Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1922, enacted by the Federal Executive Council and the Governor-General, is an amended regulation under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, aimed at updating the regulatory framework for wireless telegraphy in Australia. This legislative instrument addresses the need to adjust the rates and services associated with wireless communication, particularly in response to technological advancements and evolving communication needs. The policy objective is to ensure that the regulation remains relevant and effective in governing wireless telegraphy services within the country. These amendments were made to streamline the regulatory process and better cater to the needs of different communication scenarios, such as government messages, press messages, and trans-oceanic communications.

Scope and Application

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1922, as amended, apply to the communication and transmission of wireless telegraphy across various stations within and around Australia, including mainland, Tasmania, and certain islands under Commonwealth administration. These regulations are applicable to both ordinary and press messages, establishing specific charges for these communications. They delineate rates for messages exchanged between different types of stations, such as those on the mainland or in Tasmania and those on islands like King and Flinders islands, and also provide rates for deferred and weekend telegrams. Additionally, the regulations address charges for trans-oceanic press radio-telegrams, specifying that these should be accepted for broadcast transmission with designated charges. The regulations are crafted to manage and standardise the cost and process of wireless telegraphy communications across the specified regions and stations.

Key Provisions

The amended Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1922 introduce significant changes to the rates and conditions for wireless telegraphy services, particularly focusing on message charges between different types of stations. Regulation 21 has been revised by omitting certain paragraphs and relabelling others to streamline the structure. Regulation 22 has been amended to exclude references to land stations and to modify the rates for government messages between ships and coast stations, ship stations, and land lines. Notably, Regulation 22 now specifies a rate of 1d. per word for coast station charges, half ordinary rates for ship station charges, and 1d. per word for land line charges for government messages. These regulations impose specific obligations on parties involved in wireless telegraphy communications. For example, Regulation 23 sets forth detailed rates for messages exchanged between various types of stations, including those on the Australian mainland, in Tasmania, and on islands within the Commonwealth administration. Parties must adhere to these rates when transmitting messages, with special provisions for press messages and trans-oceanic press radio-telegrams. Regulation 25a allows for the broadcast transmission of trans-oceanic press radio-telegrams without an address, subject to specified charges. Breach of these regulations can lead to civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the regulations themselves, under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905-1919, penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The exact penalties would be determined by the courts based on the nature and severity of the breach. Parties are thus required to ensure strict adherence to the prescribed rates and conditions to avoid any legal repercussions.