Telecommunications Technical Standard (Analogue Interworking and Non-interference Requirements for Customer Equipment for Connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S002:2010) 2011

Overview

The Telecommunications Technical Standard (Analogue Interworking and Non-interference Requirements for Customer Equipment for Connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S002:2010) 2011, as amended, was introduced to ensure that customer equipment designed for connection to the public switched telephone network meets specific technical standards. Enacted under subsection 376(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997 by the relevant legislature, this legislation aims to address the problem of ensuring that such equipment operates without causing interference and maintains interoperability within the telecommunications network. This standard applies to customer equipment intended for use with an analogue public switched telephone network two-wire service and requires compliance with the Australian Standard AS/CA S002:2010, which was established to define the mandatory requirements for analogue interworking and non-interference. The overarching policy objective is to facilitate effective and reliable communication services within Australia's telecommunications infrastructure.

Scope and Application

The Telecommunications Technical Standard (Analogue Interworking and Non-interference Requirements for Customer Equipment for Connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S002:2010) 2011, as amended, applies to any customer equipment that is designed or intended for connection to an analogue public switched telephone network two-wire service. This includes equipment such as telephones, modems, fax machines, and any other devices that connect to the public switched telephone network. The scope of this legislation is specifically targeted at ensuring that such equipment complies with the mandatory requirements set out in the Australian Standard AS/CA S002:2010, which was published by Communications Alliance Ltd in October 2010 and amended in April 2012. This technical standard is a legislative instrument made under subsection 376(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997 and applies across Australia, ensuring uniformity in compliance requirements for all entities and individuals within the telecommunications industry. The technical standard commences on the day after it is registered, and there are no stated exclusions or exemptions within its application, thereby ensuring that all customer equipment meeting the specified criteria must adhere to the outlined requirements.

Key Provisions

The Telecommunications Technical Standard (Analogue Interworking and Non-interference Requirements for Customer Equipment for Connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S002:2010) 2011, as amended, sets out the requirements for customer equipment to ensure it can interwork with analogue public switched telephone networks and does not cause interference. Section 6 of this legislation mandates that all customer equipment designed or intended for connection to an analogue public switched telephone network two-wire service must comply with the mandatory requirements set out in the Australian Standard – Analogue interworking and non-interference requirements for Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (AS/CA S002:2010), including the amendment from 23 April 2012. The Act imposes specific obligations on parties involved in the manufacture, importation, or sale of customer equipment. Manufacturers, importers, and sellers must ensure that the equipment they provide complies with the mandatory requirements outlined in AS/CA S002:2010. This includes conducting appropriate testing and certification processes to verify compliance before the equipment is placed on the market. Additionally, entities must maintain records of compliance and make these records available upon request by the relevant authorities. Breaching the requirements of this Technical Standard can lead to various consequences. Under the Telecommunications Act 1997, non-compliance can result in civil penalties. For corporations, the maximum penalty for each offence is up to $210,000, while individuals may face penalties of up to $42,000. In addition to financial penalties, there can also be criminal consequences for wilful or reckless breaches. The Act allows for prosecution, which can lead to fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. Furthermore, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has the authority to issue infringement notices for less severe breaches, which can result in fines without the need for court proceedings.