Telephone Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1915, No. 1, titled "Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913," was introduced to amend the existing telephone regulations and provide for the immediate implementation of these changes due to the urgency of the matter. The Governor-General, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council, certified the regulations as provisional, allowing them to come into immediate effect. This legislative instrument aimed to address the need for updated charges and processes for the relocation and alteration of telephone installations within the same network, ensuring that the costs incurred by the Department were appropriately reflected in subscriber fees. The policy objective of these regulations was to establish clear guidelines for the charges associated with various types of telephone alterations and relocations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the pricing structure. The Postmaster-General, W. G. Spence, played a key role in overseeing the amendment of the Telephone Regulations 1913 to reflect the new charges and procedures. The regulations specified that subscribers would be responsible for the costs associated with the removal or alteration of their telephones, with detailed pricing scales provided for different types of changes. The policy objective was to ensure that the costs incurred by the Department for labour and materials were accurately passed on to the subscribers, while also accounting for any additional travel expenses that might arise. This amendment aimed to streamline the process and provide a clear framework for handling telephone relocations and alterations within the same network.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 applies to subscribers of the telephone service within the network of the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulation specifies the charges associated with the removal and alteration of telephone apparatus and the relocation of telephones within the same premises. It mandates that subscribers bear the costs of labour, materials, and any additional expenses if the travel cost exceeds 25 per cent of the prescribed charge. This regulation applies to the entire Commonwealth and is designed to ensure that subscribers are fairly charged for alterations and relocations within the network. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and its application is limited to the charges for internal alterations and relocations of telephone equipment within the same network, with no provisions for changes between different networks or regions. Any further details or modifications to the regulation may be addressed through subsequent statutory rules or subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The operative sections of the Provisional Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1913 (C1915L00001) detail the charges and conditions for subscribers who request the relocation or alteration of their telephone services. Regulation 21(1)(a) specifies the costs associated with moving a telephone to a new location within the same network, based on whether the rental is increased or not. Regulation 21(1)(b) outlines a scale of charges for alterations within the same premises, including changes to the location of the telephone, reversal of positions of main and extension sets, and alterations of exchange numbers. Regulation 21(1)(c) mandates that if travel costs exceed 25% of the applicable charge, the subscriber must pay the excess amount. The regulation imposes several obligations on subscribers. First, subscribers must bear the cost of moving or altering their telephone services, as specified in the regulation. This includes the labour cost, material used, and any additional travel expenses. Second, subscribers must pay for changes to their telephone apparatus or its location, according to the prescribed scale. Third, subscribers must ensure that they meet any conditions for the alteration of their exchange numbers, particularly when consecutive numbers are necessary for operational reasons. Breach of the provisions outlined in these regulations may lead to civil or administrative consequences. For instance, if a subscriber fails to pay the charges as stipulated, the service provider may seek payment through civil action or other means. Additionally, if a subscriber engages in activities that are not permitted under the regulation, such as unauthorised alterations or removals, they may face penalties. However, the specific penalties or consequences for breach are not explicitly stated in the provided text. It is advisable for subscribers to comply with the stipulated charges and conditions to avoid any potential repercussions.