Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1914, No. 164, represent amendments to the existing regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913. These regulations were enacted to update and refine the administrative framework governing telephone services in Australia. This legislative instrument was made by the Deputy of the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation immediately upon its issuance. The Postmaster-General, W. G. Spence, was responsible for its execution. The primary policy objective of these amendments was to address the administrative needs and financial structuring of telephone services by introducing new subscription and usage fee structures, thereby ensuring the effective and equitable operation of the telephone network across various regions and usage periods.

Scope and Application

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913, issued as Statutory Rules 1914, No. 164, applies to persons and entities using the telephone services provided by the Commonwealth of Australia. Specifically, it modifies the subscription process for telephone services in buildings and private residences and establishes new rates for trunk lines, which are lines connecting two separate towns or specified exchanges. The regulation alters the fee structure for additional subscribers in shared premises and delineates the pricing for trunk line usage based on the distance between locations and the time of call. This regulation operates under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth, impacting telecommunications across various regions within Australia. The legislation does not explicitly state exclusions or thresholds, but the application of the new rates and subscription processes would naturally exclude those not subscribing to the services or using the specified trunk lines. The regulation extends its reach through the amendment of previous statutory rules, thereby integrating these changes into the existing legal framework governing telecommunications in Australia.

Key Provisions

The amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 introduces significant changes to the way telephone services are provided and charged, particularly in relation to multiple subscribers sharing an exchange number and the pricing of trunk line usage. Regulation 24 now allows persons occupying the same building or private residence to jointly subscribe under one exchange number, provided they pay an additional fee of £1 in advance for the first year and £1 per annum thereafter (Regulation 24(1)). This change accommodates businesses or families in shared spaces who wish to have a single telephone line for their collective use, simplifying their subscription process. Regulation 51 outlines the new pricing structure for trunk lines, which are lines connecting two separate towns or exchanges not specified in the previous regulation. These lines are now subject to a charge based on the length of the trunk line used and the time of day, with specific rates provided for conversations during daytime and nighttime hours (Regulation 51(1)). Additionally, the charges for specific trunk lines, such as those between Sydney and Melbourne, and Melbourne and Adelaide, have been detailed to reflect the varying costs associated with different distances and times of use (Regulation 51(1)). The amended Regulation imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties involved. For instance, businesses or individuals who wish to share a telephone line under the same exchange number must adhere to the new payment structure, which includes the initial and annual additional fees (Regulation 24(1)). Furthermore, the regulation requires precise billing based on the length of the trunk line used and the specific time of the call, necessitating accurate record-keeping and possibly the installation of devices to measure the duration of trunk line usage (Regulation 51(1)). These obligations ensure that all parties are aware of their financial responsibilities and that the Postmaster-General can accurately bill for the services provided. Failure to comply with the new regulations may result in civil or criminal consequences, though the specific penalties are not detailed within the text provided. Generally, breaches of regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act could lead to fines or other legal actions, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. For instance, not adhering to the specified payment terms for shared exchange numbers or incorrect billing for trunk line usage could result in disputes that may need to be resolved through legal channels. It is important for all parties to understand and comply with these regulations to avoid any potential penalties or legal issues.