Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1909, No. 37, issued under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901, address the need for amendments to the existing telephone regulations, particularly those concerning lines not connected with exchanges. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were designed to introduce a new clause into Regulation 80, pertaining to the provision of conductors in special lead-covered metallic circuit cables for fire alarm purposes. This legislative instrument specifies the charges for these conductors, which are to be paid annually in advance for a term of at least six years, thereby providing a structured financial arrangement for the use of such cables. The objective of these amendments is to facilitate the integration of fire alarm systems with existing telephone infrastructure, ensuring a more efficient and reliable communication system for emergency services.

Scope and Application

The Post and Telegraph Act 1901, as amended by Statutory Rules 1909, No. 37, pertains to the regulation of telephone services, including lines not connected with exchanges. These regulations specifically address the provision of conductors in special lead-covered metallic circuit cables for fire alarm purposes, outlining the charges applicable for such services. The amended regulations, effective from April 24, 1909, mandate that these cables be provided by the Postmaster-General, with charges varying based on the number of conductors in the cable and the length of the circuit. The charges are levied annually in advance for a term of at least six years, with separate billing for each cable, irrespective of its length. This legislation applies to entities requiring fire alarm services through special lead-covered metallic circuit cables, impacting industries reliant on these services within the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations extend to the entire national jurisdiction, ensuring a uniform application of charges and service standards across the country. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in these regulations, though the applicability and enforcement might be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901, specifically in Part XII, regulate the use of telephone lines not connected with exchanges, with a particular focus on the provision of conductors in special lead-covered metallic circuit cables for Fire Alarm purposes. Regulation 80, as amended by Statutory Rules 1906, No. 114, introduces a new clause (2a) that outlines the terms for the provision of these conductors. This clause mandates that the Postmaster-General will provide the necessary conductors for fire alarm systems, connecting from the wall of a building to the nearest point of existing underground or aerial cables. The provision of these conductors is contingent upon the payment of specified annual charges in advance for a minimum term of six years. The obligations under these regulations require the Postmaster-General to supply the appropriate number of conductors based on the number of cables and their length, with distinct charges for different lengths and conductor quantities. For instance, for a single pair of conductors up to one mile, the charge is £3, 10 shillings, and 0 pence, while for two pairs of conductors up to one mile, the charge is £2, 0 shillings, and 10 pence. The charges escalate with the number of conductors and length beyond one mile, with specific rates provided for up to eight pairs of conductors. Non-compliance with the terms of these regulations, including the failure to make the required payments for the conductors, could result in civil consequences. While the specific legal ramifications are not detailed within the legislative instrument, it is reasonable to infer that breaches might lead to actions for recovery of unpaid charges or legal proceedings to enforce the terms of the agreement. The financial penalties, if any, are not explicitly stated within the provided text, but they would likely align with the contractual terms outlined in the regulations. The maximum penalties for breaches of these regulations are not explicitly stated within the provided text. However, in general, breaches of statutory regulations can result in fines, legal action, or other enforcement measures as deemed appropriate by the courts or relevant authorities. The exact penalties would depend on the specific nature of the breach and the applicable law at the time of the offence.