Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1914, No. 119, issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, concern amendments to the Telephone Regulations of 1913. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations aimed to update the pricing and conditions associated with telephone extension instruments. This legislative instrument seeks to ensure that the charges for telephone extension instruments within the same building, when exceeding a certain quantity, are clearly defined and adjusted accordingly. By implementing these amendments, the regulations address a practical gap in the existing pricing structure, aiming to provide clarity and consistency in the application of fees related to telephone services during that period.

Scope and Application

The amended Telephone Regulations of 1913, as issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, pertain to the regulation and management of telephone services within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislation applies to entities involved in the provision and management of telephone services, including telecommunications companies and other relevant service providers. The regulations cover the installation and usage of extension instruments, specifically those that are wall-patterned and exceed ten sets within a single building, thereby governing the operational and cost aspects associated with such installations. The regulations are applicable nationwide, covering the entire Commonwealth, and extend to any instrument installation within the specified parameters. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this specific regulation; however, broader exclusions and exemptions may be defined in other sections of the overarching Post and Telegraph Act. The application and enforcement of these regulations can be further defined or extended through additional subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The amended Telephone Regulations of 1913, specifically Regulation 28, primarily addresses the pricing structure for extension instruments in telephone systems. Regulation 28 removes the previous pricing model for sets of instruments when the number is 10 or under, and instead introduces a flat rate of 100 for each set of extension instruments, whether they are part of a set or exceed 10 sets within the same building (Reg. 28). This regulation aims to simplify and standardise the pricing of extension instruments under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. Entities and parties governed by these regulations, including telephone companies and service providers, must adhere to the new pricing structure outlined in Regulation 28. This entails ensuring that the specified flat rate of 100 is charged for each set of extension instruments, regardless of the number of sets. Compliance with this regulation is essential for maintaining accurate and consistent billing practices for telephone services, ensuring that consumers are charged appropriately for the installation and use of extension instruments in their telephone systems. Failure to comply with the amended Telephone Regulations of 1913 may result in legal consequences for the entities involved. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of statutory regulations can generally lead to civil or criminal liability. In cases of civil liability, affected parties may seek compensation for losses incurred due to non-compliance. Criminal liability may result in fines or other penalties as prescribed by law, with the severity of the penalty depending on the nature and extent of the breach. It is important for entities governed by these regulations to ensure full compliance to avoid any potential legal repercussions.