Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1913, No. 262, amended the Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1912, specifically addressing the provision of telephone lines in country districts that were either not fully constructed or only partially erected by the Postmaster-General. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, the regulation sought to ensure that telephones provided by licensees met the required standards and were maintained to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General. This legislative instrument aimed to clarify and enhance the quality and reliability of telephone services in rural areas by specifying the types of telephones that could be used and the responsibility of the licensee in maintaining them. The policy objective was to standardise and improve the quality of communication infrastructure in country districts, ensuring that all telephones provided by licensees were of an approved pattern and maintained to a satisfactory level.

Scope and Application

The Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1912 provides the legal framework for the governance of postal and telegraph services within the Commonwealth of Australia. This statutory instrument amends the existing regulations to address telephone lines in country districts that have not been fully erected by the Postmaster-General. Specifically, the amended regulation under Part XIV of the Telephone Regulations mandates that the telephone equipment used by the licensee must be supplied by the licensee themselves, provided it is of a pattern approved by the Deputy Postmaster-General and maintained to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General. This regulation applies to individuals and entities licensed to operate telephone services in country districts, ensuring that the equipment meets specific standards set by the relevant authorities. The regulation's scope is national, extending across all states and territories within Australia, and it does not exclude any particular areas or types of telephone lines from its application. The regulation's enforcement and further specifications are subject to the overarching provisions of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1912, which allows for additional rules and guidelines to be established through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this amended regulation (Regulation 31) pertain to the requirements for telephones used by licensees in country districts where the telephone lines have not been fully erected by the Postmaster-General. Specifically, section 31(2) stipulates that the telephone for the use of the licensee must be provided by the licensee themselves and must adhere to a pattern approved by the Deputy Postmaster-General. Furthermore, the licensee is responsible for maintaining the telephone to the satisfaction of the Postmaster-General. This regulation ensures that the telephone equipment used meets certain standards and is adequately maintained, thereby ensuring proper service and reliability. The obligations imposed on the licensees by this Act include the responsibility of providing an approved telephone and maintaining it to the required standard. This means that licensees must ensure the telephone equipment they use is of the correct pattern and is kept in good working order. Failure to meet these obligations could potentially lead to service disruptions or other issues related to the quality of the telephone service provided. The regulation also places the onus on the Postmaster-General to ensure that the standards are met, which includes inspecting the telephones and assessing whether they meet the required maintenance standards. There are no explicit offences or penalties mentioned in the regulation itself. However, non-compliance with the obligations outlined could result in various consequences. For instance, if a licensee fails to provide an approved telephone or maintain it to the required standard, the Postmaster-General may take action to rectify the situation, which could include requiring the licensee to rectify the issues or potentially terminating the license if the issues are not resolved. While the regulation does not specify a maximum penalty, the consequences of failing to comply with these requirements could be significant, affecting the licensee's ability to operate their telephone service effectively.