Telephone Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 87, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, addresses amendments to the Telephone Regulations of 1913. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Governor-General, with advice from the Federal Executive Council, to modify certain aspects of the telephone service provisions, specifically concerning equipment and associated charges. The regulation introduces a new charge for bells with gongs of a specified size and removes the additional charge for a second receiver for wall or table telephones. The intent behind these amendments appears to be to streamline and update the regulatory framework to better align with the evolving technology and service offerings of the time.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 87, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, outlines amendments to the Telephone Regulations, 1913. This regulation applies to the rates and charges associated with certain telephone equipment, specifically adjusting the pricing for magneto extension bells with specified diameters, and altering the rental rates for additional receivers. These amendments impact subscribers of the Commonwealth's telephone services, affecting both individuals and businesses reliant on these communications. The regulation has a national reach as it is issued under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia. Notably, this legislative instrument does not specify any exclusions or exemptions; rather, it targets the precise alteration of existing charges and inclusions within the telephone service framework. Additionally, the regulation may extend its application through further subordinate instruments that could provide more detailed specifications or additional amendments, thereby ensuring the regulation adapts to evolving service requirements and technological advancements.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument involve amendments to Regulation 28 under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916. Specifically, it introduces a new tariff for magneto extension bells with gongs that are over 4 inches and not exceeding 6 inches in diameter, setting the rate at 0.7.6 (section 28(a)). Additionally, it removes the previous provision that increased the rental for subscribers supplied with a second receiver for a wall or table telephone by 0.2.6 (section 28(b)). The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations are primarily financial in nature, affecting the fees and charges applicable to certain telephone services. Service providers and subscribers must adhere to the new rates specified in the amended Regulation 28. For example, any magneto extension bells with gongs within the specified size range will now be subject to the new tariff of 0.7.6. Conversely, the removal of the additional rental for a second receiver implies that subscribers will no longer incur this extra charge. Under this legislative instrument, any breach of the specified rates or failure to comply with the new regulations could potentially lead to legal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, non-compliance with regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916 can generally result in fines, enforcement actions, or other civil and administrative penalties as prescribed by relevant laws. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and any subsequent legislative or administrative guidelines.