Telephone Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1913, No. 136, are Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, specifically addressing the installation of Automatic Private Branch Telephones. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were introduced due to the growing demand for advanced telecommunication services within private premises. The aim of these regulations was to provide a structured framework for the installation and operation of private branch exchanges that connect with the Department’s system, ensuring a balance between the costs borne by subscribers and the Department. The policy objective is to facilitate the adoption of automated telephone systems in private settings while maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the overall telecommunications network.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, specifically the amended Telephone Regulations, apply to individuals and entities seeking to install Automatic Private Branch Exchanges (PBX) on their premises. These entities must connect their PBX systems with the Department’s system. The Regulations outline the terms and conditions under which such installations will be facilitated by the Department, including the division of costs between the subscribers and the Department. Subscribers are responsible for the wiring within the building, whereas the Department bears the costs for the exchange wires, switchboard, and telephones used throughout the building. Subscribers must also cover annual fees for each telephone, an annual rental for the switchboard, and the cost of electricity for the PBX battery. These terms are binding for a minimum of three years, and all installations and apparatus must be approved by the Department. The Regulations also provide for special cases where non-Department systems are already in place, allowing for their connection under certain conditions and valuations.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the amended Telephone Regulations under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901-1910, as set forth in Statutory Rules 1913, No. 136, introduce a new Part XIIa, which governs the installation of Automatic Private Branch Telephones. Regulation 70a mandates that upon receiving an application from an individual or entity wishing to install such systems, the Department will outline the terms necessary to fulfill the applicant's requirements through automatic apparatus. Regulation 70b then elaborates on the basis of the installation, stipulating that while the subscribers bear the cost of wiring and maintenance of the internal telephones and switchboard, the Department covers the expense of external wires, switchboard installation, and telephones. Subscribers must also pay an annual fee for each telephone and a rental fee for the switchboard, with the cost of electricity to power the exchange also falling on the subscriber. The obligations imposed on the parties governed by these Regulations are quite specific and require a collaborative approach. Subscribers must fund the internal wiring and the maintenance of their telephones and switchboard. They must also agree to provide the necessary staff to manage incoming calls at the Private Branch Exchange. Additionally, all installations and apparatus must be approved by the Department, ensuring they meet the required standards. In cases where existing automatic systems need to connect with the Department’s system, the Department may take over certain instruments at a valuation, applying the same terms as outlined. Breach of these Regulations may result in penalties or other consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, it is implicit that non-compliance with the financial obligations, such as failing to pay the required annual fees, or disregarding the requirement for approved installations, could lead to enforcement actions. Such actions might include fines, disconnection of services, or other administrative penalties imposed by the Department. The exact penalties would be subject to the broader legal framework governing postal and telegraph services in Australia at the time.