Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 1)

Overview

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 1) was enacted by the Australian Communications Authority under subsection 3.39(1) of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for amendments to the existing numbering plan to accommodate the growing demand for telecommunications services in Australia. The Declaration commenced 30 days after its creation on 15 January 2002, and it amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000. The policy objective of this amendment is to ensure an efficient and orderly allocation of telephone numbers within the telecommunications sector, thereby facilitating better service provision and network management.

Scope and Application

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 1), made under subsection 3.39(1) of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, applies to the allocation of telecommunications numbers within Australia. This legislative instrument amends the existing Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000 by introducing a new range of numbers starting with 13450, followed by specific suffixes listed in Schedule 1. The amendment is designed to extend the number pool for telecommunications services, thereby facilitating the expansion of services within the industry. The Declaration applies nationally across Australia, impacting telecommunications service providers who must adhere to the new numbering allocations. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions outlined in the Declaration, which means that the new numbering plan applies broadly to all entities providing telecommunications services within the specified number range. The Declaration itself does not extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments but rather sets forth the new numbering scheme to be followed by the industry.

Key Provisions

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 1) (the Declaration) amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000. The primary purpose of this Declaration is to adjust the allocation of certain numbers within the telecommunications numbering plan, specifically by inserting new numbers starting with 13450 followed by various combinations of digits as detailed in Schedule 1. This amendment allows for the expansion of available telecommunications numbers, ensuring that there are sufficient resources to meet demand (Section 3). The Declaration imposes specific obligations on telecommunications providers and other relevant parties, requiring them to adhere to the updated numbering plan as per the amendments detailed in Schedule 1. This includes ensuring that new services or connections do not utilise the newly allocated numbers unless authorised by the updated plan. It also necessitates that existing services with numbers within the new allocation are appropriately adjusted to comply with the changes. These obligations are designed to maintain an orderly and efficient telecommunications numbering system (Section 3). Failure to comply with the provisions of this Declaration could result in various legal consequences. While the Declaration itself does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences, breaches of the amended numbering plan could potentially lead to regulatory action under the Telecommunications Act 1997. Such actions might include fines, corrective measures, or other enforcement actions imposed by the Australian Communications Authority. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but they could be substantial given the regulatory importance of maintaining an effective numbering plan.