Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1915, No. 42, under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, introduces amendments to the Telephone Regulations, 1913, to address the issue of the cost and process of relocating or altering telephone equipment within the same network. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this legislative instrument aims to clearly outline the charges for such relocations or alterations, ensuring transparency and fairness for subscribers. The policy objective is to provide a structured and equitable framework for handling subscriber requests concerning the movement or modification of telephone installations, thereby streamlining the administrative process and reducing potential disputes.

Scope and Application

This Statutory Rule, issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, pertains to the amendment of the Telephone Regulations, 1913, as previously amended. It applies to subscribers of telephone services within the same network, imposing charges for the removal or alteration of their telephone services to a different address or position, or within the same premises. The charges are structured based on the extent of the movement or alteration, including costs for labour, materials, and refitting of the telephone apparatus. Additionally, the Postmaster-General has the authority to reduce these charges if deemed appropriate based on the circumstances. The regulation specifies a threshold where if the cost of travel exceeds 25% of the appropriate charge, the subscriber must pay the additional amount. The regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, governed by the Commonwealth authority under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. It is noted that these regulations are subject to further amendments or clarifications through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The legislative instrument, Statutory Rules 1915, No. 42, amends the Telephone Regulations of 1913 under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. It primarily revises the costs associated with the relocation and alterations of telephone installations for subscribers. According to Section 21(1)(a), if a subscriber requests to move their telephone to another address or position within the same network, they must cover the cost of the removal. This cost is determined by the actual labour costs plus the value of materials used in wiring the premises, minus any materials that can be recovered from the former premises. If the move results in an increased rental, the subscriber must also pay for the refitting of the telephone apparatus. Section 21(1)(b) outlines various charges for different types of alterations and relocations within the same premises, such as changing the apparatus, relocating the telephone instrument, or reversing the positions of the main and extension sets. The Postmaster-General has the discretion to reduce these charges if they deem the circumstances warrant it. Additionally, if the travel cost incurred during the execution of the removal or alteration exceeds 25% of the appropriate charge, the subscriber must pay the excess amount over the 25% threshold. The obligations imposed by these regulations require subscribers to cover specific costs related to the relocation and alteration of their telephone installations. For relocations, subscribers must pay the actual cost of labour and materials involved, minus any recoverable materials from the previous premises. For alterations within the same premises, subscribers must pay charges according to the prescribed scale unless the Postmaster-General reduces them. The Postmaster-General has the authority to adjust these charges based on the specific circumstances of each case. Furthermore, if travel costs exceed 25% of the appropriate charge, subscribers must pay the additional amount over this threshold. The amended regulations impose specific financial obligations on subscribers who request relocations or alterations of their telephone installations. Failure to meet these obligations could result in disputes or financial penalties. For example, if a subscriber does not pay the required costs for a relocation, the telephone service provider may refuse to complete the move. Similarly, if a subscriber does not cover the additional travel costs when they exceed 25% of the appropriate charge, the service provider may charge the subscriber for the full travel cost. These financial obligations are clear and enforceable, with potential consequences for non-compliance. However, the regulations do not specify any criminal or civil penalties for breaches of these financial obligations. Instead, the primary consequence is the financial responsibility for the relocation or alteration costs, as outlined in the regulations.