Telephone Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1954 No. 29, made under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950, amends the Telephone Regulations to address the need for updated procedures for setting charges for international telephone calls. Enacted by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, the regulation seeks to ensure that charges for calls beyond the Commonwealth are established through agreements between the Department, the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia), and the appropriate authorities in the destination country. This regulatory change reflects the evolving nature of international telecommunications and the necessity for a coordinated approach to managing costs associated with cross-border calls.

Scope and Application

The regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1950, made by the Governor-General in Council, amends the Telephone Regulations to establish the charges for calls to locations beyond the Commonwealth. Specifically, Regulation 144a is repealed and replaced, stipulating that the charge for such calls must align with those agreed upon between the Department, the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia), and the appropriate authority or organisation in the destination place. This regulation applies to entities involved in the telecommunications industry, particularly those facilitating international calls, ensuring consistency and fairness in the pricing structure of cross-border communications. The regulation’s scope extends to the entire Commonwealth of Australia, governing the conduct and transactions related to international telephone calls. No specific exclusions or exemptions are stated in this regulation; however, its application may be extended or restricted through further subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this statutory instrument is Regulation 144a, which amends the existing charges for calls made beyond the Commonwealth. Specifically, Section 144a stipulates that the charge for such calls is to be determined by an agreement between the Department, the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia), and the appropriate authority or organisation in the destination country. This new regulation replaces Regulation 144a previously in place, aligning the charges with international agreements. The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily on the Department and the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia), requiring them to enter into agreements with the appropriate authorities in other countries to establish the charges for calls made beyond the Commonwealth. These agreements must be comprehensive, covering all aspects of the charges, ensuring that there is a clear understanding and agreement on the financial terms of international calls. In terms of consequences for breach, the statutory instrument does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance with this regulation. However, given the regulatory nature of the document, any failure to comply with the established charges as per the agreements could potentially lead to disputes or legal challenges. The Department and the Overseas Telecommunications Commission (Australia) would need to ensure adherence to these agreements to avoid any such issues. While the regulation itself does not specify maximum penalties, any legal proceedings arising from non-compliance would be subject to the general legal framework governing telecommunications in Australia.