Telecommunications Act 1997

Act No. 47 of 1997 as amended

This compilation was prepared on 30 July 2012
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 44 of 2012

[Note: Subsections 531F(1) and (2) and paragraphs 531G(2)(e) and
(3A)(e) ceased to have effect on 27 May 2009, see subsections 531F(3),
531G(3) and (3B)]

The text of any of those amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section

The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney‑General’s Department, Canberra

  

  

  

Contents

Part 1—Introduction                                                                                                            1

1............ Short title [see Note 1]........................................................................ 1

2............ Commencement [see Note 1].............................................................. 1

3............ Objects................................................................................................ 1

4............ Regulatory policy................................................................................ 3

5............ Simplified outline................................................................................ 3

6............ Main index.......................................................................................... 7

7............ Definitions.......................................................................................... 8

8............ Crown to be bound........................................................................... 21

9............ Extra‑territorial application................................................................ 21

10.......... Extension to external Territories........................................................ 21

11.......... Extension to offshore areas............................................................... 21

11A....... Application of the Criminal Code..................................................... 22

12.......... Act subject to Radiocommunications Act.......................................... 22

13.......... Continuity of partnerships................................................................. 22

14.......... Controlled carriage services, controlled networks and controlled facilities               23

15.......... Content service.................................................................................. 24

16.......... Listed carriage services..................................................................... 25

18.......... Access to an emergency call service.................................................. 25

19.......... Recognised person who operates an emergency call service............. 26

20.......... Customer cabling.............................................................................. 26

21.......... Customer equipment......................................................................... 26

22.......... Customer cabling and customer equipment—boundary of a telecommunications network      27

23.......... Immediate circle................................................................................ 29

24.......... Extended meaning of use.................................................................. 34

Part 2—Network units                                                                                                      35

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                                35

25.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 35

Division 2—Basic definition                                                                                    36

26.......... Single line links connecting distinct places in Australia.................... 36

27.......... Multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia................. 36

28.......... Designated radiocommunications facility.......................................... 37

29.......... Facilities specified in Ministerial determination................................. 38

Division 3—Related definitions                                                                             39

30.......... Line links.......................................................................................... 39

31.......... Designated radiocommunications facility.......................................... 39

32.......... Public mobile telecommunications service........................................ 40

33.......... Intercell hand‑over functions............................................................. 42

34.......... When a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network      42

35.......... Fixed radiocommunications link....................................................... 44

Division 4—Distinct places                                                                                      45

36.......... Distinct places—basic rules.............................................................. 45

37.......... Properties.......................................................................................... 45

38.......... Combined areas................................................................................. 46

39.......... Principal user of a property............................................................... 46

40.......... Eligible combined areas..................................................................... 47

Part 3—Carriers                                                                                                                   48

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                                48

41.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 48

Division 2—Prohibitions relating to carriers                                                49

42.......... Network unit not to be used without carrier licence or nominated carrier declaration               49

43.......... Continuing offences.......................................................................... 50

44.......... Supply to the public.......................................................................... 50

45.......... Exemption—defence......................................................................... 52

46.......... Exemption—intelligence operations.................................................. 52

47.......... Exemption—transport authorities...................................................... 53

48.......... Exemption—broadcasting services................................................... 54

49.......... Exemption—electricity supply bodies............................................... 56

50.......... Exemption—line links authorised by or under previous laws........... 56

51.......... Exemption—Ministerial determination.............................................. 58

Division 3—Carrier licences                                                                                   60

52.......... Applications for carrier licence.......................................................... 60

53.......... Form of application etc...................................................................... 60

53A....... Copy of application to be given to Communications Access Co‑ordinator               60

54.......... Application to be accompanied by charge......................................... 60

55.......... Further information........................................................................... 60

56.......... Grant of licence................................................................................. 61

56A....... Consultation with Communications Access Co‑ordinator................. 61

57.......... Carrier licence has effect subject to this Act...................................... 62

58.......... Refusal of carrier licence—disqualified applicant.............................. 63

58A....... Refusal of carrier licence—security................................................... 66

59.......... Time limit on licence decision........................................................... 67

60.......... Notification of refusal of application................................................. 69

61.......... Conditions of carrier licence specified in Schedule 1........................ 69

62.......... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010         69

62A....... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010      70

62B....... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010      70

62C....... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010       70

62D....... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010       70

62E........ Condition of carrier licence set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011          70

63.......... Conditions of carrier licence declared by Minister............................ 71

64.......... Consultation about declared licence conditions................................. 73

65.......... Conditions about foreign ownership or control................................. 73

67.......... Carrier licence conditions—special provisions.................................. 73

68.......... Compliance with conditions.............................................................. 74

69.......... Remedial directions—breach of condition......................................... 74

69AA.... Remedial directions—breach of conditions relating to access........... 76

70.......... Formal warnings—breach of condition............................................. 77

71.......... Surrender of carrier licence............................................................... 79

72.......... Cancellation of carrier licence............................................................ 79

73.......... Collection of charges relating to carrier licences................................ 81

73A....... Refund of application charge............................................................. 83

74.......... Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth..................... 83

75.......... Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge................................ 83

76.......... Commonwealth not liable to charge.................................................. 83

Division 4—Nominated carrier declarations                                                 85

77.......... Applications for nominated carrier declarations................................ 85

78.......... Application to be accompanied by charge etc.................................... 85

79.......... Form of application etc...................................................................... 85

80.......... Further information........................................................................... 85

81.......... Making a nominated carrier declaration............................................. 86

81A....... Obligations of nominated carrier....................................................... 86

82.......... Notification of refusal of application................................................. 87

83.......... Revocation of nominated carrier declaration...................................... 87

Division 5—Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences   89

84.......... Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences.......... 89

Part 4—Service providers                                                                                               90

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                                90

85.......... Simplified outline.............................................................................. 90

Division 2—Service providers                                                                               91

86.......... Service providers.............................................................................. 91

Division 3—Carriage service providers                                                           92

87.......... Carriage service providers................................................................. 92

88.......... Supply to the public.......................................................................... 94

89.......... Exemption from definition—customers located on the same premises 95

90.......... Exemption from definition—defence................................................ 95

91.......... Exemption from definition—intelligence operations......................... 96

92.......... Exemption from definition—transport authorities............................. 96

93.......... Exemption from definition—broadcasting services........................... 97

94.......... Exemption from definition—electricity supply bodies...................... 98

95.......... Exemption from definition—Ministerial determination..................... 98

96.......... Exemption from certain regulatory provisions—Ministerial determination              99

Division 4—Content service providers                                                           100

97.......... Content service providers................................................................ 100

Division 5—Service provider rules                                                                   101

98.......... Service provider rules..................................................................... 101

99.......... Service provider determinations...................................................... 102

100........ Exemptions from service provider rules.......................................... 103

101........ Service providers must comply with service provider rules............ 103

102........ Remedial directions—breach of service provider rules................... 104

103........ Formal warnings—breach of service provider rules....................... 105

Part 5—Monitoring of the performance of carriers and carriage service providers       108

104........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 108

105........ Monitoring of performance—annual report.................................... 108

105A..... Monitoring of performance—additional report............................... 110

105C..... Monitoring of breaches by Telstra of an undertaking about structural separation     110

Part 6—Industry codes and industry standards                                             112

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              112

106........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 112

Division 2—Interpretation                                                                                     113

107........ Industry codes................................................................................. 113

108........ Industry standards........................................................................... 113

108A..... Electronic messaging service provider............................................ 113

108B..... Telecommunications industry.......................................................... 113

109........ Telecommunications activity........................................................... 114

109A..... E‑marketing activity........................................................................ 114

109B..... Telemarketing activity..................................................................... 115

109C..... Fax marketing activity..................................................................... 117

110........ Sections of the telecommunications industry................................... 119

110A..... Sections of the e‑marketing industry............................................... 120

110B..... Sections of the telemarketing industry............................................. 121

110C..... Sections of the fax marketing industry............................................ 122

111........ Participants in a section of the telecommunications industry........... 122

111A..... Participants in a section of the e‑marketing industry....................... 123

111AA.. Participants in a section of the telemarketing industry..................... 123

111AB.. Participants in a section of the fax marketing industry.................... 123

111B..... Unsolicited commercial electronic messages................................... 123

Division 3—General principles relating to industry codes and industry standards        124

112........ Statement of regulatory policy......................................................... 124

113........ Examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards            126

114........ Industry codes and industry standards may confer powers on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman      129

115........ Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with certain design features and performance requirements       129

116........ Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with matters dealt with by codes and standards under Part 9 of the Broadcasting Services Act.............................................................. 131

116A..... Industry codes and standards do not affect Privacy Act 1988......... 131

Division 4—Industry codes                                                                                    132

117........ Registration of industry codes......................................................... 132

118........ ACMA may request codes.............................................................. 134

119........ Publication of notice where no body or association represents a section of the telecommunications industry, the e‑marketing industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry       136

120........ Replacement of industry codes........................................................ 137

121........ Directions about compliance with industry codes........................... 137

122........ Formal warnings—breach of industry codes.................................. 138

122A..... De‑registering industry codes and provisions of industry codes..... 139

Division 5—Industry standards                                                                          140

123........ ACMA may determine an industry standard if a request for an industry code is not complied with        140

124........ ACMA may determine industry standard where no industry body or association formed       141

125........ ACMA may determine industry standards where industry codes fail 142

125AA.. ACMA must determine an industry standard if directed by the Minister 143

125A..... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the telemarketing industry        144

125B..... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the fax marketing industry        145

126........ Industry standards not to be determined for certain privacy matters 146

127........ Industry standards not to be determined during the first 180 days after commencement          146

128........ Compliance with industry standards............................................... 146

129........ Formal warnings—breach of industry standards............................ 147

130........ Variation of industry standards....................................................... 147

131........ Revocation of industry standards.................................................... 148

132........ Public consultation on industry standards....................................... 148

133........ Consultation with ACCC and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman        149

134........ Consultation with Information Commissioner................................ 149

135........ Consultation with consumer body................................................... 149

135A..... Consultation with the States and Territories.................................... 150

Division 6—Register of industry codes and industry standards        151

136........ ACMA to maintain Register of industry codes and industry standards 151

Division 6A—Reimbursement of costs of development of consumer‑related industry codes     152

136A..... Application for eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development of consumer‑related industry code              152

136B..... Declaration of eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development of consumer‑related industry code                153

136C..... Reimbursement of costs of developing consumer‑related industry code  153

136D..... Costs—transactions between persons not at arm’s length............... 155

136E...... Refundable cost............................................................................... 156

Division 7—Miscellaneous                                                                                     157

137........ Protection from civil proceedings.................................................... 157

138........ Implied freedom of political communication................................... 157

139........ Agreements for the carrying on of telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities must require compliance with this Part.................................................................................................. 157

Part 7—Layer 2 bitstream services                                                                         159

140........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 159

141........ Supply of Layer 2 bitstream services.............................................. 159

141A..... Exemptions..................................................................................... 161

141B..... Deemed networks........................................................................... 162

141C..... Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade   163

141D..... Local access line.............................................................................. 164

141E...... Alteration........................................................................................ 164

141F...... Upgrade of telecommunications network........................................ 164

141G..... Small business customer................................................................. 165

Part 8—Superfast fixed‑line networks                                                                  166

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        166

142........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 166

142A..... Definitions...................................................................................... 166

Division 2—Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis       168

143........ Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis....................... 168

144........ Exemptions—Ministerial instrument............................................... 169

145........ Exemption—transport authorities.................................................... 169

146........ Exemption—electricity supply bodies............................................. 171

147........ Exemption—gas supply bodies....................................................... 171

148........ Exemption—water supply bodies................................................... 171

149........ Exemption—sewerage services bodies........................................... 172

