Contents
Part 1—Introduction 1
1............................ Short title............................................................................ 1
2............................ Commencement.................................................................. 1
3............................ Objects................................................................................ 1
4............................ Regulatory policy................................................................ 3
5............................ Simplified outline................................................................ 3
6............................ Main index.......................................................................... 7
7............................ Definitions.......................................................................... 8
8............................ Crown to be bound........................................................... 23
9............................ Extra‑territorial application................................................ 23
10.......................... Extension to external Territories....................................... 23
11.......................... Extension to offshore areas............................................... 23
11A....................... Application of the Criminal Code..................................... 24
12.......................... Act subject to Radiocommunications Act......................... 24
13.......................... Continuity of partnerships................................................ 25
14.......................... Controlled carriage services, controlled networks and controlled facilities 25
15.......................... Content service................................................................. 27
16.......................... Listed carriage services..................................................... 27
18.......................... Access to an emergency call service................................. 28
19.......................... Recognised person who operates an emergency call service 28
20.......................... Customer cabling.............................................................. 29
21.......................... Customer equipment......................................................... 29
22.......................... Customer cabling and customer equipment—boundary of a telecommunications network 30
23.......................... Immediate circle................................................................ 32
24.......................... Extended meaning of use.................................................. 37
Part 2—Network units 38
Division 1—Simplified outline 38
25.......................... Simplified outline.............................................................. 38
Division 2—Basic definition 39
26.......................... Single line links connecting distinct places in Australia.... 39
27.......................... Multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia. 39
28.......................... Designated radiocommunications facility.......................... 40
29.......................... Facilities specified in Ministerial determination................ 41
Division 3—Related definitions 42
30.......................... Line links.......................................................................... 42
31.......................... Designated radiocommunications facility.......................... 42
32.......................... Public mobile telecommunications service........................ 44
33.......................... Intercell hand‑over functions............................................ 45
34.......................... When a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network 46
35.......................... Fixed radiocommunications link....................................... 47
Division 4—Distinct places 49
36.......................... Distinct places—basic rules.............................................. 49
37.......................... Properties.......................................................................... 49
38.......................... Combined areas................................................................ 50
39.......................... Principal user of a property............................................... 51
40.......................... Eligible combined areas.................................................... 51
Part 3—Carriers 52
Division 1—Simplified outline 52
41.......................... Simplified outline.............................................................. 52
Division 2—Prohibitions relating to carriers 53
42.......................... Network unit not to be used without carrier licence or nominated carrier declaration 53
43.......................... Continuing offences.......................................................... 54
44.......................... Supply to the public.......................................................... 54
45.......................... Exemption—defence......................................................... 56
46.......................... Exemption—intelligence operations.................................. 57
47.......................... Exemption—transport authorities..................................... 57
48.......................... Exemption—broadcasting services................................... 58
49.......................... Exemption—electricity supply bodies............................... 60
50.......................... Exemption—line links authorised by or under previous laws 61
51.......................... Exemption—Ministerial determination............................. 63
Division 3—Carrier licences 65
52.......................... Applications for carrier licence......................................... 65
53.......................... Form of application etc..................................................... 65
53A....................... Copy of application to be given to Communications Access Co‑ordinator 65
54.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge......................... 65
55.......................... Further information........................................................... 66
56.......................... Grant of licence................................................................. 66
56A....................... Consultation with Communications Access Co‑ordinator 66
57.......................... Carrier licence has effect subject to this Act...................... 68
58.......................... Refusal of carrier licence—disqualified applicant............. 68
58A....................... Refusal of carrier licence—security.................................. 72
59.......................... Time limit on licence decision........................................... 73
60.......................... Notification of refusal of application................................. 75
61.......................... Conditions of carrier licence specified in Schedule 1........ 75
62.......................... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 75
62A....................... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 76
62B........................ Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 76
62C........................ Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 76
62D....................... Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 76
62E........................ Condition of carrier licence set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.......................................................................................... 77
63.......................... Conditions of carrier licence declared by Minister............ 77
