Specifically, they must not allocate the numbers that are explicitly excluded from auction, such as those designated for International Country Direct services and the specific ten-digit numbers listed in section 3(2). Failure to comply with these provisions may result in legal consequences. The Declaration does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches within the document itself. However, breaches of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 or related regulations could potentially lead to civil or criminal penalties. Under the broader framework of the Telecommunications Act 1997, penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions outlined in related legislation. It is important for entities to consult the relevant Acts and regulations for detailed information on potential penalties.