Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1967 No. 15, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1966, was enacted to amend the Telephone Regulations by adjusting the charges for telephone subscribers. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in Council, following advice from the Postmaster-General, to address the need for updating outdated pricing structures in the telecommunications sector. The regulation specifically altered the charge for subscribers from five cents to seven cents. This adjustment was intended to reflect changes in operational costs and economic conditions, ensuring that the pricing structure remained fair and sustainable for the users of the postal and telegraph services.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1967 No. 157, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1966, specifically amend the Telephone Regulations to adjust the charges for telephone subscribers. This regulation applies to individuals and entities that are subscribers to telephone services provided by the Commonwealth. The amendment affects the pricing structure, increasing the rate from five cents to seven cents. The regulation is part of a broader set of rules governing telecommunications services in Australia and is applicable across the Commonwealth. The scope of the amendment is limited to the alteration of the subscriber charge, and it does not extend to other aspects of the Telephone Regulations or the broader Post and Telegraph Act. The regulation is effective across all jurisdictions within the Commonwealth, ensuring uniformity in the application of the amended charges. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular regulation, and it does not extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1967 No. 157, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1966, introduces a specific amendment to the existing Telephone Regulations. Regulation 127, concerning charges for subscribers, is amended to adjust the cost from five cents to seven cents (Reg. 127). This regulation change, effective from the date of the making of the regulation, is intended to update the fees in line with changes in the economic environment or operational costs. Under this legislation, telephone service providers governed by the Post and Telegraph Act are required to comply with the new charge of seven cents per subscriber. This obligation extends to all entities providing telephone services within the scope of the Act, necessitating an adjustment in their billing practices to reflect the new charge. The amendment aims to ensure that subscribers are informed of and charged according to the updated rate, which is a fundamental aspect of the service contract between the provider and the subscriber. Failure to comply with the amended regulation could result in enforcement actions. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed within the text of the statutory rules, breaches of regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act typically attract penalties that could include fines or other administrative sanctions. The exact penalties would depend on the severity and nature of the breach, as outlined in the broader legislative framework governing postal and telegraph services.