64.......................... Consultation about declared licence conditions................. 78
65.......................... Conditions about foreign ownership or control................ 79
67.......................... Carrier licence conditions—special provisions................. 79
68.......................... Compliance with conditions.............................................. 80
69.......................... Remedial directions—breach of condition........................ 80
69AA.................... Remedial directions—breach of conditions relating to access 82
70.......................... Formal warnings—breach of condition............................ 83
71.......................... Surrender of carrier licence............................................... 86
72.......................... Cancellation of carrier licence........................................... 86
73.......................... Collection of charges relating to carrier licences............... 88
73A....................... Refund of application charge............................................ 89
74.......................... Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth..... 90
75.......................... Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge................ 90
76.......................... Commonwealth not liable to charge.................................. 90
Division 4—Nominated carrier declarations 91
77.......................... Applications for nominated carrier declarations................ 91
78.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge etc.................... 91
79.......................... Form of application etc..................................................... 91
80.......................... Further information........................................................... 91
81.......................... Making a nominated carrier declaration............................ 92
81A....................... Obligations of nominated carrier....................................... 92
82.......................... Notification of refusal of application................................. 93
83.......................... Revocation of nominated carrier declaration..................... 93
Division 5—Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences 95
84.......................... Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences 95
Part 4—Service providers 96
Division 1—Simplified outline 96
85.......................... Simplified outline.............................................................. 96
Division 2—Service providers 97
86.......................... Service providers.............................................................. 97
Division 3—Carriage service providers 98
87.......................... Carriage service providers................................................ 98
88.......................... Supply to the public........................................................ 100
89.......................... Exemption from definition—customers located on the same premises 101
90.......................... Exemption from definition—defence.............................. 101
91.......................... Exemption from definition—intelligence operations....... 102
92.......................... Exemption from definition—transport authorities........... 102
93.......................... Exemption from definition—broadcasting services........ 103
94.......................... Exemption from definition—electricity supply bodies.... 104
95.......................... Exemption from definition—Ministerial determination... 104
96.......................... Exemption from certain regulatory provisions—Ministerial determination 105
Division 4—Content service providers 106
97.......................... Content service providers............................................... 106
Division 5—Service provider rules 107
98.......................... Service provider rules..................................................... 107
99.......................... Service provider determinations...................................... 108
100........................ Exemptions from service provider rules......................... 109
101........................ Service providers must comply with service provider rules 109
102........................ Remedial directions—breach of service provider rules... 110
103........................ Formal warnings—breach of service provider rules....... 112
Part 5—Monitoring of the performance of carriers and carriage service providers 115
104........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 115
105........................ Monitoring of performance—annual report.................... 115
105A..................... Monitoring of performance—additional report............... 116
105C...................... Monitoring of breaches by Telstra of an undertaking about structural separation 116
Part 6—Industry codes and industry standards 117
Division 1—Simplified outline 117
106........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 117
Division 2—Interpretation 118
107........................ Industry codes................................................................ 118
108........................ Industry standards.......................................................... 118
108A..................... Electronic messaging service provider............................ 118
108B...................... Telecommunications industry......................................... 119
109........................ Telecommunications activity........................................... 119
109B...................... Telemarketing activity..................................................... 119
109C...................... Fax marketing activity..................................................... 121
110........................ Sections of the telecommunications industry.................. 123
110B...................... Sections of the telemarketing industry............................ 125
110C...................... Sections of the fax marketing industry............................ 125
111........................ Participants in a section of the telecommunications industry 126
111AA.................. Participants in a section of the telemarketing industry..... 126
111AB................... Participants in a section of the fax marketing industry.... 127
111B...................... Unsolicited commercial electronic messages................... 127
Division 3—General principles relating to industry codes and industry standards 128
112........................ Statement of regulatory policy........................................ 128
113........................ Examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards 130
114........................ Industry codes and industry standards may confer powers on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman........................................................................................ 133
115........................ Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with certain design features and performance requirements........................................................................................ 133
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.................................... 135
116A..................... Industry codes and standards do not affect Privacy Act 1988 135
Division 4—Industry codes 136
117........................ Registration of industry codes........................................ 136
118........................ ACMA may request codes............................................. 138
119........................ Publication of notice where no body or association represents a section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry 141