150........ Exemption—storm water drainage services bodies......................... 172

151........ Exemption—State or Territory road authorities............................... 173

Division 3—Other provisions                                                                               174

152........ Associate......................................................................................... 174

153........ Control............................................................................................ 175

154........ Control of a company...................................................................... 175

155........ When a person is in a position to exercise control of a network...... 175

156........ Deemed networks........................................................................... 176

157........ Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade   178

158........ Local access line.............................................................................. 178

159........ Alteration........................................................................................ 179

160........ Upgrade of telecommunications network........................................ 179

Part 13—Protection of communications                                                              180

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        180

270........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 180

271........ Eligible person................................................................................ 180

272........ Number‑database operator and eligible number‑database person.... 181

273........ Information..................................................................................... 181

274........ Telecommunications contractor....................................................... 181

275........ Number‑database contractor............................................................ 181

275A..... Location information....................................................................... 181

275B..... Emergency management person...................................................... 182

275C..... Emergency...................................................................................... 183

275D..... Emergency law................................................................................ 183

275E...... Relevant information....................................................................... 183

Division 2—Primary disclosure/use offences                                               184

276........ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible persons........................... 184

277........ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible number‑database persons 186

278........ Primary disclosure/use offence—emergency call persons............... 187

Division 3—Exceptions to primary disclosure/use offences                 189

Subdivision A—Exceptions                                                                                  189

279........ Performance of person’s duties....................................................... 189

280........ Authorisation by or under law........................................................ 190

281........ Witnesses........................................................................................ 190

284........ Assisting the ACMA, the ACCC, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman or TUSMA             190

285........ Integrated public number database.................................................. 191

285A..... Data for emergency warnings......................................................... 195

286........ Calls to emergency service number................................................. 196

287........ Threat to person’s life or health....................................................... 196

288........ Communications for maritime purposes.......................................... 197

289........ Knowledge or consent of person concerned.................................... 197

290........ Implicit consent of sender and recipient of communication............. 197

291........ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..................... 198

291A..... Location dependent carriage services.............................................. 200

292........ Circumstances prescribed in the regulations.................................... 201

293........ Uses connected with exempt disclosures........................................ 201

294........ Effect of this Subdivision................................................................ 202

Subdivision B—Burden of proof                                                                        202

295........ Burden of proof.............................................................................. 202

Division 3A—Integrated public number database authorisations    203

Subdivision A—ACMA scheme for the granting of authorisations           203

295A..... ACMA to make integrated public number database scheme........... 203

295B..... Scheme must deal with certain matters............................................ 203

295C..... Applications may be treated differently........................................... 203

295D..... Scope of authorisations................................................................... 204

295E...... Provisional and final authorisations................................................ 204

295F...... Conditions....................................................................................... 204

295G..... Varying or revoking authorisations................................................. 204

295H..... Scheme may confer administrative powers on the ACMA............. 204

295J...... Ancillary or incidental provisions................................................... 204

295K..... Scheme‑making power not limited.................................................. 205

295L...... Variation of scheme........................................................................ 205

295M.... Consultation.................................................................................... 205

Subdivision B—Ministerial instruments                                                          206

295N..... Criteria for deciding authorisation applications............................... 206

295P...... Conditions....................................................................................... 206

295Q..... Other reviewable decisions............................................................. 206

Subdivision C—Enforcing compliance with conditions of authorisations 207

295R..... Offence of breaching a condition.................................................... 207

295S...... Remedial directions for breaching a condition................................. 207

295T...... Formal warnings for breaching a condition..................................... 207

Subdivision D—Report to Minister                                                                    208

295U..... Report to Minister........................................................................... 208

Division 3B—Emergency warnings                                                                  209

295V..... Use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons 209

295W.... Use or disclosure of information by other persons......................... 209

295X..... Effect on telecommunications network............................................ 210

295Y..... Coronial and other inquiries............................................................ 210

295Z...... Offence—use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons     210

295ZA... Offence—use or disclosure of information by other persons.......... 211

295ZB... Reports of access............................................................................ 211

295ZC... Annual reports to the ACMA and Information Commissioner....... 212

295ZD... Arrangements with States and Territories....................................... 212

295ZE... Commonwealth immunity............................................................... 213

Division 4—Secondary disclosure/use offences                                          214

296........ Performance of person’s duties....................................................... 214

297........ Authorisation by or under law........................................................ 214

299........ Assisting the ACMA, the ACCC, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman or TUSMA             214

299A..... Integrated public number database.................................................. 215

300........ Threat to person’s life or health....................................................... 216

301........ Communications for maritime purposes.......................................... 216

302........ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..................... 217

302A..... Location dependent carriage services.............................................. 217

303........ Secondary offence—contravening this Division............................. 218

303A..... Generality of Division not limited................................................... 218

Division 4A—Relationship with the Privacy Act 1988                           219

303B..... Acts taken to be authorised by law for purposes of Privacy Act..... 219

303C..... Prosecution of an offence against this Part does not affect proceedings under the Privacy Act 1988       219

Division 5—Record‑keeping requirements                                                   220

304........ Associate......................................................................................... 220

305........ Authorisations under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979                220

306........ Record of disclosures—general...................................................... 220

306A..... Record of disclosures—prospective authorisation under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979........................................................................................................ 222

307........ Incorrect records............................................................................. 223

308........ Annual reports to the ACMA by carriers, carriage service providers or number‑database operators       223

309........ Monitoring by the Information Commissioner................................ 224

Division 6—Instrument‑making powers not limited                                 225

310........ Instrument‑making powers not limited............................................ 225

Part 14—National interest matters                                                                          226

311........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 226

312........ ACMA’s obligations...................................................................... 226

313........ Obligations of carriers and carriage service providers..................... 227

314........ Terms and conditions on which help is to be given......................... 229

315........ Suspension of supply of carriage service in an emergency............. 230

316........ Generality of Part not limited.......................................................... 231

Part 16—Defence requirements and disaster plans                                      232

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        232

333........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 232

334........ Defence authority............................................................................ 232

Division 2—Supply of carriage services                                                         233

335........ Requirement to supply carriage services for defence purposes or for the management of natural disasters              233

Division 3—Defence planning                                                                              235

336........ Definitions...................................................................................... 235

337........ Preparation of draft agreement........................................................ 235

338........ ACMA’s certification of draft agreement........................................ 235

339........ Requirement to enter into certified agreement.................................. 236

340........ Compliance with agreement............................................................ 237

341........ Withdrawal of certification of agreement......................................... 237

342........ Duration of agreement..................................................................... 237

343........ Variation of agreement.................................................................... 238

Division 4—Disaster plans                                                                                     239

344........ Designated disaster plans................................................................ 239

345........ Carrier licence conditions about designated disaster plans.............. 239

346........ Service provider determinations about designated disaster plans.... 239

346A..... Carrier and carriage service provider immunity............................... 239

Division 5—Delegation                                                                                            240

347........ Delegation....................................................................................... 240

Part 17—Pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers             241

348........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 241

349........ Requirement to provide pre‑selection.............................................. 241

350........ When pre‑selection is provided in favour of a carriage service provider  242

350A..... Declared carriage services............................................................... 243

351........ Pre‑selection to be provided............................................................ 244

352........ Exemptions from requirement to provide pre‑selection................... 245

353........ Use of over‑ride dial codes............................................................. 245

Part 18—Calling line identification                                                                         247

354........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 247

355........ Calling line identification................................................................. 247

356........ Exemptions from calling line identification requirement.................. 247

Part 19—Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS)                                     249

357........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 249

358........ Meaning of AMPS........................................................................... 249

359........ Scope of Part................................................................................... 249

360........ No new AMPS............................................................................... 249

361........ AMPS to be phased out.................................................................. 249

362........ Limited exemption from phase‑out of AMPS................................. 250

363........ Competition not to be reduced......................................................... 251

Part 20—International aspects of activities of the telecommunications industry                252

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              252

364........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 252

Division 2—Compliance with international agreements                        253

365........ INTELSAT and Inmarsat—directions to Signatories...................... 253

366........ Compliance with conventions......................................................... 253

Division 3—Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators             255

367........ Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators   255

368........ ACCC to administer Rules of Conduct........................................... 257

369........ Rules of Conduct to bind carriers and carriage service providers.... 257

370........ Unenforceability of agreements....................................................... 258

371........ Investigations by the ACCC........................................................... 258

372........ Reviews of the operation of this Division....................................... 258

Part 20A—Deployment of optical fibre etc.                                                       260

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              260

372A..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 260

Division 2—Deployment of optical fibre lines                                             261

372B..... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building lots............................ 261

372C..... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building units.......................... 263

372D..... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument............................................... 264

Division 3—Installation of fibre‑ready facilities                                        266

Subdivision A—Installation obligations                                                           266

372E...... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building lots.......................... 266

372F...... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building units........................ 267

Subdivision B—Sale of building lots and building units                              269

372G..... Sale of building lots and building units—subdivisions................... 269

372H..... Sale of building units—other projects............................................. 271

Subdivision C—NBN Co may issue statement about the non‑installation of optical fibre lines 272

372J...... NBN Co may issue statement about the non‑installation of optical fibre lines          272

372JA... Register of Statements about the Non‑installation of Optical Fibre Lines 273

Subdivision D—Exemptions                                                                                273

372K..... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument............................................... 273

Division 4—Third party access regime                                                           275

372L...... Third party access regime................................................................ 275

372M.... Terms and conditions of access....................................................... 277

372N..... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument............................................... 277

372NA.. Code relating to access.................................................................... 278

Division 5—Exemption of certain projects                                                   280

372P...... Exemption of certain projects.......................................................... 280

Division 6—Miscellaneous                                                                                     281

372Q..... Real estate development projects etc................................................ 281

372R..... Subdivision of an area of land......................................................... 282

372S...... Building units.................................................................................. 283

372T...... Sale of building lots........................................................................ 283

372U..... Sale of building units...................................................................... 283

372V..... Fixed‑line facilities.......................................................................... 284

372W.... Fibre‑ready facility.......................................................................... 284

372X..... Installation of a facility.................................................................... 285

372Y..... Installation of a fibre‑ready facility in proximity to a building lot or building unit    285

372Z...... Sewerage services, electricity or water supplied to a building lot or building unit    285

372ZA... Supply to the public........................................................................ 287

372ZB... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws............................ 287

372ZD... NBN Co.......................................................................................... 287

Part 21—Technical regulation                                                                                   288

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              288

373........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 288

Division 2—Interpretative provisions                                                             290

374........ Part applies to networks or facilities in Australia operated by carriers or carriage service providers        290

375........ Manager of network or facility........................................................ 290

Division 3—Technical standards about customer equipment and customer cabling      291

376........ ACMA’s power to make technical standards.................................. 291

376A..... ACMA must make technical standards if directed by the Minister. 293

377........ Adoption of voluntary standards..................................................... 293

378........ Procedures for making technical standards..................................... 293

379........ Making technical standards in cases of urgency.............................. 294

Division 4—Disability standards                                                                        296

380........ Disability standards......................................................................... 296

381........ Adoption of voluntary standards..................................................... 297

382........ Procedures for making disability standards..................................... 297

383........ Effect of compliance with disability standards................................ 298

Division 5—Technical standards about the interconnection of facilities               299

384........ ACMA’s power to make technical standards.................................. 299

385........ Adoption of voluntary standards..................................................... 300

386........ Procedures for making technical standards..................................... 300

387........ Procedures for making technical standards..................................... 301

388........ Provision of access......................................................................... 302

389........ Promotion of the long‑term interests of end‑users of carriage services and of services supplied by means of carriage services........................................................................................... 302

Division 5A—Technical standards relating to Layer 2 bitstream services         303

