Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 3)

Overview

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 3) was enacted to address the evolving needs of the telecommunications sector by amending the existing numbering plan. This legislative instrument was created under the authority of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, a foundational piece of legislation that governs the allocation and use of telecommunications numbers in Australia. The Australian Communications Authority (ACA), acting on behalf of the Federal Government, was responsible for enacting this amendment to ensure the efficient allocation of numbers within the telecommunications industry. The policy objective of this amendment was to provide clarity and additional numbers to meet the demands of a growing telecommunications market, thus supporting the operational efficiency and expansion of telecommunications services across the nation. The amendment introduced by this Declaration specifically targets the addition of new number ranges to the existing Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000. By incorporating these additional numbers, the ACA aimed to facilitate the expansion of telecommunications services without the need for extensive reconfiguration of existing systems. This amendment was crucial in preventing the depletion of available number resources, thereby ensuring that businesses and consumers could continue to access necessary telecommunications services without interruption. The changes came into effect 30 days after the Declaration was made, reflecting the urgency and importance of updating the numbering plan to accommodate the dynamic nature of the telecommunications industry.

Scope and Application

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 3) applies to telecommunications number plans within Australia, specifically amending the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000. The amendment introduces new number ranges that commence with 13450, followed by a sequence of specified numbers, into the numbering plan to accommodate the growing demand for telecommunications services. This Declaration is applicable across the entire nation, ensuring that all telecommunications entities operating within Australia must comply with the updated numbering plan. The Declaration itself comes into effect 30 days after its issuance and is made under the authority of the Australian Communications Authority, which oversees the administration and enforcement of the telecommunications numbering plan. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds mentioned within the Declaration; however, further details regarding the implementation and compliance may be found in subordinate instruments issued by the Authority.

Key Provisions

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration Amendment Declaration 2002 (No. 3) amends the Telecommunications Numbering Plan Number Declaration 2000 by inserting new number ranges under the Schedule (Schedule, Part Placeholder[1]). Specifically, the amendment introduces a new set of numbers that begin with 13450, followed by specific sequences of digits as detailed in the Schedule (Schedule, after item 504). This addition to the numbering plan is intended to allocate additional telecommunications numbers to meet the growing demand for such services. Under this Declaration, the Australian Communications Authority imposes obligations on telecommunications providers and other entities governed by the Telecommunications Act 1997. These entities must ensure that the newly allocated number ranges are used in accordance with the telecommunications numbering plan and relevant regulations. Providers need to manage the assignment and use of these numbers to avoid overlaps or misuse, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the telecommunications numbering system. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Declaration may result in legal consequences. The Declaration does not specify particular offences or penalties within its text, but breaches of the Telecommunications Act 1997 or related regulations could result in enforcement actions. These actions may include fines, corrective orders, or other administrative measures as deemed appropriate by the Australian Communications Authority. The potential penalties for breaches can vary, with maximum fines reaching up to several thousand Australian dollars, depending on the severity and nature of the infringement. Furthermore, persistent or significant non-compliance might lead to more severe sanctions, including potential legal proceedings that could result in further penalties or legal consequences.