Telecommunications Numbering Plan Variation 2004 (No. 4)

Overview

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Variation 2004 (No. 4) was enacted to address the need for specific allocations of telecommunications numbers for the trial of the ENUM protocol in Australia. This legislative instrument was made by the Australian Communications Authority under section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. The primary objective of this variation is to facilitate the trial of the ENUM (E.164 Number and DNS) protocol, which aims to link a single telephone number to multiple Uniform Resource Identifiers, thereby streamlining communication across various devices. The variation introduces specific ENUM trial numbers and allocates resources to ensure the trial operates smoothly within the existing telecommunications framework.

Scope and Application

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Variation 2004 (No. 4) is a legislative instrument made by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) under section 455 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. It modifies the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997, impacting the allocation and use of telecommunications numbers in Australia. This variation applies to telecommunications providers, businesses, and individuals who rely on the telecommunications network, and it regulates the assignment of numbers to ensure efficient and orderly use of the telecommunications numbering resources. The variation has a national reach, applying across all states and territories in Australia. Notably, it includes specific provisions for ENUM trial numbers, which are used in trials of the ENUM protocol, a system that links a telephone number to one or more Uniform Resource Identifiers. The variation also includes specific exclusions and exemptions, such as the deallocation of certain numbers for ENUM trials, which are not intended for use beyond the trial period. The application and scope of this variation may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Telecommunications Numbering Plan Variation 2004 (No. 4) primarily varies the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. Section 3 of this Variation introduces new numbers for ENUM trials, specifically within the Universal Personal Telecommunications Service, and assigns them unique identifiers (section 3[1]). Additionally, the Variation modifies the existing number allocations, removing some and inserting new ones, including the allocation of 1,000 numbers specifically for ENUM trial purposes (section 3[3]). The Variation also includes detailed changes to specific allocations in Schedule 12, Part 1, by adding new entries and modifying existing ones to reflect updated geographical locations and service areas (section 3[4]–[7]). The obligations and requirements imposed by this Variation on the parties and entities it governs include adhering to the newly assigned numbering allocations and ensuring compliance with the specified terms and conditions for the ENUM trial. Specifically, the Variation mandates that the allocated numbers for ENUM trials are not to be used after 31 December 2005, which imposes a temporal limit on their usage (section 3[3]). Additionally, entities such as Telstra Corporation Ltd are required to update their records and operations to reflect the new allocations and modifications as outlined in Schedule 12, Part 1 (section 3[4]–[7]). There are no explicit provisions within the text regarding offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach of this Variation. However, the legislative context and general legal principles would suggest that any non-compliance with the numbering allocations and terms set by the Australian Communications Authority could potentially lead to regulatory action, including fines, sanctions, or other enforcement measures as provided under the overarching Telecommunications Act 1997. It is important to note that the specific penalties would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, and would be subject to the provisions of the broader legislative framework.