389A..... ACMA’s power to determine technical standards........................... 303

389B..... Compliance with technical standards............................................... 303

Division 6—Connection permits and connection rules                           305

Subdivision A—Connection permits authorising the connection of non‑standard customer equipment and non‑standard cabling                                                               305

390........ Application for connection permit................................................... 305

391........ Form of application......................................................................... 305

392........ Application to be accompanied by charge....................................... 305

393........ Further information......................................................................... 306

394........ Issue of connection permits............................................................. 306

395........ Connection permit has effect subject to this Act.............................. 307

396........ Nominees of holder......................................................................... 307

397........ Duration of connection permits....................................................... 307

398........ Conditions of connection permits.................................................... 307

399........ Offence of contravening condition.................................................. 308

400........ Formal warnings—breach of condition........................................... 309

401........ Surrender of connection permit....................................................... 309

402........ Cancellation of connection permit................................................... 309

403........ Register of connection permits........................................................ 309

Subdivision B—Connection rules                                                                       310

404........ Connection rules............................................................................. 310

405........ Procedures for making connection rules......................................... 311

Division 7—Labelling of customer equipment and customer cabling 312

406........ Application of labels....................................................................... 312

406A..... Application of Division to agent of manufacturer or importer......... 312

407........ Labelling requirements.................................................................... 312

408........ Requirements to apply labels—ancillary matters............................. 313

409........ Recognised testing authorities and competent bodies...................... 314

410........ Certification bodies......................................................................... 315

411........ Connection of customer equipment or customer cabling—breach of section 376 standards     315

412........ Connection of labelled customer equipment or customer cabling not to be refused  317

413........ Supply of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling               318

414........ Applying labels before satisfying requirements under subsection 408(5)                319

415........ Failure to retain records etc............................................................. 319

416........ Application of labels containing false statements about compliance with standards 320

Division 8—Protected symbols                                                                            321

417........ Protected symbols........................................................................... 321

Division 9—Cabling providers                                                                            325

418........ Cabling work.................................................................................. 325

419........ Types of cabling work.................................................................... 325

420........ Prohibition of unauthorised cabling work....................................... 325

421........ Cabling provider rules..................................................................... 326

422........ Procedures for making cabling provider rules................................. 326

423........ Application for cabling licence........................................................ 327

424........ Form of application......................................................................... 328

425........ Application to be accompanied by charge....................................... 328

426........ Further information......................................................................... 328

427........ Grant of cabling licence................................................................... 328

428........ Time limit on licence decision......................................................... 329

429........ Notification of refusal of application............................................... 329

430........ Cabling licence has effect subject to this Act................................... 329

431........ Duration of cabling licence.............................................................. 330

432........ Conditions of cabling licence.......................................................... 330

433........ Procedures for changing licence conditions.................................... 330

434........ Offence in relation to contravening condition.................................. 331

435........ Formal warnings—breach of condition........................................... 332

436........ Surrender of cabling licence............................................................ 332

437........ Suspension of cabling licence......................................................... 332

438........ Cancellation of cabling licence........................................................ 333

439........ ACMA may limit application of Division in relation to customer cabling                333

440........ Ministerial directions....................................................................... 334

441........ Delegation....................................................................................... 334

442........ Register of cabling licences............................................................. 335

Division 10—Remedies for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc.    336

443........ Civil action for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc.       336

444........ Remedy for contravention of labelling requirements....................... 337

445........ Remedies for connection of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling   338

446........ Disconnection of dangerous customer equipment or customer cabling 340

447........ Disconnection of customer equipment or customer cabling—protection of the integrity of networks and facilities 341

448........ Civil action for dangerous connections to telecommunications networks etc.           342

449........ Other remedies not affected............................................................. 343

Division 11—Prohibited customer equipment and prohibited customer cabling              344

450........ Declaration of prohibited customer equipment or prohibited customer cabling        344

451........ Consultation on proposed declaration............................................. 344

452........ Operation of prohibited customer equipment or customer cabling.. 345

Division 12—Pre‑commencement labels                                                         346

453........ Pre‑commencement labels............................................................... 346

Division 13—Penalties payable instead of prosecution                          347

453A..... Penalties payable instead of prosecution......................................... 347

Part 22—Numbering of carriage services and regulation of electronic addressing          348

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              348

454........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 348

Division 2—Numbering of carriage services                                               349

Subdivision A—Numbering plan                                                                        349

455........ Numbering plan.............................................................................. 349

456........ Numbering plan—supply to the public........................................... 350

457........ Numbering plan—allocation otherwise than in accordance with an allocation system              351

458........ Numbering plan—rules about portability of allocated numbers...... 351

459........ ACMA to administer numbering plan............................................. 352

460........ Consultation about numbering plan................................................. 352

461........ Consultation with ACCC................................................................ 354

462........ Compliance with the numbering plan.............................................. 354

Subdivision B—Allocation system for numbers                                             355

463........ Allocation system for numbers....................................................... 355

464........ Consultation about an allocation system.......................................... 356

Subdivision C—Miscellaneous                                                                            357

465........ Register of allocated numbers......................................................... 357

466........ Emergency service numbers............................................................ 358

467........ Delegation....................................................................................... 359

468........ Collection of numbering charges..................................................... 360

469........ Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth................... 362

470........ Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge.............................. 362

471........ Commonwealth not liable to charge................................................ 362

472........ Integrated public number database.................................................. 363

473........ Letters and symbols taken to be numbers........................................ 363

Division 3—Regulation of electronic addressing                                       364

474........ Declared manager of electronic addressing..................................... 364

475........ ACMA may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing               364

476........ ACCC may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing                365

477........ ACCC’s directions to prevail over the ACMA’s directions............ 366

Part 23—Standard agreements for the supply of carriage services    367

478........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 367

479........ Standard terms and conditions apply unless excluded..................... 367

480........ Standard form of agreement to be publicly available....................... 368

480A..... Other information to be publicly available....................................... 369

481........ Standard form of agreement to be given to the ACMA................... 370

482........ Concurrent operation of State/Territory laws.................................. 370

483........ Competition and Consumer Act not affected by this Part................ 370

Part 24—Carriers’ powers and immunities                                                       371

484........ Schedule 3....................................................................................... 371

Part 24A—Submarine cables                                                                                      372

484A..... Schedule 3A.................................................................................... 372

Part 25—Public inquiries                                                                                              373

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              373

485........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 373

Division 2—Inquiries by the ACMA                                                                 374

486........ When inquiry must be held............................................................. 374

487........ When inquiry may be held.............................................................. 374

488........ Informing the public about an inquiry............................................. 374

489........ Discussion paper............................................................................. 375

490........ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.................... 375

491........ Hearings.......................................................................................... 376

492........ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......................... 377

493........ Confidential material not to be published........................................ 377

494........ Direction about private hearings...................................................... 378

495........ Reports on inquiries........................................................................ 379

Division 3—Inquiries by the ACCC                                                                  381

496........ When inquiry must be held............................................................. 381

497........ When inquiry may be held.............................................................. 381

498........ Informing the public about an inquiry............................................. 381

499........ Discussion paper............................................................................. 382

500........ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.................... 382

501........ Hearings.......................................................................................... 383

502........ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......................... 383

503........ Confidential material not to be published........................................ 384

504........ Direction about private hearings...................................................... 385

505........ Reports on inquiries........................................................................ 386

505A..... ACCC may use material presented to a previous public inquiry..... 386

505B..... ACCC may adopt a finding from a previous public inquiry............ 387

506........ ACCC’s other powers not limited................................................... 387

Part 26—Investigations                                                                                                   388

507........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 388

508........ Matters to which this Part applies................................................... 388

509........ Complaints to the ACMA............................................................... 389

510........ Investigations by the ACMA.......................................................... 391

511........ Preliminary inquiries....................................................................... 392

512........ Conduct of investigations................................................................ 392

513........ Complainant and certain other persons to be informed of various matters                393

514........ Reference of matters to Ombudsman or other responsible person.. 394

515........ Reference of matters to the ACCC.................................................. 395

515A..... Reference of matters to Information Commissioner........................ 396

516........ Reports on investigations................................................................ 397

517........ Publication of reports...................................................................... 398

518........ Person adversely affected by report to be given opportunity to comment 398

519........ Protection from civil actions............................................................ 399

Part 27—The ACMA’s information‑gathering powers                             400

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              400

520........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 400

Division 2—Information‑gathering powers                                                  401

521........ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from carriers and service providers        401

522........ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from other persons 402

523........ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............................. 404

524........ Self‑incrimination............................................................................ 404

525........ Giving false or misleading information or evidence........................ 404

527........ Copies of documents....................................................................... 404

528........ ACMA may retain documents........................................................ 405

Division 3—Record‑keeping rules                                                                     406

529........ ACMA may make record‑keeping rules......................................... 406

530........ Compliance with record‑keeping rules............................................ 407

531........ Incorrect records............................................................................. 407

Part 27A—Information relating to a broadband telecommunications network 408

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        408

531A..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 408

531B..... Definitions...................................................................................... 408

531C..... Designated information................................................................... 412

531D..... Designated request for proposal notice........................................... 413

531E...... Action by the Commonwealth......................................................... 414

Division 2—Carriers must give information to an authorised information officer         415

531F...... Carriers must give information to an authorised information officer [see Note 1]    415

Division 3—Protection of information                                                            416

531G..... Protection of information—entrusted public officials [see Note 1]. 416

531H..... Disclosure of protected carrier information to a company............... 421

531J...... Stay of decisions............................................................................. 423

531K..... Protection of information—entrusted company officer................... 423

531L...... Compensation of carrier for loss or damage.................................... 425

531M.... Appointment of authorised information officers............................. 426

531N..... Restricted recipients rules................................................................ 427

531P...... Storage, handling or destruction of protected carrier information.... 427

531Q..... Submissions by companies............................................................. 428

Part 28—Enforcement                                                                                                    429

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        429

532........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 429

532A..... References to the Spam Act 2003.................................................... 430

Division 2—Inspectors and identity cards                                                     431

533........ Inspectors........................................................................................ 431

534........ Identity cards................................................................................... 432

Division 3—Search warrants relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act           433

535........ Magistrate may issue warrant.......................................................... 433

536........ Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc.................................... 433

537........ Contents of warrant......................................................................... 434

538........ Warrants may be issued by telephone etc........................................ 434

539........ Provisions relating to issue of warrant by telephone etc.................. 434

540........ Proceedings involving warrant issued by telephone etc.................. 436

Division 4—Searches and seizures relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act                                                                                                                    437

541........ When is a thing connected with an offence?.................................... 437

541A..... When is a thing connected with a breach of the Spam Act 2003?.... 437

542........ Searches and seizures...................................................................... 437

543........ Production of identity card etc......................................................... 438

544........ Evidence of commission of other offences against Part 21 of this Act or other breaches of the Spam Act 2003      439

545........ Emergency entry, search and seizure............................................... 440

546........ Retention of things seized............................................................... 441

Division 5—Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21                  442

547........ Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21.................................. 442

Division 5A—Searches to monitor compliance with the Spam Act 2003              443

547A..... Powers available to inspectors for monitoring compliance.............. 443

547B..... Monitoring powers......................................................................... 443

547C..... Production of identity card etc......................................................... 445

547D..... Monitoring warrants....................................................................... 445

547E...... Details of warrant to be given to occupier etc.................................. 446

547F...... Announcement before entry............................................................ 447

547G..... Compensation for damage to equipment......................................... 447

547H..... Occupier entitled to be present during search.................................. 448

Division 5B—Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003 449

547J...... Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003....... 449

Division 6—Other powers of inspectors                                                         451

548........ General powers of inspectors.......................................................... 451

549........ Power to require information etc..................................................... 452

550........ Retention of documents................................................................... 453

