Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1914, No. 163, specifically the Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, was enacted to amend the Telephone Regulations of 1913. This legislative instrument aimed to address issues related to the management and regulation of telephone services within Australia during this period. The regulation was enacted by the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, reflecting the legislative authority of the Commonwealth Parliament. The policy objective behind this regulation was to ensure that all telephone lines, instruments, and fittings were created and supplied by the Postmaster General, with costs borne by the Government, thereby maintaining control and accountability over the burgeoning telephone system. Additionally, it established specific charges for different classes of telephone service, aimed at generating revenue while ensuring equitable access to services.

Scope and Application

The amended Telephone Regulations of 1914, established under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, outline the governance of telephone lines, instruments, and fittings within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations mandate that the Postmaster General must create and supply all telephone-related apparatus, with the costs borne by the Government. The regulations restrict interference or alterations to these items to authorised personnel only, with potential disconnection of lines for non-compliance. Financial charges for telephone services are detailed, including minimum annual fees for different population-based network sizes, rates for exclusive and multi-party services, and call charges based on usage frequency and type. Additionally, the regulations specify how mileage is calculated and provide for special arrangements, such as submarine cables, with charges determined by circumstances. The regulations also detail the provision of necessary equipment and the payment schedule for accounts rendered half-yearly. This regulation applies to all telephone lines and services within the Commonwealth, ensuring a structured and systematic approach to telephone service management and billing.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument focus on the regulation of telephone lines, instruments, and fittings. Regulation 5(1) stipulates that all telephone lines, instruments, and fittings, except where otherwise provided by these Regulations, must be created and supplied by the Postmaster General, with the cost borne by the Government. This regulation prohibits any person, other than an employee of the Department with proper identification, from interfering with or making any additions or alterations to any wires, instruments, or fittings under the Department’s control. In the event of any such interference, the subscriber concerned will be liable to have their line disconnected. Regulation 5(2) outlines the charges payable for different classes of service, specifying minimum annual charges, exclusive service fees, and per-subscriber fees based on the population radius of the telephone network. Additionally, Regulation 5(3) details the rates for effective calls, stating that subscribers will be charged two calls for one penny for calls not exceeding 2,000 half-yearly, and three calls for one penny for calls above that amount. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act primarily concern the Postmaster General, who is responsible for providing and maintaining all necessary exchange equipment, subscriber’s lines not exceeding 2 miles in length radially, and one telephone wall-set per subscriber. The Postmaster General must also render accounts for calls half-yearly and ensure that these accounts are paid within fourteen days. Subscribers are required to comply with the regulations regarding interference with telephone lines and instruments, and they must settle their accounts promptly to avoid disconnection of their lines. Furthermore, subscribers have the right to request statements of their call records, which must be provided by the Postmaster General at specified charges. The Act imposes various penalties and consequences for breaches of its provisions. Regulation 5(1) clearly states that any interference with telephone lines, instruments, or fittings by unauthorised persons will result in the subscriber’s line being disconnected. This disconnection serves as a direct consequence of non-compliance with the regulatory requirements. Additionally, failure to pay accounts within the stipulated fourteen-day period may lead to further disciplinary actions, including continued disconnection of service until the accounts are settled. The Act does not explicitly mention other civil or criminal penalties for breaches but implies that non-compliance with the specified charges and regulations may result in service interruptions or similar administrative measures.