Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1933, No. 13, enacted under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, introduce amendments to the existing Telephone Regulations to address issues related to the provision and pricing of extension telephone lines. These regulations were established to provide clearer guidelines and more flexible options for the installation of extension lines, both within and beyond the premises connected to the exchange line. The objective of these regulations is to allow the Department to better manage the installation and associated costs of extension lines, providing subscribers with more transparent and potentially reduced pricing structures. Enacted by the Deputy of the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aim to refine the administrative processes and ensure fair charges for telephone services. The amendments made through these regulations were intended to streamline the regulatory framework surrounding telephone services, addressing discrepancies and providing a more consistent approach to the installation and cost of extension lines. By repealing and replacing specific regulations, the legislation seeks to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the existing telephone service provisions, ensuring that subscribers are informed of the costs involved and that the Department can manage resources effectively. These changes reflect a policy objective to maintain and improve the quality of telephone services while ensuring fair and transparent practices for all parties involved.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923, as amended by these statutory rules, apply to the provision of extension telephone lines within and beyond the building or premises to which the exchange line connects. The rules are applicable to subscribers who seek to extend their telephone lines and are governed by the discretion of the Department, subject to the payment of specified charges. These charges are intended to cover the installation of the necessary wiring, with different rates applying depending on whether the extension line is within or beyond the premises connected to the exchange line. The regulation explicitly states that these rules apply nationally, extending to all subscribers across the Commonwealth of Australia. The scope of the regulation is confined to the extension of telephone lines and does not extend to other forms of telecommunications or post services. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds but imply that the discretion of the Department will be exercised in determining the applicability of the charges. The rules further extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments by amending existing regulations and incorporating new provisions that specifically address the installation of wires within buildings or premises.

Key Provisions

The statutory rules (C1933L00013) amend the Telephone Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923. These rules, coming into operation immediately, introduce significant changes to how extension telephone lines are managed and charged. Regulation 64, which previously governed the provision of extension lines, has been repealed and replaced with new provisions. The new regulation allows for the provision of extension lines, both within and beyond the premises to which the exchange line connects, at the discretion of the Department (Regulation 64(a) and (b)). The Department sets the charges for these services, which include a fee for installation of wires within buildings or premises, and a rental charge for private lines, reduced by one-third if a single wire circuit is supplied (Regulation 64(b)(i) and (ii)). Furthermore, Regulation 147 has been amended to include a charge for the installation of wires within the buildings or premises to which the line connects (Regulation 147 proviso). These provisions impose specific obligations on the Department and the subscribers. The Department is responsible for determining the charges for extension lines and their installation (Regulation 64). Subscribers must pay these charges as set by the Department, ensuring transparency and accountability in the costs associated with the provision of extension telephone lines. The amendment to Regulation 147 ensures that any installation of wires within the subscriber's premises is also subject to a charge, reinforcing the Department's authority over installation services. For breaches of these regulations, the legislation does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences. However, given the statutory nature of the rules, non-compliance could potentially lead to enforcement actions under the broader Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1923. The Act provides for various enforcement mechanisms, including fines and other penalties, as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. The precise nature of these penalties would depend on the specific context and severity of the breach, but they underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated regulations to avoid any adverse consequences.