Division 7—Forfeiture                                                                                             455

551........ Court may order forfeiture.............................................................. 455

552........ Forfeited goods may be sold........................................................... 455

Division 8—Future offences                                                                                  456

553........ Offences that are going to be committed......................................... 456

Part 29—Review of decisions                                                                                      457

554........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 457

555........ Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA.... 457

556........ Deadlines for reaching certain decisions......................................... 457

557........ Statements to accompany notification of decisions.......................... 457

558........ Applications for reconsideration of decisions................................. 458

559........ Reconsideration by the ACMA....................................................... 458

560........ Deadlines for reconsiderations........................................................ 459

561........ Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration 459

562........ Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal............................. 459

Part 30—Injunctions                                                                                                        460

563........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 460

564........ Injunctions...................................................................................... 460

565........ Interim injunctions.......................................................................... 463

566........ Discharge etc. of injunctions........................................................... 463

567........ Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply.......................... 464

568........ Other powers of the court unaffected.............................................. 464

Part 31—Civil penalties                                                                                                  465

569........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 465

570........ Pecuniary penalties for contravention of civil penalty provisions.... 465

571........ Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............................. 466

572........ Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contravention of civil penalty provisions              469

Part 31A—Enforceable undertakings                                                                   470

572A..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 470

572B..... Acceptance of undertakings............................................................ 470

572C..... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................................... 471

Part 31B—Infringement notices for contraventions of civil penalty provisions  472

572D..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 472

572E...... When an infringement notice can be given...................................... 472

572F...... Matters to be included in an infringement notice............................. 476

572G..... Amount of penalty.......................................................................... 476

572H..... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................................. 477

572J...... What happens if the penalty is paid................................................. 478

572K..... Effect of this Part on civil proceedings............................................ 478

572L...... Appointment of authorised infringement notice officer................... 479

572M.... Guidelines relating to infringement notices..................................... 479

572N..... Regulations..................................................................................... 479

Part 32—Vicarious liability                                                                                          480

573........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 480

574........ Proceedings under this Act............................................................. 480

574A..... Definition........................................................................................ 480

575........ Liability of corporations.................................................................. 480

576........ Liability of persons other than corporations.................................... 482

Part 33—Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra                                     484

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        484

577........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 484

Division 2—Structural separation                                                                     485

Subdivision A—Undertaking about structural separation                          485

577A..... Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation.................... 485

577AA.. Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation may be subject to the occurrence of events          489

577AB.. When undertaking about structural separation comes into force...... 492

577AC.. Publication requirements for undertaking about structural separation 492

577AD.. Compliance with undertaking about structural separation............... 493

577B..... Variation of undertaking about structural separation....................... 493

577BA.. Authorised conduct—subsection 51(1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010              494

Subdivision B—Migration plan                                                                          501

577BB... Migration plan principles................................................................ 501

577BC... Migration plan................................................................................. 501

577BD.. Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given after undertaking about structural separation comes into force................................................................................................ 503

577BDAApproval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given
before undertaking about structural separation comes into force..... 505

577BDB Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in compliance with a direction   506

577BDC Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in response to a request             508

577BE... Effect of approval of draft migration plan....................................... 509

577BF... Variation of final migration plan..................................................... 510

Division 3—Hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks                                                  512

577C..... Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks..... 512

577CA.. Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks may be subject to the occurrence of events           513

577CB... When undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks comes into force                515

577CC... Publication requirements for undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks        516

577CD.. Compliance with undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 516

577D..... Variation of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks........ 516

Division 4—Subscription television broadcasting licences                   518

577E...... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences       518

577EA... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences may be subject to the occurrence of events........................................................................................................ 519

577EB... When undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences comes into force         521

577EC... Publication requirements for undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 522

577ED... Compliance with undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences   522

577F...... Variation of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences          522

Division 5—Enforcement of undertakings                                                    524

577G..... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................................... 524

Division 6—Limits on allocation of spectrum licences etc.                   526

577GA.. Excluded spectrum regime.............................................................. 526

577H..... Designated part of the spectrum...................................................... 526

577J...... Limits on allocation of certain spectrum licences to Telstra............. 526

577K..... Limits on use of certain spectrum licences by Telstra...................... 529

577L...... Limits on assignment of certain spectrum licences to Telstra etc..... 530

Division 7—Other provisions                                                                               532

577M.... Associate......................................................................................... 532

577N..... Control............................................................................................ 533

577P...... Control of a company...................................................................... 533

577Q..... When Telstra is in a position to exercise control of a network........ 533

Part 34—Special provisions relating to functions and powers of the ACMA and the Attorney‑General in respect of telecommunications                                                                535

579........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 535

580........ ACMA must have regard to conventions........................................ 535

581........ Power to give directions to carriers and service providers.............. 535

Part 35—Miscellaneous                                                                                                  537

582........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 537

583........ Penalties for certain continuing offences......................................... 538

584........ Procedure relating to certain continuing offences............................ 539

585........ Treatment of partnerships................................................................ 539

586........ Giving of documents to partnerships.............................................. 540

587........ Nomination of address for service of documents............................ 540

588........ Service of summons or process on foreign corporations—criminal proceedings     541

589........ Instruments under this Act may provide for matters by reference to other instruments            542

590........ Arbitration—acquisition of property............................................... 543

591........ Compensation—constitutional safety net........................................ 544

592........ Act not to affect performance of State or Territory functions.......... 545

593........ Funding of consumer representation, and of research, in relation to telecommunications         545

594........ Regulations..................................................................................... 546

Schedule 1—Standard carrier licence conditions                                           547

Part 1—Compliance with this Act                                                                           547

1............ Compliance with this Act................................................................ 547

Part 3—Access to supplementary facilities                                                         548

16.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 548

17.......... Access to supplementary facilities................................................... 548

18.......... Terms and conditions of access....................................................... 550

19.......... Ministerial pricing determinations................................................... 551

Part 4—Access to network information                                                               552

20.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 552

21.......... Access to network information....................................................... 552

22.......... Access to information in databases................................................. 552

23.......... Access to network planning information......................................... 553

24.......... Access to information about likely changes to network facilities—completion success rate of calls        554

25.......... Access to quality of service information etc.................................... 554

26.......... Security procedures......................................................................... 556

27.......... Terms and conditions of compliance............................................... 556

27A....... Code relating to access to information............................................. 557

28.......... Ministerial pricing determinations................................................... 557

29.......... Consultation about reconfiguration etc............................................ 557

29A....... Code relating to consultation........................................................... 558

Part 5—Access to telecommunications transmission towers and to underground facilities         560

30.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 560

31.......... Definitions...................................................................................... 560

32.......... Extended meaning of access........................................................... 561

33.......... Access to telecommunications transmission towers........................ 561

34.......... Access to sites of telecommunications transmission towers............ 563

35.......... Access to eligible underground facilities......................................... 565

36.......... Terms and conditions of access....................................................... 567

37.......... Code relating to access.................................................................... 569

38.......... Industry co‑operation about sharing of sites and eligible underground facilities      569

39.......... This Part does not limit Part 3 of this Schedule............................... 570

Part 6—Inspection of facilities etc.                                                                          571

40.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 571

41.......... Records relating to underground facilities....................................... 571

42.......... Regular inspection of facilities........................................................ 572

43.......... Prompt investigation of dangerous facilities.................................... 572

44.......... Remedial action............................................................................... 572

Part 7—Any‑to‑any connectivity                                                                              574

44A....... Simplified outline............................................................................ 574

45.......... Definitions...................................................................................... 574

46.......... Carriers must obtain designated interconnection services from carriage service providers for the purpose of ensuring any‑to‑any connectivity................................................................... 575

47.......... Designated interconnection services................................................ 576

Part 9—Functional separation of Telstra                                                            577

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        577

68.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 577

69.......... Definitions...................................................................................... 577

70.......... Declared network services.............................................................. 578

71.......... Regulated services........................................................................... 578

72.......... Notional contracts........................................................................... 579

Division 2—Functional separation undertaking                                         580

73.......... Contents of draft or final functional separation undertaking............ 580

74.......... Functional separation principles...................................................... 580

75.......... Functional separation requirements determination........................... 582

76.......... Draft functional separation undertaking to be given to Minister...... 587

77.......... Approval of draft functional separation undertaking by Minister.... 589

78.......... Time limit for making an approval decision.................................... 591

79.......... Effect of approval............................................................................ 591

80.......... Variation of final functional separation undertaking........................ 591

81.......... Publication of final functional separation undertaking..................... 593

82.......... Compliance with final functional separation undertaking................ 593

Part 10—Control and use by Telstra of certain spectrum licences     594

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        594

83.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 594

Division 2—Control and use by Telstra of certain spectrum licences 595

84.......... Control by Telstra of certain spectrum licences............................... 595

85.......... Use by Telstra of certain spectrum licences..................................... 596

Division 3—Other provisions                                                                               598

86.......... Associate......................................................................................... 598

87.......... Control............................................................................................ 598

88.......... When Telstra is in a position to exercise control of a spectrum licence 599

Schedule 2—Standard service provider rules                                                   601

Part 1—Compliance with this Act                                                                           601

1............ Compliance with this Act................................................................ 601

Part 2—Operator services                                                                                             602

2............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 602

3............ Scope of Part................................................................................... 602

4............ Operator services must be provided to end‑users of a standard telephone service    602

5............ Access to end‑users of other carriage service providers.................. 602

Part 3—Directory assistance services                                                                     604

6............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 604

7............ Directory assistance services must be provided to end‑users.......... 604

8............ Access by end‑users of other carriage service providers................. 604

Part 4—Integrated public number database                                                     606

9............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 606

10.......... Carriage service providers must give information to Telstra........... 606

11.......... Carriage service providers must give information to another person or association 606

Part 5—Itemised billing                                                                                                  608

12.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 608

13.......... Itemised billing................................................................................ 608

14.......... Exemptions from itemised billing requirements.............................. 609

15.......... Details that are not to be specified in an itemised bill...................... 610

Part 6—Priority assistance                                                                                           611

16.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 611

17.......... Priority assistance industry code..................................................... 611

18.......... Compliance with the priority assistance industry code.................... 612

19.......... Information for prospective residential customers of a carriage service provider who does not offer priority assistance........................................................................................................ 612

20.......... Requirements for Telstra................................................................. 612

Schedule 3—Carriers’ powers and immunities                                               614

Part 1—General provisions                                                                                          614

Division 1—Simplified outline and definitions                                             614

1............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 614

2............ Definitions...................................................................................... 616

3............ Designated overhead line................................................................ 618

4............ Extension to a tower to be treated as the installation of a facility..... 619

Division 2—Inspection of land                                                                             620

5............ Inspection of land............................................................................ 620

Division 3—Installation of facilities                                                                  621

6............ Installation of facilities.................................................................... 621

Division 4—Maintenance of facilities                                                               623

7............ Maintenance of facilities.................................................................. 623

Division 5—Conditions relating to the carrying out of authorised activities     626

8............ Carrier to do as little damage as practicable..................................... 626

9............ Carrier to restore land...................................................................... 626

10.......... Management of activities................................................................. 626

11.......... Agreements with public utilities...................................................... 627

12.......... Compliance with industry standards............................................... 627

13.......... Compliance with international agreements...................................... 627

14.......... Conditions specified in the regulations............................................ 627

15.......... Conditions specified in a Ministerial Code of Practice.................... 627

16.......... Conditions to which a facility installation permit is subject............. 628

17.......... Notice to owner of land—general................................................... 628

18.......... Notice to owner of land—lopping of trees etc................................. 630

19.......... Notice to roads authorities, utilities etc............................................ 631

20.......... Roads etc. to remain open for passage............................................ 632

Division 6—Facility installation permits                                                        633

