Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aimed to establish a framework for the regulation and operation of postal and telegraph services within the Commonwealth. This legislative instrument, Statutory Rules 1914, No. 88, amends the Telephone Regulations of 1913 to refine the classification and tariff structure for trunk telephone lines. The policy objective is to provide a clear and systematic approach to charging for the use of trunk lines based on the distance and time of conversations, ensuring a fair and regulated service for the public. The regulation specifies different charge rates for various distances and time periods, ensuring that the services provided are both accessible and economically viable for the users.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule, issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, pertains specifically to the amendment of the Telephone Regulations of 1913. It applies to trunk telephone lines, which are defined as lines connecting two separate towns or exchanges not specified in the preceding regulations, and sets out the charges for their use. These charges are calculated based on the actual length of the trunk line used and vary according to the time of day and the distance of the conversation. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, as it is an instrument under the federal Post and Telegraph Act. It does not include specific exclusions or exemptions, but it does state that conversations must not exceed six minutes if others are waiting to use the line. Additionally, the regulation extends its application through subordinate instruments, as evidenced by the specific amendment to Regulation 51. The regulation also provides for a specific charging structure for long-distance conversations, such as those between Sydney and Melbourne, and clarifies that fees are for the trunk line usage only when a public telephone is used for such conversations.

Key Provisions

The amended regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, specifically Regulation 51, outlines the classification and charging for telephone trunk lines. Regulation 51(1) specifies that trunk lines are those connecting two separate towns or exchanges not listed in the previous regulation. The charges for using these trunk lines are calculated based on the actual distance of the line used and the time of the conversation. Regulation 51(2) stipulates that no conversation can exceed six minutes if another person is waiting to use the line. Furthermore, Regulation 51(3) clarifies that when using a public telephone to converse over a trunk line, only the trunk line fee is charged. Lastly, Regulation 51(4) provides that if two towns are connected by trunk lines and the distance is within one mile of the specified limits, the conversation is charged according to the nearest specified limit. The obligations imposed by Regulation 51 on parties or entities governed by the Act include adhering to the specified charges for using trunk lines based on the distance and time of the conversation. Public telephone users must also ensure that their conversations do not exceed six minutes if others are waiting. Additionally, the regulation mandates that only the trunk line fee is charged when using a public telephone for trunk line conversations. Any deviations from these obligations may result in improper billing or service disruptions. The regulation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with the specified charges or obligations may lead to disputes over billing, potential financial penalties, or service interruptions. While the regulation does not detail specific penalties, breaches could result in legal action under the broader Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, which may include fines or other legal remedies.