119A..................... Variation of industry codes............................................. 141
119B...................... Publication requirements for submissions...................... 144
120........................ Replacement of industry codes....................................... 147
121........................ Directions about compliance with industry codes........... 147
122........................ Formal warnings—breach of industry codes.................. 148
122A..................... De‑registering industry codes and provisions of industry codes 149
Division 5—Industry standards 150
123........................ ACMA may determine an industry standard if a request for an industry code is not complied with 150
124........................ ACMA may determine industry standard where no industry body or association formed 151
125........................ ACMA may determine industry standards where industry codes fail 152
125AA.................. ACMA must determine an industry standard if directed by the Minister 153
125A..................... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the telemarketing industry 154
125B...................... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the fax marketing industry 155
126........................ Industry standards not to be determined for certain privacy matters 156
128........................ Compliance with industry standards............................... 156
129........................ Formal warnings—breach of industry standards............ 157
130........................ Variation of industry standards....................................... 157
131........................ Revocation of industry standards.................................... 158
132........................ Public consultation on industry standards....................... 158
133........................ Consultation with ACCC and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman 159
134........................ Consultation with Information Commissioner................ 159
135........................ Consultation with consumer body.................................. 160
135A..................... Consultation with the States and Territories.................... 160
Division 6—Register of industry codes and industry standards 161
136........................ ACMA to maintain Register of industry codes and industry standards 161
Division 6A—Reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry codes 162
136A..................... Application for eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code................................................................................ 162
136B...................... Declaration of eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code................................................................................ 163
136C...................... Reimbursement of costs of developing or varying consumer‑related industry code 165
136D..................... Costs—transactions between persons not at arm’s length 168
136E...................... Refundable cost.............................................................. 168
Division 7—Miscellaneous 169
137........................ Protection from civil proceedings................................... 169
138........................ Implied freedom of political communication................... 169
139........................ Agreements for the carrying on of telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities must require compliance with this Part................................................................... 169
Part 8—Superfast fixed‑line networks 171
Division 1—Introduction 171
142........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 171
142A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 171
Division 2—Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis 174
143........................ Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis....... 174
144........................ Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 175
145........................ Exemption—transport authorities................................... 176
146........................ Exemption—electricity supply bodies............................. 177
147........................ Exemption—gas supply bodies...................................... 177
148........................ Exemption—water supply bodies................................... 178
149........................ Exemption—sewerage services bodies........................... 178
150........................ Exemption—storm water drainage services bodies......... 179
151........................ Exemption—State or Territory road authorities.............. 179
Division 3—Other provisions 181
152........................ Associate........................................................................ 181
153........................ Control............................................................................ 182
154........................ Control of a company..................................................... 182
155........................ When a person is in a position to exercise control of a network 182
156........................ Deemed networks........................................................... 184
157........................ Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade 185
158........................ Local access line............................................................. 186
159........................ Alteration........................................................................ 186
160........................ Upgrade of telecommunications network........................ 186
Part 13—Protection of communications 187
Division 1—Introduction 187
270........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 187
271........................ Eligible person................................................................ 187
272........................ Number‑database operator and eligible number‑database person 188
273........................ Information..................................................................... 188
274........................ Telecommunications contractor....................................... 188
275........................ Number‑database contractor........................................... 189
275A..................... Location information....................................................... 189
275B...................... Emergency management person...................................... 189
275C...................... Emergency...................................................................... 190
275D..................... Emergency law............................................................... 190
275E...................... Relevant information....................................................... 190
Division 2—Primary disclosure/use offences 191
276........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible persons.......... 191
277........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible number‑database persons 193
278........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—emergency call persons 195
Division 3—Exceptions to primary disclosure/use offences 197
Subdivision A—Exceptions 197
279........................ Performance of person’s duties...................................... 197
280........................ Authorisation by or under law........................................ 198
281........................ Witnesses........................................................................ 200