21.......... Application for facility installation permit....................................... 633

22.......... Form of application......................................................................... 633

23.......... Application to be accompanied by charge....................................... 633

24.......... Withdrawal of application............................................................... 633

25.......... Issue of facility installation permit................................................... 633

26.......... Deemed refusal of facility installation permit.................................. 634

27.......... Criteria for issue of facility installation permit................................. 635

28.......... Special provisions relating to environmental matters....................... 641

29.......... Consultation with the ACCC.......................................................... 642

30.......... Facility installation permit has effect subject to this Act.................. 642

31.......... Duration of facility installation permit............................................. 642

32.......... Conditions of facility installation permit.......................................... 642

33.......... Surrender of facility installation permit........................................... 643

34.......... Cancellation of facility installation permit........................................ 643

35.......... Review of decisions by Administrative Appeals Tribunal.............. 643

Division 7—Exemptions from State and Territory laws                       645

36.......... Activities not generally exempt from State and Territory laws........ 645

37.......... Exemption from State and Territory laws........................................ 645

38.......... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws............................ 646

39.......... Liability to taxation not affected...................................................... 646

Division 8—Miscellaneous                                                                                     647

41.......... Guidelines....................................................................................... 647

42.......... Compensation................................................................................. 647

43.......... Power extends to carrier’s employees etc........................................ 648

44.......... State and Territory laws that discriminate against carriers and users of carriage services         648

45.......... State and Territory laws may confer powers and immunities on carriers  650

46.......... ACMA may limit tort liability in relation to the supply of certain carriage services  650

47.......... Ownership of facilities.................................................................... 651

48.......... ACMA may inform the public about designated overhead lines, telecommunications transmission towers and underground facilities...................................................................... 651

49.......... Review of options for placing facilities underground...................... 652

50.......... Monitoring of progress in relation to placing facilities underground 653

51.......... Removal of certain overhead lines................................................... 653

52.......... Commonwealth laws not displaced................................................. 655

53.......... Subdivider to pay for necessary alterations..................................... 655

54.......... Service of notices............................................................................ 656

55.......... Facilities installed before 1 January 2001 otherwise than in reliance on Commonwealth laws—environmental impact........................................................................................................ 657

Part 2—Transitional provisions                                                                                660

60.......... Existing buildings, structures and facilities—application of State and Territory laws               660

61.......... Existing buildings, structures and facilities—application of the common law          660

Part 3—Compensation for acquisition of property                                      661

62.......... Compensation for acquisition of property....................................... 661

63.......... Application of this Part................................................................... 662

Schedule 3A—Protection of submarine cables                                                663

Part 1—Preliminary                                                                                                         663

1............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 663

2............ Definitions...................................................................................... 663

Part 2—Protection zones                                                                                               667

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              667

3............ Simplified outline............................................................................ 667

Division 2—Declaration of protection zones                                               668

Subdivision A—Declarations                                                                              668

4............ ACMA may declare a protection zone............................................ 668

5............ Declaration on ACMA’s initiative or in response to request........... 668

6............ Response to a request to declare a protection zone.......................... 668

7............ Decision not to declare a requested protection zone or to declare a different protection zone   669

8............ Location of submarine cable to be specified in declaration.............. 669

9............ Area of a protection zone................................................................ 670

10.......... Prohibited activities......................................................................... 671

11.......... Restricted activities.......................................................................... 672

12.......... Conditions....................................................................................... 673

13.......... When a declaration takes effect....................................................... 673

14.......... Duration of declaration.................................................................... 673

Subdivision B—Prerequisites to declaration of a protection zone            673

15.......... ACMA to develop a proposal for a protection zone........................ 673

16.......... ACMA to refer proposal to advisory committee............................. 674

17.......... ACMA to publish proposal............................................................ 674

18.......... Cable must be a submarine cable of national significance............... 675

19.......... Consultation with Environment Secretary....................................... 675

20.......... Matters the ACMA must have regard to......................................... 675

21.......... Environment and heritage considerations........................................ 676

22.......... Deadline for final decision about protection zone............................ 677

Division 3—Varying or revoking a declaration of a protection zone 678

Subdivision A—Variation or revocation                                                         678

23.......... ACMA may vary or revoke a declaration of a protection zone....... 678

24.......... Variation or revocation on ACMA’s initiative or in response to request  678

25.......... ACMA to notify affected carrier of request to vary or revoke a declaration             678

26.......... Response to a request to vary or revoke a declaration..................... 678

27.......... Decision not to vary or revoke a declaration after a request to do so 679

28.......... When a variation or revocation takes effect..................................... 679

29.......... Protection zone as varied must not exceed permitted area............... 680

Subdivision B—Prerequisites to variation or revocation of declaration 680

30.......... ACMA to develop a variation or revocation proposal..................... 680

31.......... ACMA to refer proposal to advisory committee............................. 680

32.......... ACMA to publish proposal............................................................ 680

33.......... Consultation with Environment Secretary....................................... 681

34.......... Matters the ACMA must have regard to......................................... 681

35.......... Deadline for final decision about varying or revoking a protection zone  681

Division 4—Offences in relation to a protection zone                            682

Subdivision A—Damaging a submarine cable                                               682

36.......... Damaging a submarine cable........................................................... 682

37.......... Negligently damaging a submarine cable........................................ 682

38.......... Defence to offences of damaging a submarine cable....................... 682

39.......... Master or owner of ship used in offence of damaging a submarine cable                683

Subdivision B—Engaging in prohibited or restricted activities                683

40.......... Engaging in prohibited or restricted activities.................................. 683

41.......... Aggravated offence of engaging in prohibited or restricted activities 684

42.......... Defences to offences of engaging in prohibited or restricted activities 684

43.......... Alternative verdict if aggravated offence not proven....................... 685

44.......... Master or owner of ship used in offence of engaging in prohibited or restricted activities       685

Division 5—Miscellaneous                                                                                     686

45.......... Person may claim damages............................................................. 686

46.......... Indemnity for loss of anchor etc...................................................... 686

47.......... ACMA to notify relevant authorities of declaration, variation etc. of protection zone              687

48.......... Notice if carrier decommissions a submarine cable......................... 687

49.......... Composition of advisory committee................................................ 688

Part 3—Permits to install submarine cables                                                      689

Division 1—Simplified outline                                                                              689

50.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 689

Division 2—Protection zone installation permits                                       690

51.......... Application for a permit to install a submarine cable in a protection zone 690

52.......... Form of application etc.................................................................... 690

53.......... Application to be accompanied by charge....................................... 690

54.......... Withdrawal of application............................................................... 690

55.......... Further information......................................................................... 690

56.......... Grant or refusal of permit................................................................ 690

57.......... Automatic refusal............................................................................ 691

58.......... Refund of application charge if automatic refusal............................ 692

59.......... Duration of permit........................................................................... 692

60.......... Surrender of permit......................................................................... 692

61.......... Extension of permit......................................................................... 692

62.......... Suspension or cancellation of permit............................................... 693

63.......... Exemption from State and Territory laws........................................ 693

Division 3—Non‑protection zone installation permits                            695

64.......... Application for a permit to install a submarine cable in Australian waters (otherwise than in a protection zone or coastal waters)............................................................................................ 695

65.......... Form of application etc.................................................................... 695

66.......... Application to be accompanied by charge....................................... 695

67.......... Withdrawal of application............................................................... 695

68.......... Further information......................................................................... 695

69.......... Grant or refusal of permit................................................................ 695

70.......... Consultation before the ACMA makes a decision about a permit... 696

71.......... Matters the ACMA must have regard to before it makes a decision about a permit 696

72.......... Environment and heritage considerations........................................ 697

73.......... Time limit on decision about a permit.............................................. 698

74.......... Duration of permit........................................................................... 698

75.......... Surrender of permit......................................................................... 699

76.......... Extension of permit......................................................................... 699

77.......... Suspension or cancellation of permit............................................... 699

Division 4—Conditions applicable to the installation of submarine cables          700

78.......... Application of this Division............................................................ 700

79.......... Installation to do as little damage as practicable............................... 700

80.......... Management of installation activities............................................... 700

81.......... Compliance with industry standards............................................... 700

82.......... Compliance with international agreements...................................... 701

83.......... Conditions specified in the regulations............................................ 701

Division 5—Offences in relation to installation of submarine cables 702

84.......... Installing a submarine cable without a permit.................................. 702

85.......... Breaching conditions of a permit..................................................... 702

86.......... Failing to comply with ACMA direction to remove an unlawfully installed cable   703

Part 4—Compensation                                                                                                    704

87.......... Compensation................................................................................. 704

88.......... Compensation for acquisition of property....................................... 704

Part 5—Miscellaneous                                                                                                     706

89.......... Review of operation of this Schedule.............................................. 706

Schedule 4—Reviewable decisions of the ACMA                                          707

Part 1—Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA               707

1............ Reviewable decisions of the ACMA............................................... 707

Part 2—Decisions to which section 556 does not apply                               710

2............ Decisions to which section 556 does not apply............................... 710

Notes                                                                                                                                           711

An Act about telecommunications, and for related purposes

Part 1—Introduction

  

1  Short title [see Note 1]

                   This Act may be cited as the Telecommunications Act 1997.

2  Commencement [see Note 1]

             (1)  The following provisions of this Act commence on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent:

                     (a)  this Part;

                     (b)  Part 2;

                     (c)  Divisions 2, 3 and 4 of Part 4;

                     (d)  Division 3 of Part 25;

                      (f)  section 589;

                     (g)  section 594.

             (2)  Sections 52 to 55 (inclusive) commence on 5 June 1997.

             (3)  The remaining provisions of this Act commence on 1 July 1997.

3  Objects

             (1)  The main object of this Act, when read together with Parts XIB and XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, is to provide a regulatory framework that promotes:

                     (a)  the long‑term interests of end‑users of carriage services or of services provided by means of carriage services; and

                     (b)  the efficiency and international competitiveness of the Australian telecommunications industry; and

                     (c)  the availability of accessible and affordable carriage services that enhance the welfare of Australians.

             (2)  The other objects of this Act, when read together with Parts XIB and XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, are as follows:

                     (a)  to ensure that standard telephone services and payphones are:

                              (i)  reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business; and

                             (ii)  are supplied as efficiently and economically as practicable; and

                            (iii)  are supplied at performance standards that reasonably meet the social, industrial and commercial needs of the Australian community;

                     (c)  to promote the supply of diverse and innovative carriage services and content services;

                     (d)  to promote the development of an Australian telecommunications industry that is efficient, competitive and responsive to the needs of the Australian community;

                     (e)  to promote the effective participation by all sectors of the Australian telecommunications industry in markets (whether in Australia or elsewhere);

                      (f)  to promote:

                              (i)  the development of the technical capabilities and skills of the Australian telecommunications industry; and

                             (ii)  the development of the value‑adding and export‑oriented activities of the Australian telecommunications industry; and

                            (iii)  research and development that contributes to the growth of the Australian telecommunications industry;

                     (g)  to promote the equitable distribution of benefits from improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of:

                              (i)  the provision of telecommunications networks and facilities; and

                             (ii)  the supply of carriage services;

                     (h)  to provide appropriate community safeguards in relation to telecommunications activities and to regulate adequately participants in sections of the Australian telecommunications industry;

                      (i)  to promote the placement of lines underground, taking into account economic and technical issues, where placing such lines underground is supported by the affected community;

                      (j)  to promote responsible practices in relation to the sending of commercial electronic messages;

                     (k)  to promote responsible practices in relation to the making of telemarketing calls;

                      (l)  to promote responsible practices in relation to the sending of marketing faxes.

