Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1916, No. 5, is an amended regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, enacted to update the Telephone Regulations 1913. This regulation was introduced to address the need for revised procedures and fees concerning the inclusion and alteration of entries in the Telephone List, a directory maintained by the Postmaster-General's Department. The regulation was issued by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and was made effective immediately upon issuance. The policy objective, while not explicitly stated in the text, can be inferred to be the efficient and fair management of telephone services and directory listings within the evolving telecommunications landscape of the time. The amendment to Regulation 23 replaces previous provisions with new rules specifying fees for entries and alterations in the Telephone List, including a free initial entry and charges for additional names or alterations, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. This regulation also imposes restrictions on who can request changes to the directory on behalf of others, ensuring accountability and proper authorisation. The updated regulations reflect the growing complexity of telecommunications services and the need for clear, standardised procedures to manage subscriber information accurately and effectively.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, introduced by Statutory Rules 1916, No. 5, pertains specifically to the Telephone Regulations of 1913. This legislation applies to individuals and entities that own telephones connecting to the Exchange, governing the insertion and alteration of names in the Telephone List. The regulation mandates that the first entry for each telephone in the list be free of charge, but imposes an annual fee of 5 shillings for each additional name inserted at the request of a subscriber, with a limit of six additional names per person. The regulation also stipulates that an alteration fee of 2 shillings and 6 pence is applicable for changes to the initial entry, unless the alteration is necessitated by a change in address, telephone number, or transfer of service. This amendment reflects the administrative and financial requirements for maintaining the accuracy and currency of the Telephone List within the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, specifically amending Regulation 23 of the Telephone Regulations 1913, introduces several key provisions concerning the Telephone List. Firstly, Regulation 23(1)(a) states that one free entry will be made for each telephone connected to the exchange in each issue of the Telephone List. However, an annual fee of 5 shillings is charged for each additional name inserted at the request of a subscriber, with a limit of six names per person. To add more names, the applicant must provide evidence that they are acting as an agent for the person or firm, and only they or their employees can use the telephone on behalf of that person or firm. Secondly, Regulation 23(1)(b) specifies a fee of 2 shillings and 6 pence for altering the first entry in the Telephone List, except when the alteration is necessary due to a change of address, a change in telephone number, or a transfer of service. The obligations imposed by these provisions are primarily on subscribers who request additional entries or alterations in the Telephone List. Subscribers must pay the specified fees for additional entries and alterations, except in the circumstances where the alteration is due to a change of address, telephone number, or service transfer. Furthermore, if subscribers request additional names to be added to the list, they must provide evidence that the applicant is acting as their agent and ensure that only the applicant or their employees use the telephone on their behalf. The regulation does not explicitly outline offences or penalties for non-compliance, but it is reasonable to infer that failure to pay the prescribed fees for additional entries or alterations, when not exempted, could lead to denial of the requested service updates in the Telephone List. Additionally, any misuse of the telephone service by unauthorised persons, as prohibited by Regulation 23(1)(a), could result in legal consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the regulation itself.