284........................ Assisting the ACMA, the eSafety Commissioner, the ACCC or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman................................................................... 201
285........................ Integrated public number database.................................. 202
285A..................... Data for emergency warnings......................................... 206
286........................ Calls to emergency service number................................. 207
287........................ Threat to person’s life or health...................................... 208
288........................ Communications for maritime purposes......................... 208
289........................ Knowledge or consent of person concerned................... 208
290........................ Implicit consent of sender and recipient of communication 209
291........................ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..... 209
291A..................... Location dependent carriage services.............................. 211
292........................ Circumstances prescribed in the regulations................... 212
293........................ Uses connected with exempt disclosures........................ 213
294........................ Effect of this Subdivision............................................... 213
Subdivision B—Burden of proof 213
295........................ Burden of proof.............................................................. 213
Division 3A—Integrated public number database authorisations 215
Subdivision A—ACMA scheme for the granting of authorisations 215
295A..................... ACMA to make integrated public number database scheme 215
295B...................... Scheme must deal with certain matters............................ 215
295C...................... Applications may be treated differently........................... 216
295D..................... Scope of authorisations................................................... 216
295E...................... Provisional and final authorisations................................ 216
295F...................... Conditions...................................................................... 216
295G..................... Varying or revoking authorisations................................ 216
295H..................... Scheme may confer administrative powers on the ACMA 217
295J....................... Ancillary or incidental provisions................................... 217
295K...................... Scheme‑making power not limited.................................. 217
295L...................... Variation of scheme........................................................ 217
295M..................... Consultation.................................................................... 217
Subdivision B—Ministerial instruments 218
295N..................... Criteria for deciding authorisation applications............... 218
295P...................... Conditions...................................................................... 218
295Q..................... Other reviewable decisions............................................. 219
Subdivision C—Enforcing compliance with conditions of authorisations 219
295R...................... Offence of breaching a condition.................................... 219
295S...................... Remedial directions for breaching a condition................ 219
295T...................... Formal warnings for breaching a condition.................... 220
Subdivision D—Report to Minister 220
295U..................... Report to Minister........................................................... 220
Division 3B—Emergency warnings 221
295V..................... Use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons 221
295W..................... Use or disclosure of information by other persons......... 222
295X..................... Effect on telecommunications network........................... 222
295Y..................... Coronial and other inquiries............................................ 222
295Z...................... Offence—use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons 223
295ZA................... Offence—use or disclosure of information by other persons.. 223
295ZB................... Reports of access............................................................ 224
295ZC................... Annual reports to the ACMA and Information Commissioner 224
295ZD................... Arrangements with States and Territories....................... 225
295ZE.................... Commonwealth immunity............................................... 225
Division 4—Secondary disclosure/use offences 226
296........................ Performance of person’s duties...................................... 226
297........................ Authorisation by or under law........................................ 226
299........................ Assisting the ACMA, the eSafety Commissioner, the ACCC or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman................................................................... 226
299A..................... Integrated public number database.................................. 227
300........................ Threat to person’s life or health...................................... 228
301........................ Communications for maritime purposes......................... 229
302........................ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..... 229
302A..................... Location dependent carriage services.............................. 230
303........................ Secondary offence—contravening this Division............. 230
303A..................... Generality of Division not limited................................... 230
Division 4A—Relationship with the Privacy Act 1988 231
303B...................... Acts taken to be authorised by this Act for purposes of Privacy Act 231
303C...................... Prosecution of an offence against this Part does not affect proceedings under the Privacy Act 1988 231
Division 5—Record‑keeping requirements 232
304........................ Associate........................................................................ 232
305........................ Authorisations under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 232
306........................ Record of disclosures—general...................................... 232
306A..................... Record of disclosures—prospective authorisation under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.......................................................................... 234
307........................ Incorrect records............................................................. 235
308........................ Annual reports to the ACMA by carriers, carriage service providers or number‑database operators 236
309........................ Monitoring by the Information Commissioner............... 236
Division 6—Instrument‑making powers not limited 238
310........................ Instrument‑making powers not limited........................... 238
Part 14—National interest matters 239
Division 1—Simplified outline 239
311........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 239
Division 2—Obligations of ACMA and carriers and carriage service providers 241
312........................ ACMA’s obligations...................................................... 241
313........................ Obligations of carriers and carriage service providers.... 241
314........................ Terms and conditions on which help is to be given........ 246
Division 3—Notification of changes to telecommunications services or telecommunications systems relating to obligation under subsection 313(1A) or (2A) 248