4  Regulatory policy

                   The Parliament intends that telecommunications be regulated in a manner that:

                     (a)  promotes the greatest practicable use of industry self‑regulation; and

                     (b)  does not impose undue financial and administrative burdens on participants in the Australian telecommunications industry;

but does not compromise the effectiveness of regulation in achieving the objects mentioned in section 3.

5  Simplified outline

                   The following is a simplified outline of this Act:

6  Main index

                   The following is a main index to this Act:

 

Main Index
Item	Topic		Provisions
1	AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System)		Part 19
2	Calling line identification		Part 18
3	Carriers’ powers and immunities		Part 24, Schedule 3
4	Carrier licence conditions		Part 3, Schedule 1
5	Carriers		Part 3
6	Communications, protection of		Part 13
8	Decisions, review of		Part 29, Schedule 4
9	Defence requirements and disaster plans		Part 16
10	Enforceable undertakings		Part 31A
11	Enforcement		Part 28
12	Industry codes and industry standards		Part 6
13	Information‑gathering powers		Part 27
14	Injunctions		Part 30
15	Inquiries, public		Part 25
16	International aspects		Part 20
17	Investigations		Part 26
19	Liability, vicarious		Part 32
21	National interest matters		Part 14
22	Network units		Part 2
23	Numbering and electronic addressing		Part 22
24	Penalties, civil		Part 31
25	Performance of carriers and carriage service providers, monitoring of		Part 5
26	Pre‑selection		Part 17
28	Service provider rules		Part 4, Schedule 2
29	Service providers		Part 4
30	Standard agreements for the supply of carriage services		Part 23
32	Technical regulation		Part 21

7  Definitions

                   In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:

ACCC means the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

ACCC official means a Commission official within the meaning of section 155AAA of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

ACCC’s telecommunications functions and powers means the functions and powers conferred on the ACCC by or under:

                     (a)  this Act; or

                     (b)  the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999; or

                   (ba)  the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011; or

                     (c)  Part XIB of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010; or

                     (d)  Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010; or

                     (e)  any other provision of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, in so far as that provision applies to a matter connected with telecommunications.

For this purpose, telecommunications means the carriage of communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.

access, in relation to an emergency call service, has a meaning affected by section 18.

ACMA means the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

ACMA official has the same meaning as in the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005.

ACMA’s telecommunications functions means the functions that are telecommunications functions, in relation to the ACMA, for the purposes of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005.

ACMA’s telecommunications powers means the powers conferred on the ACMA by:

                     (a)  this Act; or

                     (b)  the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999; or

                  (baa)  Part 6 of the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Act 2012; or

                   (ba)  Chapter 4 or 5 of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979; or

                     (c)  the Spam Act 2003; or

                    (ca)  the Do Not Call Register Act 2006; or

                     (d)  Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010; or

                     (e)  section 12 of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, in so far as that section relates to the ACMA’s telecommunications functions.

aircraft includes a balloon.

Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes the eligible Territories.

Australian number has the same meaning as in the Do Not Call Register Act 2006.

authorised information officer has the meaning given by section 531B.

authorised infringement notice officer means:

                     (a)  the Chair of the ACMA; or

                     (b)  a member of the staff of the ACMA appointed under section 572L.

base station that is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network has the meaning given by section 34.

broadcasting service has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

building lot has the meaning given by section 372Q.

building unit has the meaning given by section 372S.

cabling licence means a licence granted under section 427.

carriage service means a service for carrying communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.

carriage service intermediary means a person who is a carriage service provider under subsection 87(5).

carriage service provider has the meaning given by section 87.

carrier means the holder of a carrier licence.

carrier licence means a licence granted under section 56.

carry includes transmit, switch and receive.

civil penalty provision means:

                     (a)  a provision of this Act that is declared by this Act to be a civil penalty provision; or

                     (b)  a provision of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 that is declared by that Act to be a civil penalty provision.

commercial electronic message has the same meaning as in the Spam Act 2003.

communications includes any communication:

                     (a)  whether between persons and persons, things and things or persons and things; and

                     (b)  whether in the form of speech, music or other sounds; and

                     (c)  whether in the form of data; and

                     (d)  whether in the form of text; and

                     (e)  whether in the form of visual images (animated or otherwise); and

                      (f)  whether in the form of signals; and

                     (g)  whether in any other form; and

                     (h)  whether in any combination of forms.

Communications Access Co‑ordinator has the meaning given by section 6R of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.

connected, in relation to:

                     (a)  a telecommunications network; or

                     (b)  a facility; or

                     (c)  customer cabling; or

                     (d)  customer equipment;

includes connection otherwise than by means of physical contact, for example, a connection by means of radiocommunication.

connection permit means a permit issued under section 394.

constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.

content service has the meaning given by section 15.

content service provider has the meaning given by section 97.

controlled carriage service has the meaning given by section 14.

controlled facility has the meaning given by section 14.

controlled network has the meaning given by section 14.

customer cabling has the meaning given by section 20.

customer equipment has the meaning given by section 21.

data processing device means any article or material (for example, a disk) from which information is capable of being reproduced, with or without the aid of any other article or device.

Defence Department means the Department of State that deals with defence and that is administered by the Minister administering section 1 of the Defence Act 1903.

defence purposes means any one or more of the following:

                     (a)  the operation of command or control systems;

                     (b)  the operation, direction or use of a defence organisation;

                     (c)  the operation of intelligence systems;

                     (d)  the collection or dissemination of information relevant to the security or defence of:

                              (i)  the Commonwealth; or

                             (ii)  a foreign country that is allied or associated with the Commonwealth;

                     (e)  the operation or control of weapons systems, including any thing that, by itself or together with any other thing or things, is intended for defensive or offensive use in combat;

                      (f)  any other matter specified in the regulations.

designated information has the meaning given by section 531C.

designated part of the spectrum has the meaning given by section 577H.

designated radiocommunications facility has the meaning given by section 31.

designated request for proposal notice has the meaning given by section 531D.

directory assistance services means services that are:

                     (a)  provided to an end‑user of a standard telephone service to help the end‑user find the number of another end‑user of a standard telephone service; and

                     (b)  provided by an operator or by means of:

                              (i)  an automated voice response system; or

                             (ii)  another technology‑based system.

distinct places has the meaning given by section 36.

draft functional separation undertaking means a draft functional separation undertaking under Division 2 of Part 9 of Schedule 1.

draft migration plan means a draft migration plan under Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 33.

eligible partnership means a partnership where each partner is a constitutional corporation.

eligible Territory means:

                     (a)  the Territory of Christmas Island; or

                     (b)  the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; or

                     (c)  an external Territory prescribed for the purposes of section 10.

e‑marketing industry means an industry that involves carrying on an e‑marketing activity.

emergency call contractor means a person who performs services for or on behalf of a recognised person who operates an emergency call service, but does not include a person who performs such services in the capacity of an employee of the person who operates the emergency call service.

Note:          Recognised person who operates an emergency call service is defined by section 19.

emergency call person means:

                     (a)  a recognised person who operates an emergency call service; or

                     (b)  an employee of such a person; or

                     (c)  an emergency call contractor; or

                     (d)  an employee of an emergency call contractor.

Note:          Recognised person who operates an emergency call service is defined by section 19.

emergency call service means a service for:

                     (a)  receiving and handling calls to an emergency service number; and

                     (b)  transferring such calls to:

                              (i)  a police force or service; or

                             (ii)  a fire service; or

                            (iii)  an ambulance service; or

                            (iv)  a service specified in the numbering plan for the purposes of this subparagraph; or

                             (v)  a service for despatching a force or service referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv).

For the purposes of paragraph (b), transferring a call includes giving information in relation to the call for purposes connected with dealing with the matter or matters raised by the call.

emergency service number has the meaning given by section 466.

entrusted company officer has the meaning given by section 531B.

entrusted public official has the meaning given by section 531B.

exempt network‑user means:

                     (a)  a person:

                              (i)  who is entitled to use a network unit to supply a carriage service; and

                             (ii)  whose entitlement derives, directly or indirectly, from rights granted to a carrier; or

                     (b)  if:

                              (i)  a police force or service; or

                             (ii)  a fire service; or

                            (iii)  an ambulance service; or

                            (iv)  an emergency service specified in the regulations;

                            (the first force or service) uses a network unit for the sole or principal purpose of enabling either or both of the following:

                             (v)  communication between the members of the first force or service;

                            (vi)  communication between the members of the first force or service and the members of another force or service, where the other force or service is of a kind covered by subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv);

                            the first force or service.

For the purposes of paragraph (b), an employee of a force or service is taken to be a member of the force or service.

facility means:

                     (a)  any part of the infrastructure of a telecommunications network; or

                     (b)  any line, equipment, apparatus, tower, mast, antenna, tunnel, duct, hole, pit, pole or other structure or thing used, or for use, in or in connection with a telecommunications network.

fax marketing industry means an industry that involves carrying on a fax marketing activity (as defined by section 109C).

Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.

fibre‑ready facility has the meaning given by section 372W.

final functional separation undertaking means a final functional separation undertaking under Division 2 of Part 9 of Schedule 1.

final migration plan means a final migration plan under Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 33.

Finance Minister means the Minister administering the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.

fixed‑line facility has the meaning given by section 372V.

fixed radiocommunications link has the meaning given by section 35.

hybrid fibre‑coaxial network means a telecommunications network:

                     (a)  that is for use for the transmission of any broadcasting service; and

                     (b)  that is also capable of being used to supply an internet carriage service; and

                     (c)  the line component of which consists of optical fibre to connecting nodes, supplemented by coaxial cable connections from the nodes to the premises of end‑users.

immediate circle has the meaning given by section 23.

import means import into Australia.

industry levy means levy imposed by the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012.

infringement notice means an infringement notice under section 572E.

inspector has the meaning given by section 533.

integrated public number database scheme means the scheme in force under section 295A.

intercell hand‑over functions has the meaning given by section 33.

internet carriage service means a carriage service that enables end‑users to access the internet.

internet service provider has the same meaning as in Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

Layer 2 bitstream service means a carriage service that is:

                     (a)  either:

                              (i)  a Layer 2 Ethernet bitstream service; or

                             (ii)  a Layer 2 bitstream service specified in a legislative instrument made by the ACMA for the purposes of this subparagraph; and

                     (b)  a listed carriage service; and

                     (c)  supplied using a line to premises occupied or used by an end‑user.

For this purpose, Layer 2 has the same meaning as in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model for data exchange.

line means a wire, cable, optical fibre, tube, conduit, waveguide or other physical medium used, or for use, as a continuous artificial guide for or in connection with carrying communications by means of guided electromagnetic energy.

line link has the meaning given by section 30.

listed carriage service has the meaning given by section 16.

marketing fax means:

                     (a)  a marketing fax (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is sent to an Australian number; or

                     (b)  a fax (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is sent to an Australian number, where, having regard to:

                              (i)  the content of the fax; and

                             (ii)  the presentational aspects of the fax;

                            it would be concluded that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the fax is:

                            (iii)  to conduct opinion polling; or

                            (iv)  to carry out standard questionnaire‑based research.

member means a member of the ACMA (and does not include an associate member).

