Telephone Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1913 were enacted in 1915 to amend the existing telephone regulations, addressing issues related to the use of telephone lines and associated charges. These regulations were certified by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council and came into immediate operation due to their urgency. The policy objective of these amendments was to ensure proper usage of telephone services, including restrictions on who could use the lines and the charges that could be applied for such use. The Postmaster-General had the authority to approve or reject any additional charges or usage terms, ensuring that subscribers adhered to the regulations to maintain fair and orderly use of the telephone network.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1913, as amended, apply to subscribers of telephone services within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations govern the use and management of telephone lines, establishing guidelines for subscribers, their family members, employees, and other authorised users. They are designed to regulate the use of telephone lines, manage subscriber charges, and ensure compliance with the Act. The regulations also impose restrictions on the use of telephone lines by non-subscribers, subject to certain exceptions such as emergencies, medical aid, fire notices, or police calls. The regulations are enforced by the Postmaster-General, who has the authority to disconnect services, recover unpaid charges, and impose additional penalties where necessary. The scope of these regulations extends to the entire Commonwealth, and they are intended to provide a comprehensive framework for the administration and use of telephone services.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1913, as outlined in Statutory Rules 1915, No. 214, introduce significant amendments to the Telephone Regulations of 1913. Regulation 20, which replaces the previous Regulation 20, stipulates that telephone exchange lines are to be used exclusively by the subscriber, their family, or employees for the subscriber's affairs only. There are exceptions for emergency use by other subscribers connected to the same exchange, and consent can be granted for non-subscribers to summon medical aid, report fires, or call the police (Reg. 20(1)). Additionally, subscribers can allow the use of their line to a non-subscriber, but must pay the applicable charges, with an optional additional charge of up to two pence (Reg. 20(2)). However, subscribers connecting to places beyond the exchange network limits cannot grant use of their service to others, except in emergencies, unless they obtain prior consent from the Postmaster-General. Regulation 57, replacing the previous Regulation 57, permits subscribers to charge two pence for each three-minute or part thereof conversation within the network, with the money retained by the subscriber (Reg. 57(1)). The obligations imposed by these regulations on subscribers and the Postmaster-General are clearly defined. Subscribers must ensure that their telephone lines are used only by themselves, their family, or employees for their own affairs, and they must not charge more than the specified rates without the Postmaster-General's approval (Reg. 20(1), (2)). Subscribers are also required to pay the prescribed charges for the use of their lines by non-subscribers, with an optional additional charge of up to two pence, and cannot charge more than one penny per conversation of three minutes or part thereof until December 10, 1915 (Reg. 20(2), 57(2)). The Postmaster-General has the authority to approve or disapprove the use of telephone services by subscribers, especially in cases where subscribers wish to allow the use of their lines to others beyond their family or employees (Reg. 20(1)). Offences and penalties for breaches of these regulations are outlined within the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1913, which the Provisional Regulations reference. Subscribers who violate the provisions, such as by charging more than the permitted rates or allowing unauthorized use of their lines, are liable to have their telephone service disconnected (Reg. 20(1)). The Postmaster-General retains the right to recover unpaid rent and/or other charges up to the end of the agreed term, and may compel the subscriber to pay prescribed rates (Reg. 20(1)). Additionally, the Postmaster-General can impose financial penalties or other sanctions for non-compliance with the specified regulations.