Subdivision A—Individual notifications 248
314A..................... Individual notifications................................................... 248
314B...................... Assessment of proposed change..................................... 251
Subdivision B—Security capability plans 253
314C...................... Security capability plans................................................. 253
314D..................... Assessment of security capability plan........................... 254
314E...................... Relationship with section 314A...................................... 256
Division 4—Carriage service provider may suspend supply of carriage service in an emergency 257
315........................ Suspension of supply of carriage service in an emergency 257
Division 5—Directions by Home Affairs Minister 259
315A..................... Direction if use or supply of carriage services prejudicial to security 259
315B...................... Direction if risk of unauthorised interference or access involving telecommunications networks or facilities........................................................................................ 260
Division 6—Home Affairs Secretary’s information‑gathering powers 264
315C...................... Home Affairs Secretary may obtain information and documents from carriers and carriage service providers........................................................................................ 264
315D..................... Self‑incrimination........................................................... 265
315E...................... Copies of documents...................................................... 266
315F...................... Retention of documents.................................................. 266
315G..................... Delegation by Home Affairs Secretary........................... 267
Division 7—Information sharing and confidentiality 268
315H..................... Information sharing and confidentiality.......................... 268
Division 8—Annual report 270
315J....................... Annual report.................................................................. 270
Division 8A—Review by Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 272
315K...................... Review by Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 272
Division 9—Generality of Part not limited 273
316........................ Generality of Part not limited.......................................... 273
Part 15—Industry assistance 274
Division 1—Introduction 274
317A..................... Simplified outline of this Part......................................... 274
317B...................... Definitions...................................................................... 276
317C...................... Designated communications provider etc........................ 282
317D..................... Electronic service............................................................ 286
317E...................... Listed acts or things........................................................ 287
317F...................... Extension to external Territories..................................... 289
Division 2—Voluntary technical assistance 290
317G..................... Voluntary technical assistance provided to ASIO, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, the Australian Signals Directorate or an interception agency................. 290
317H..................... Form of technical assistance request............................... 293
317HAA............... Provision of advice to designated communications providers 294
317HAB................ Notification obligations................................................... 295
317HA.................. Duration of technical assistance request.......................... 296
317J....................... Specified period etc......................................................... 297
317JAA................. Decision‑making criteria................................................. 297
317JA.................... Variation of technical assistance requests....................... 298
317JB.................... Revocation of technical assistance requests.................... 302
317JC.................... Whether a technical assistance request is reasonable and proportionate 304
317K...................... Contract etc..................................................................... 305
Division 3—Technical assistance notices 307
317L...................... Technical assistance notices............................................ 307
317LA................... Approval of technical assistance notices given by the chief officer of an interception agency of a State or Territory.......................................................................... 308
317M..................... Form of technical assistance notice................................. 308
317MAA............... Provision of advice to designated communications providers 309
317MAB............... Notification obligations................................................... 311
317MA.................. Duration of technical assistance notice............................ 311
317N..................... Compliance period etc..................................................... 312
317P...................... Decision‑making criteria................................................. 313
317PA................... Consultation about a proposal to give a technical assistance notice 313
317Q..................... Variation of technical assistance notices......................... 314
317R...................... Revocation of technical assistance notices...................... 316
317RA................... Whether requirements imposed by a technical assistance notice are reasonable and proportionate 318
Division 4—Technical capability notices 319
317S...................... Attorney‑General may determine procedures and arrangements relating to requests for technical capability notices............................................................................. 319
317T...................... Technical capability notices............................................. 319
317TAAA............. Approval of technical capability notice........................... 322
317TAA................ Provision of advice to designated communications providers 323
317TAB................ Notification obligations................................................... 323
317TA................... Duration of technical capability notice............................ 324
317U..................... Compliance period etc..................................................... 326
317V..................... Decision‑making criteria................................................. 326
317W..................... Consultation about a proposal to give a technical capability notice 327
317WA.................. Assessment and report.................................................... 328
317X..................... Variation of technical capability notices.......................... 333
317XA.................. Approval of variation of technical capability notice........ 335
317Y..................... Consultation about a proposal to vary a technical capability notice 336
317YA.................. Assessment and report.................................................... 337
317Z...................... Revocation of technical capability notices....................... 341
317ZAA................ Whether requirements imposed by a technical capability notice are reasonable and proportionate 342
Division 5—Compliance and enforcement 344
317ZA................... Compliance with notices—carriers and carriage service providers 344
