Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, numbered 1916 No. 143, was introduced to amend the existing Telephone Regulations 1913 by adding the capability for telephone subscribers to request automatic recording registers at their exchange. This addition was enacted to provide subscribers with a means to monitor and verify the number of calls they make, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in their usage of the telephone service. The regulation was issued by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the Postmaster-General, and aims to facilitate better management and use of the telephone service by subscribers. The underlying policy objective is to offer a tool for subscribers to keep track of their telephone usage, which can be beneficial both for personal record-keeping and for billing purposes.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1916, No. 143, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1916, amends the Telephone Regulations of 1913 by introducing the provision for subscribers to telephone exchanges with installed necessary apparatus to be supplied with automatic recording registers upon written application to the Deputy Postmaster-General. This regulatory amendment aims to provide telephone subscribers with a means to monitor and verify the number of calls they make, subject to a rental charge of ten shillings per annum. This regulation applies to subscribers of telephone exchanges where the requisite apparatus has been installed, extending its reach across the Commonwealth as governed by the overarching Post and Telegraph Act. The amendment does not explicitly state any exclusions or thresholds, but its application is implicitly limited to those subscribers who meet the specified conditions, namely, having the necessary apparatus installed at their telephone exchanges. The regulation also does not specify any geographic restrictions beyond the Commonwealth's jurisdiction, thereby ensuring a uniform application across the nation.

Key Provisions

The primary operative section of this legislation is the amendment to Regulation 29 of the Telephone Regulations 1913 (sub-regulation 29(3)). This addition allows subscribers to telephone exchanges equipped with the requisite apparatus to request automatic recording registers, on written application to the Deputy Postmaster-General. These registers enable subscribers to monitor the number of calls they have made. The rental for this apparatus is set at ten shillings per annum. This amendment is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in telephone usage. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties it governs. Firstly, subscribers must submit a written application to the Deputy Postmaster-General to obtain the automatic recording registers. This requirement ensures that requests are formal and documented, allowing for proper record-keeping and management by the Postmaster-General's office. Secondly, telephone exchanges must be equipped with the necessary apparatus to support the installation and operation of these recording registers. This condition ensures that the technology is available and functional at the exchanges where subscribers request the service. Additionally, the subscribers must pay the specified rental charge of ten shillings per annum, which is a financial obligation to maintain the service. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Act may result in various consequences. While the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance, it is reasonable to infer that breaches could lead to administrative actions. For instance, subscribers who fail to pay the rental charge might face service interruptions or termination of their ability to use the automatic recording registers. Furthermore, telephone exchanges not fulfilling the apparatus requirement might be subject to regulatory scrutiny or corrective actions by the Postmaster-General’s office to ensure compliance. While the Act does not specify maximum penalties, the implications of non-compliance are significant enough to ensure adherence to the prescribed obligations.