NBN corporation has the same meaning as in the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011. This definition does not apply to:

                     (a)  section 577BA; or

                     (b)  section 577BC; or

                     (c)  clause 17 of Schedule 1; or

                     (d)  Part 5 of Schedule 1.

network unit has the meaning given by Division 2 of Part 2.

nominated carrier means a carrier in respect of whom a nominated carrier declaration is in force.

nominated carrier declaration means a declaration under section 81.

numbering plan has the meaning given by section 455.

optical fibre line means a line that consists of, or encloses, optical fibre.

owner, in relation to a network unit, means a person who legally owns the unit (whether alone or together with one or more other persons).

penalty unit has the meaning given by section 4AA of the Crimes Act 1914.

person includes a partnership.

point‑to‑multipoint service means a carriage service which allows a person to transmit a communication to more than one end‑user simultaneously.

project area for a real estate development project has the meaning given by section 372Q.

protected carrier information has the meaning given by section 531B.

public body means:

                     (a)  the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or

                     (b)  an authority, or institution, of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or

                     (c)  an incorporated company all the stock or shares in the capital of which is beneficially owned by one of the following:

                              (i)  the Commonwealth;

                             (ii)  a State;

                            (iii)  a Territory; or

                     (d)  an incorporated company limited by guarantee, where the interests and rights of the members in or in relation to the company are beneficially owned by one of the following:

                              (i)  the Commonwealth;

                             (ii)  a State;

                            (iii)  a Territory.

public mobile telecommunications service has the meaning given by section 32.

radiocommunication has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

radiocommunications device has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

radiocommunications receiver has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

radiocommunications transmitter has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

real estate development project has the meaning given by section 372Q.

recognised person who operates an emergency call service has the meaning given by section 19.

recognised testing authority has the meaning given by section 409.

record‑keeping rule means a rule under section 529.

restricted recipients rules means rules made under section 531N.

satellite‑based facility means a radiocommunications transmitter, or a radiocommunications receiver, in a satellite.

sell:

                     (a)  when used in relation to a building lot—has the meaning given by section 372T; or

                     (b)  when used in relation to a building unit—has the meaning given by section 372U.

service provider has the meaning given by section 86.

service provider rules has the meaning given by section 98.

spectrum has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

spectrum licence has the same meaning as in the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

standard questionnaire‑based research means research that involves people being asked to answer one or more standard questions, but does not include:

                     (a)  opinion polling; or

                     (b)  research of a kind specified in the regulations.

standard telephone service has the meaning given by section 6 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.

subdivision of an area of land has a meaning affected by section 372R.

subscription television broadcasting licence has the same meaning as in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

telecommunications industry includes an industry that involves:

                     (a)  carrying on business as a carrier; or

                     (b)  carrying on business as a carriage service provider; or

                     (c)  supplying goods or services for use in connection with the supply of a listed carriage service; or

                     (d)  supplying a content service using a listed carriage service; or

                     (e)  manufacturing or importing customer equipment or customer cabling; or

                      (f)  installing, maintaining, operating or providing access to:

                              (i)  a telecommunications network; or

                             (ii)  a facility;

                            used to supply a listed carriage service.

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman scheme has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.

telecommunications network means a system, or series of systems, that carries, or is capable of carrying, communications by means of guided and/or unguided electromagnetic energy.

telemarketing call means:

                     (a)  a telemarketing call (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is made to an Australian number; or

                     (b)  a voice call (within the meaning of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006) that is made to an Australian number, where, having regard to:

                              (i)  the content of the call; and

                             (ii)  the presentational aspects of the call;

                            it would be concluded that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the call is:

                            (iii)  to conduct opinion polling; or

                            (iv)  to carry out standard questionnaire‑based research.

telemarketing industry means an industry that involves carrying on a telemarketing activity (as defined by section 109B).

Telstra has the same meaning as in the Telstra Corporation Act 1991.

this Act includes the regulations.

TUSMA means the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency.

universal service levy means levy imposed by the Telecommunications (Universal Service Levy) Act 1997.

universal service obligation has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.

universal service provider has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.

vessel means a vessel or boat of any description, and includes:

                     (a)  an air‑cushion vehicle; and

                     (b)  any floating structure.

8  Crown to be bound

             (1)  This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory, of the Northern Territory and of Norfolk Island.

             (2)  This Act does not make the Crown liable to a pecuniary penalty or to be prosecuted for an offence.

             (3)  The protection in subsection (2) does not apply to an authority of the Crown.

9  Extra‑territorial application

                   This Act applies both within and outside Australia.

10  Extension to external Territories

                   This Act extends to:

                     (a)  the Territory of Christmas Island; and

                     (b)  the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; and

                     (c)  such other external Territories (if any) as are prescribed.

11  Extension to offshore areas

             (1)  This Act applies in relation to the offshore areas of:

                     (a)  each of the States; and

                     (b)  each of the eligible Territories;

as if references in this Act to Australia included references to those offshore areas. This subsection has effect subject to subsection (2).

             (2)  The application of this Act in accordance with subsection (1) in relation to an offshore area extends only in relation to acts, matters and things touching, concerning, arising out of or connected with:

                     (a)  the exploration of the continental shelf of Australia; or

                     (b)  the exploitation of the resources of the continental shelf of Australia.

             (3)  The application of this Act in accordance with subsection (1) in relation to an offshore area extends in relation to all acts done by or in relation to, and all matters, circumstances and things affecting, any person who is in the offshore area for a reason touching, concerning, arising out of or connected with:

                     (a)  the exploration of the continental shelf of Australia; or

                     (b)  the exploitation of the resources of the continental shelf of Australia.

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not, by implication, limit subsection (2).

             (5)  In this section:

offshore area, in relation to a State or Territory, has the same meaning as in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

11A  Application of the Criminal Code

                   Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code (except Part 2.5) applies to all offences against this Act.

Note:          Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility.

12  Act subject to Radiocommunications Act

             (1)  This Act has effect subject to the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

             (2)  However, to avoid doubt, the fact that a person is authorised to do something under a licence under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 does not entitle the person to do that thing if the person is prohibited by or under this Act from doing it, unless a condition of the licence requires the person to do it.

13  Continuity of partnerships

                   For the purposes of this Act, a change in the composition of a partnership does not affect the continuity of the partnership.

14  Controlled carriage services, controlled networks and controlled facilities

Controlled carriage services

             (1)  For the purposes of this Act, if:

                     (a)  a carrier or carriage service provider supplies, or proposes to supply, a carriage service; and

                     (b)  the carriage service involves, or will involve, the use of a controlled network, or a controlled facility, of the carrier or of the provider, as the case may be;

the carriage service is a controlled carriage service of the carrier or the provider, as the case may be.

Controlled networks

             (2)  For the purposes of this Act, if:

                     (a)  a carrier or carriage service provider operates a telecommunications network; and

                     (b)  the network satisfies the geographical test set out in subsection (4);

the network is a controlled network of the carrier or the provider, as the case may be.

Controlled facilities

             (3)  For the purposes of this Act, if:

                     (a)  a carrier or carriage service provider operates a facility; and

                     (b)  the facility satisfies the geographical test set out in subsection (4);

the facility is a controlled facility of the carrier or provider, as the case may be.

Geographical test

             (4)  For the purposes of this section, a telecommunications network, or a facility, satisfies the geographical test if:

                     (a)  the whole or any part of the network or facility, as the case requires, is, or will be, located in Australia; or

                     (b)  all of the following conditions are satisfied:

                              (i)  a person, or a group of persons, operates the network or the facility, as the case requires;

                             (ii)  the person, or at least one of the members of the group, carries on, or will carry on, a telecommunications‑related business wholly or partly in Australia;

                            (iii)  the network, or the facility, as the case requires, is used, or will be used, to supply a listed carriage service, or a service that is ancillary or incidental to such a service.

Definition

             (5)  In this section:

telecommunications‑related business means a business that consists of, or includes:

                     (a)  supplying a carriage service; or

                     (b)  supplying goods or services for use in connection with the supply of a carriage service; or

                     (c)  supplying a content service; or

                     (d)  installing, maintaining, operating or providing access to:

                              (i)  a telecommunications network; or

                             (ii)  a facility.

15  Content service

             (1)  For the purposes of this Act, a content service is:

                     (a)  a broadcasting service; or

                     (b)  an on‑line information service (for example, a dial‑up information service); or

                     (c)  an on‑line entertainment service (for example, a video‑on‑demand service or an interactive computer game service); or

                     (d)  any other on‑line service (for example, an education service provided by a State or Territory government); or

                     (e)  a service of a kind specified in a determination made by the Minister for the purposes of this paragraph.

             (2)  The Minister may make a written determination for the purposes of paragraph (1)(e).

             (3)  A determination made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(e) is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

16  Listed carriage services

             (1)  For the purposes of this Act, the following carriage services are listed carriage services:

                     (a)  a carriage service between a point in Australia and one or more other points in Australia;

                     (b)  a carriage service between a point and one or more other points, where the first‑mentioned point is in Australia and at least one of the other points is outside Australia;

                     (c)  a carriage service between a point and one or more other points, where the first‑mentioned point is outside Australia and at least one of the other points is in Australia.

             (2)  For the purposes of this section, a point includes a mobile or potentially mobile point, whether on land, underground, in the atmosphere, in outer space, underwater, at sea or anywhere else.

             (3)  For the purposes of this section, a point that is:

                     (a)  in the atmosphere; and

                     (b)  in or below the stratosphere; and

                     (c)  above Australia;

is taken to be a point in Australia.

             (4)  For the purposes of this section, a point that is:

                     (a)  on a satellite; and

                     (b)  above the stratosphere;

is taken to be a point outside Australia.

18  Access to an emergency call service

                   For the purposes of this Act, a person is taken not to have access to an emergency call service unless, in the event that the person attempts to place a call to the relevant emergency service number, the call can be established and maintained.

19  Recognised person who operates an emergency call service

             (1)  A reference in this Act to a recognised person who operates an emergency call service is a reference to a person who:

                     (a)  operates an emergency call service; and

                     (b)  is specified, in a written determination made by the ACMA for the purposes of this paragraph, as:

                              (i)  a national operator of emergency call services; or

                             (ii)  a regional operator of emergency call services.

             (2)  A copy of a determination under paragraph (1)(b) is to be published in the Gazette.

             (3)  A person may be specified in a determination under paragraph (1)(b) even if the person does not operate an emergency call service at the time the determination is made.

             (4)  Subsection (3) is enacted for the avoidance of doubt.

20  Customer cabling

             (1)  For the purposes of this Act, customer cabling means a line that, under the regulations, is treated as customer cabling.

             (2)  Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may deal with a matter by reference to the boundary of a telecommunications network.

Note:          Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not, by implication, limit subsection (1).

             (4)  If no regulations are in force for the purposes of subsection (1), then, for the purposes of this Act, customer cabling means a line that is used, installed ready for use or intended for use on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network.

Note:          Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.

21  Customer equipment

             (1)  For the purposes of this Act, customer equipment means:

                     (a)  any equipment, apparatus, tower, mast, antenna or other structure or thing; or

                     (b)  any system (whether software‑based or otherwise);

that:

                     (c)  is used, installed ready for use or intended for use in connection with a carriage service; and

                     (d)  under the regulations, is treated as customer equipment;

but does not include a line.

             (2)  Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may deal with a matter by reference to the boundary of a telecommunications network.

Note:          Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not, by implication, limit subsection (1).

             (4)  If no regulations are in force for the purposes of subsection (1), then, for the purposes of this Act, customer equipment means:

                     (a)  any equipment, apparatus, tower, mast, antenna or other structure or thing that is used, installed ready for use or intended for use on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network; or

                     (b)  any system (whether software‑based or otherwise) that is used, installed ready for use or intended for use on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network;

but does not include:

                     (c)  a line; or

                     (d)  equipment of a kind specified in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph; or

                     (e)  an apparatus, tower, mast, antenna or other structure or thing that is of a kind specified in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph; or

                      (f)  a system (whether software‑based or otherwise) that is of a kind specified in regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph.

Note :         Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.

22  Customer cabling and customer equipment—boundary of a telecommunications network

             (1)  For the purposes of sections 20, 21, 30, 372B, 372C and 372V, the boundary of a telecommunications network is to be ascertained in accordance with the regulations.