317ZB................... Compliance with notices—designated communications provider (other than a carrier or carriage service provider)......................................................................... 344
317ZC................... Civil penalty provision.................................................... 345
317ZD................... Enforceable undertakings................................................ 346
317ZE.................... Injunctions...................................................................... 347
Division 6—Unauthorised disclosure of information etc. 348
317ZF.................... Unauthorised disclosure of information.......................... 348
317ZFA................. Powers of a court............................................................ 358
Division 7—Limitations 360
317ZG................... Designated communications provider must not be requested or required to implement or build a systemic weakness or systemic vulnerability etc........................... 360
317ZGA................ Limits on technical capability notices.............................. 361
317ZH................... General limits on technical assistance requests, technical assistance notices and technical capability notices........................................................................................ 362
Division 8—General provisions 367
317ZJ.................... Immunity........................................................................ 367
317ZK................... Terms and conditions on which help is to be given etc... 367
317ZKA................ Notification obligations................................................... 374
317ZL.................... Service of notices etc...................................................... 376
317ZM.................. Interception agency—chief officer and officer................ 378
317ZN................... Delegation by Director‑General of Security.................... 379
317ZP.................... Delegation by Director‑General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service 379
317ZQ................... Delegation by Director‑General of the Australian Signals Directorate 380
317ZR................... Delegation by the chief officer of an interception agency 380
317ZRA................ Relationship of this Part to parliamentary privileges and immunities 381
317ZRB................. Inspection of records...................................................... 382
317ZS.................... Annual reports................................................................ 383
317ZT.................... Alternative constitutional basis....................................... 384
Part 16—Defence requirements and disaster plans 385
Division 1—Introduction 385
333........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 385
334........................ Defence authority............................................................ 385
Division 2—Supply of carriage services 386
335........................ Requirement to supply carriage services for defence purposes or for the management of natural disasters........................................................................................ 386
Division 3—Defence planning 388
336........................ Definitions...................................................................... 388
337........................ Preparation of draft agreement........................................ 388
338........................ ACMA’s certification of draft agreement....................... 389
339........................ Requirement to enter into certified agreement................. 390
340........................ Compliance with agreement............................................ 390
341........................ Withdrawal of certification of agreement........................ 390
342........................ Duration of agreement.................................................... 391
343........................ Variation of agreement.................................................... 391
Division 4—Disaster plans 393
344........................ Designated disaster plans................................................ 393
345........................ Carrier licence conditions about designated disaster plans 393
346........................ Service provider determinations about designated disaster plans 393
346A..................... Carrier and carriage service provider immunity.............. 393
Division 5—Delegation 395
347........................ Delegation....................................................................... 395
Part 17—Pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers 396
348........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 396
349........................ Requirement to provide pre‑selection.............................. 396
349A..................... Local access line............................................................. 402
350........................ When pre‑selection is provided in favour of a carriage service provider 402
350A..................... Declared carriage services............................................... 404
351........................ Pre‑selection to be provided............................................ 404
352........................ Exemptions from requirement to provide pre‑selection... 405
353........................ Use of over‑ride dial codes............................................. 406
Part 18—Calling line identification 408
354........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 408
355........................ Calling line identification................................................ 408
356........................ Exemptions from calling line identification requirement. 408
Part 20—International aspects of activities of the telecommunications industry 410
Division 1—Simplified outline 410
364........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 410
Division 2—Compliance with international agreements 411
365........................ INTELSAT and Inmarsat—directions to Signatories..... 411
366........................ Compliance with conventions......................................... 411
Division 3—Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators 413
367........................ Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators 413
368........................ ACCC to administer Rules of Conduct........................... 415
369........................ Rules of Conduct to bind carriers and carriage service providers 416
370........................ Unenforceability of agreements...................................... 416
371........................ Investigations by the ACCC........................................... 416
372........................ Reviews of the operation of this Division....................... 417
Part 20A—Deployment of optical fibre etc. 418
Division 1—Simplified outline 418
372A..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 418
Division 2—Deployment of optical fibre lines 419
372B...................... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building lots........... 419
372C...................... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building units......... 421
372D..................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 423
Division 3—Installation of fibre‑ready facilities 424
Subdivision A—Installation obligations 424
372E...................... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building lots.......... 424
372F...................... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building units........ 425
Subdivision B—Sale of building lots and building units 427
372G..................... Sale of building lots and building units—subdivisions... 427
372H..................... Sale of building units—other projects............................. 429
Subdivision D—Exemptions 430
372K...................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 430
Division 4—Third party access regime 433
372L...................... Third party access regime............................................... 433
372M..................... Terms and conditions of access...................................... 435
372N..................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 436
372NA.................. Code relating to access.................................................... 436
Division 5—Exemption of certain projects 438
372P...................... Exemption of certain projects.......................................... 438
Division 6—Miscellaneous 439
372Q..................... Real estate development projects etc............................... 439
372R...................... Subdivision of an area of land........................................ 441
372S...................... Building units................................................................. 441
372T...................... Sale of building lots........................................................ 441
372U..................... Sale of building units...................................................... 442
372V..................... Fixed‑line facilities.......................................................... 442
372W..................... Fibre‑ready facility.......................................................... 443
372X..................... Installation of a facility.................................................... 443
372Y..................... Installation of a fibre‑ready facility in proximity to a building lot or building unit 443
372Z...................... Sewerage services, electricity or water supplied to a building lot or building unit 444
372ZA................... Supply to the public........................................................ 445
372ZB................... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 446
372ZD................... NBN Co......................................................................... 446
Part 21—Technical regulation 447
Division 1—Simplified outline 447
373........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 447
Division 2—Interpretative provisions 449
374........................ Part applies to networks or facilities in Australia operated by carriers or carriage service providers 449
375........................ Manager of network or facility....................................... 449
Division 3—Technical standards about customer equipment and customer cabling 450
376........................ ACMA’s power to make technical standards................. 450
376A..................... ACMA must make technical standards if directed by the Minister 452
377........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 452
378........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 452
379........................ Making technical standards in cases of urgency............. 453
Division 4—Disability standards 455
380........................ Disability standards........................................................ 455
381........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 455
382........................ Procedures for making disability standards.................... 456
383........................ Effect of compliance with disability standards................ 457
Division 5—Technical standards about the interconnection of facilities 458
384........................ ACMA’s power to make technical standards................. 458
385........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 459
386........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 459
387........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 460
388........................ Provision of access......................................................... 461
389........................ Promotion of the long‑term interests of end‑users of carriage services and of services supplied by means of carriage services.............................................................. 461
Division 5A—Technical standards relating to Layer 2 bitstream services 462
389A..................... ACMA’s power to determine technical standards.......... 462
389B...................... Compliance with technical standards.............................. 462
Division 6—Connection permits and connection rules 464
Subdivision A—Connection permits authorising the connection of non‑standard customer equipment and non‑standard cabling 464
390........................ Application for connection permit................................... 464
391........................ Form of application......................................................... 464
392........................ Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 465
393........................ Further information......................................................... 465
394........................ Issue of connection permits............................................ 465
395........................ Connection permit has effect subject to this Act............. 466
396........................ Nominees of holder........................................................ 466
397........................ Duration of connection permits....................................... 466
398........................ Conditions of connection permits................................... 467
399........................ Offence of contravening condition.................................. 467
400........................ Formal warnings—breach of condition.......................... 468
401........................ Surrender of connection permit....................................... 468
402........................ Cancellation of connection permit................................... 468
403........................ Register of connection permits........................................ 469
Subdivision B—Connection rules 470
404........................ Connection rules............................................................. 470
405........................ Procedures for making connection rules......................... 470
Division 7—Labelling of customer equipment and customer cabling 472
406........................ Application of labels....................................................... 472
406A..................... Application of Division to agent of manufacturer or importer 472
407........................ Labelling requirements.................................................... 472
408........................ Requirements to apply labels—ancillary matters............. 473
409........................ Recognised testing authorities and competent bodies...... 475
410........................ Certification bodies......................................................... 475
411........................ Connection of customer equipment or customer cabling—breach of section 376 standards 475
412........................ Connection of labelled customer equipment or customer cabling not to be refused 477
413........................ Supply of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling 479
414........................ Applying labels before satisfying requirements under subsection 408(5) 479
415........................ Failure to retain records etc............................................. 480
416........................ Application of labels containing false statements about compliance with standards 481
Division 8—Protected symbols 482
417........................ Protected symbols........................................................... 482