             (2)  Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) may deal with a matter by reference to any or all of the following:

                     (a)  the terms of an agreement between 2 or more carriers, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;

                     (b)  the terms of an agreement between 2 or more carriage service providers, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;

                     (c)  the terms of an agreement between a carrier and a carriage service provider, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;

                     (d)  the terms of an agreement between a carrier and a customer of the carrier, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations;

                     (e)  the terms of an agreement between a carriage service provider and a customer of the provider, where the agreement is entered into for the purposes of those regulations.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not, by implication, limit subsection (1).

             (4)  If no regulations are in force for the purposes of subsection (1), then, for the purposes of sections 20, 21, 30, 372B, 372C and 372V, the boundary of a telecommunications network is:

                     (a)  in a case where a telecommunications network is used to supply a carriage service to an end‑user in a building by means of a line that enters the building—the point agreed between the customer and the carrier or carriage service provider who operates the telecommunications network, or, failing agreement:

                              (i)  if there is a main distribution frame in the building and the line is connected to the frame—the side of the frame nearest to the end‑user; or

                             (ii)  if subparagraph (i) does not apply but the line is connected to a network termination device located in, on or within close proximity to, the building—the side of the device nearest to the end‑user; or

                            (iii)  if neither subparagraph (i) nor (ii) applies but the line is connected to one or more sockets in the building—the side nearest to the end‑user of the first socket after the building entry point; or

                     (b)  in a case where a telecommunications network is used to supply a carriage service to an end‑user by means of a satellite‑based facility that transmits to, or receives transmissions from, the point where the end user is located—the outer surface of the satellite‑based facility; or

                     (c)  in a case where:

                              (i)  a telecommunications network is used to supply a carriage service to an end‑user; and

                             (ii)  paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply;

                            the outer surface of the fixed facility nearest to the end‑user, where the facility is used, installed ready for use or intended for use to supply the carriage service.

             (5)  If, immediately before 1 July 1997, the boundary of a telecommunications network used to supply a standard telephone service to an end‑user in a building by means of a line that enters the building is the side of a main distribution frame, or a telephone socket, nearest to the end‑user, paragraph (4)(a) has effect, on and after 1 July 1997, as if the customer and the carrier or carriage service provider who operates the network had agreed to the boundary at that point.

             (6)  Subsection (5) does not prevent the customer and the carrier or carriage service provider agreeing to a boundary at a different point.

             (7)  For the purposes of subsection (4), the building entry point is the point at which a line that is used to provide a carriage service to an end‑user in a building meets the outer surface of that building, immediately before entering the building.

             (8)  In this section:

building includes a structure, a caravan and a mobile home.

23  Immediate circle

             (1)  For the purposes of this Act, a person’s immediate circle consists of the person, together with the following persons:

                     (a)  if the person is an individual—an employee of the individual;

                     (b)  if the person is a partnership—an employee of the partnership;

                     (c)  if the person is a body corporate:

                              (i)  an officer of the body corporate;

                             (ii)  if another body corporate is related to the first‑mentioned body corporate (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001)—that other body corporate and an officer of that other body corporate;

                     (d)  if the person is the Commonwealth:

                              (i)  an authority or institution of the Commonwealth (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of such an authority or institution;

                             (ii)  an officer or employee of the Commonwealth;

                            (iii)  a member of the Australian Defence Force;

                            (iv)  a member of the Australian Federal Police;

                             (v)  a member of the Parliament and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament;

                            (vi)  a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under the Constitution or a law of the Commonwealth;

                     (e)  if the person is a State:

                              (i)  an authority or institution of the State (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of such an authority or institution;

                             (ii)  an officer or employee of the State;

                            (iii)  a member of the police force of the State;

                            (iv)  a member of the Parliament of the State and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament of the State;

                             (v)  a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the State;

                      (f)  if the person is a Territory:

                              (i)  an authority or institution of the Territory (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of such an authority or institution;

                             (ii)  an officer or employee of the Territory;

                            (iii)  a member of the police force of the Territory;

                            (iv)  a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory and a member of the staff of a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory;

                             (v)  a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the Territory;

                     (g)  if the person is an authority or institution of the Commonwealth (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function):

                              (i)  a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;

                             (ii)  the Commonwealth;

                            (iii)  an officer or employee of the Commonwealth;

                            (iv)  a member of the Australian Defence Force;

                             (v)  a member of the Australian Federal Police;

                            (vi)  a member of the Parliament and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament;

                           (vii)  a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under the Constitution or a law of the Commonwealth;

                          (viii)  another authority or institution of the Commonwealth (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of the other authority or institution;

                     (h)  if the person is an authority or institution of the Commonwealth, being an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function—a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;

                      (i)  if the person is an authority or institution of a State (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function):

                              (i)  a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;

                             (ii)  the State;

                            (iii)  an officer or employee of the State;

                            (iv)  a member of the police force of the State;

                             (v)  a member of the Parliament of the State and a member of the staff of a member of the Parliament of the State;

                            (vi)  a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the State;

                           (vii)  another authority or institution of the State (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of the other authority or institution;

                      (j)  if the person is an authority or institution of a State, being an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function—a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;

                     (k)  if the person is an authority or institution of a Territory (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function):

                              (i)  a constituent member or an employee of the authority or institution;

                             (ii)  the Territory;

                            (iii)  an officer or employee of the Territory;

                            (iv)  a member of the police force of the Territory;

                             (v)  a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory and a member of the staff of a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory;

                            (vi)  a person who holds or performs the duties of an office under a law of the Territory;

                           (vii)  another authority or institution of the Territory (other than an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function) and a constituent member or an employee of the other authority or institution;

                      (l)  if the person is an authority or institution of a Territory, being an authority or institution that carries on a business as a core function—a constituent member or employee of the authority or institution;

                    (m)  if the person is a tertiary education institution:

                              (i)  a member of the governing body of the tertiary education institution;

                             (ii)  an officer or employee of the tertiary education institution;

                            (iii)  a student of the tertiary education institution;

                     (n)  a person specified in a determination under subsection (2).

             (2)  The Minister may make a written determination specifying persons for the purposes of paragraph (1)(n).

             (3)  A determination under subsection (2) may be unconditional or subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.

             (4)  Paragraphs (1)(a) to (m) (inclusive) do not, by implication, limit subsections (2) and (3).

             (5)  The Minister may make a written determination providing that a specified authority or specified institution is taken to carry on a business as a core function for the purposes of subsection (1).

             (6)  The Minister may make a written determination providing that a specified authority or specified institution is taken not to carry on a business as a core function for the purposes of subsection (1).

             (7)  A determination under subsection (2), (5) or (6) has effect accordingly.

             (8)  A determination under subsection (2), (5) or (6) is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

             (9)  For the purposes of this section, a person who holds or performs the duties of the office of Administrator of the Northern Territory is taken to be an officer of that Territory.

           (10)  For the purposes of this section, the Australian Federal Police is taken to be the police force of the Australian Capital Territory.

           (11)  In this section:

core function, in relation to an authority or institution, means a function of the authority or institution other than a secondary or incidental function.

director includes a constituent member of a body corporate incorporated for a public purpose by a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

executive officer, in relation to a body corporate, means a person, by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body, who is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the body.

officer, in relation to a body corporate, includes a director, secretary, executive officer or employee of the body.

tertiary education institution means:

                     (a)  a higher education institution (within the meaning of the Student Assistance Act 1973); or

                     (b)  a technical and further education institution (within the meaning of that Act).

24  Extended meaning of use

                   Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in this Act to the use of a thing is a reference to the use of the thing either:

                     (a)  in isolation; or

                     (b)  in conjunction with one or more other things.

 

Part 2—Network units

Division 1—Simplified outline

25  Simplified outline

                   The following is a simplified outline of this Part:

 

Division 2—Basic definition

26  Single line links connecting distinct places in Australia

             (1)  If:

                     (a)  a line link connects distinct places in Australia; and

                     (b)  the distinct places are at least the statutory distance apart;

the line link is a network unit.

             (2)  For the purposes of this section, the statutory distance is:

                     (a)  500 metres; or

                     (b)  if a longer distance, not exceeding 50 kilometres, is specified in the regulations—that longer distance.

27  Multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia

             (1)  If:

                     (a)  the same person owns, or the same persons own, 2 or more line links; and

                     (b)  each of those line links connects distinct places in Australia; and

                     (c)  the aggregate of the distances between the distinct places is more than the statutory distance;

each of those line links is a network unit.

Note:          Statutory distance is defined by subsection (3).

             (2)  If:

                     (a)  the following conditions are satisfied in relation to 2 or more line links:

                              (i)  the owners of the line links are bodies corporate;

                             (ii)  the owners of the line links are all members of the same related company group; and

                     (b)  each of those line links connects distinct places in Australia; and

                     (c)  the aggregate of the distances between the distinct places is more than the statutory distance;

each of those line links is a network unit.

Note:          Statutory distance is defined by subsection (3).

             (3)  For the purposes of this section, the statutory distance is:

                     (a)  5 kilometres; or

                     (b)  if a longer distance, not exceeding 500 kilometres, is specified in the regulations—that longer distance.

             (4)  In this section:

owner means legal or beneficial owner, and own has a corresponding meaning.

related company group means a group of 2 or more bodies corporate, where each member of the group is related to each other member of the group.

             (5)  For the purposes of this section, the question whether a body corporate is related to another body corporate is to be determined in the same manner as that question is determined under the Corporations Act 2001.

28  Designated radiocommunications facility

             (1)  If a designated radiocommunications facility is used, or is for use, to supply a carriage service between a point in Australia and one or more other points in Australia, the facility is a network unit.

             (2)  It does not matter whether the supply involves:

                     (a)  the use of a satellite; or

                     (b)  the use of a line or other facility outside Australia.

             (3)  For the purposes of this section, a point includes a mobile or potentially mobile point, whether on land, underground, in the atmosphere, in outer space, underwater, at sea or anywhere else.

             (4)  For the purposes of this section, a point that is:

                     (a)  in the atmosphere; and

                     (b)  in or below the stratosphere; and

                     (c)  above Australia;

is taken to be a point in Australia.

             (5)  For the purposes of this section, a point that is:

                     (a)  on a satellite; and

                     (b)  above the stratosphere;

is taken to be a point outside Australia.

29  Facilities specified in Ministerial determination

             (1)  The Minister may, by written instrument, determine that a specified facility is a network unit for the purposes of this Act.

             (2)  The determination has effect accordingly.

             (3)  An instrument under this section is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of section 46A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

             (4)  To avoid doubt, nothing in the other provisions of this Part limits the power conferred by subsection (1).

 

Division 3—Related definitions

30  Line links

             (1)  A line constitutes a line link.

             (2)  If:

                     (a)  a line is connected to another line; and

                     (b)  the other line constitutes, or forms part of, a line link;

the first‑mentioned line, and the line link referred to in paragraph (b), together constitute a line link.

             (3)  Subsection (2) is recursive, that is, the reference in paragraph (2)(b) to a line link is a reference to something that is a line link because of any other application or applications of this section.

             (4)  For the purposes of subsection (2), a line is connected to another line if, and only if:

                     (a)  the lines are connected to each other; or

                     (b)  each of the lines is connected to the same facility (other than a line);

in such a way that a communication can be carried, by means of the 2 lines, or by means of facilities including the 2 lines, in the same way as if the 2 lines were a single line.

          (4A)  A line does not form part of any line link to the extent that the line is on the customer side of the boundary of a telecommunications network.

Note:          Boundary of a telecommunications network is defined by section 22.

             (5)  A facility other than a line does not form part of any line link.

31  Designated radiocommunications facility

             (1)  A reference in this Act to a designated radiocommunications facility is a reference to:

                     (a)  a base station used, or for use, to supply a public mobile telecommunications service; or

                     (b)  a base s