Division 9—Cabling providers 486
418........................ Cabling work.................................................................. 486
419........................ Types of cabling work.................................................... 486
420........................ Prohibition of unauthorised cabling work....................... 486
421........................ Cabling provider rules.................................................... 487
422........................ Procedures for making cabling provider rules................ 488
423........................ Application for cabling licence........................................ 489
424........................ Form of application......................................................... 489
425........................ Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 489
426........................ Further information......................................................... 489
427........................ Grant of cabling licence.................................................. 489
428........................ Time limit on licence decision......................................... 490
429........................ Notification of refusal of application............................... 491
430........................ Cabling licence has effect subject to this Act.................. 491
431........................ Duration of cabling licence............................................. 491
432........................ Conditions of cabling licence.......................................... 491
433........................ Procedures for changing licence conditions.................... 492
434........................ Offence in relation to contravening condition................. 492
435........................ Formal warnings—breach of condition.......................... 493
436........................ Surrender of cabling licence............................................ 493
437........................ Suspension of cabling licence......................................... 494
438........................ Cancellation of cabling licence........................................ 494
439........................ ACMA may limit application of Division in relation to customer cabling 495
440........................ Ministerial directions...................................................... 495
441........................ Delegation....................................................................... 496
442........................ Register of cabling licences............................................. 497
Division 10—Remedies for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc. 498
443........................ Civil action for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc. 498
444........................ Remedy for contravention of labelling requirements....... 499
445........................ Remedies for connection of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling 500
446........................ Disconnection of dangerous customer equipment or customer cabling 502
447........................ Disconnection of customer equipment or customer cabling—protection of the integrity of networks and facilities........................................................................... 504
448........................ Civil action for dangerous connections to telecommunications networks etc. 505
449........................ Other remedies not affected............................................ 506
Division 11—Prohibited customer equipment and prohibited customer cabling 507
450........................ Declaration of prohibited customer equipment or prohibited customer cabling 507
452........................ Operation of prohibited customer equipment or customer cabling 507
Division 12—Pre‑commencement labels 509
453........................ Pre‑commencement labels............................................... 509
Division 13—Penalties payable instead of prosecution 510
453A..................... Penalties payable instead of prosecution......................... 510
Part 22—Numbering of carriage services and regulation of electronic addressing 511
Division 1—Simplified outline 511
454........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 511
Division 2—Numbering of carriage services 512
Subdivision AA—Management by numbering scheme manager 512
454A..................... Minister may determine numbering scheme manager..... 512
454B...................... No property rights in numbers........................................ 512
454C...................... Numbering scheme principles......................................... 512
454D..................... Revocation of determination........................................... 514
454E...................... Directions to numbering scheme manager...................... 514
454F...................... Numbering scheme manager providing information to the ACMA 515
454G..................... Directions to comply with rules...................................... 516
454H..................... Numbering scheme documents are not legislative instruments 516
Subdivision A—Management by the ACMA 516
455A..................... Application..................................................................... 516
455........................ Numbering plan.............................................................. 517
456........................ Numbering plan—supply to the public........................... 518
457........................ Numbering plan—allocation otherwise than in accordance with an allocation system 519
458........................ Numbering plan—rules about portability of allocated numbers 519
459........................ ACMA to administer numbering plan............................ 520
459A..................... Delegation....................................................................... 520
460........................ Consultation about numbering plan................................ 521
461........................ Consultation with ACCC................................................ 522
461A..................... Making numbering plan in cases of urgency.................. 522
462........................ Compliance with the numbering plan.............................. 523
Subdivision B—Allocation system for numbers 524
463A..................... Numbering scheme manager........................................... 524
463........................ Allocation system for numbers....................................... 525
464........................ Consultation about an allocation system......................... 526
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 526
465........................ Register of allocated numbers......................................... 526
466........................ Emergency service numbers........................................... 528
468........................ Collection of numbering charges.................................... 529
469........................ Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth... 531
470........................ Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge.............. 531
471........................ Commonwealth not liable to charge................................ 531
472........................ Integrated public number database.................................. 532
473........................ Letters and symbols taken to be numbers....................... 533
Division 3—Regulation of electronic addressing 534
474........................ Declared manager of electronic addressing..................... 534
475........................ ACMA may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing 534
476........................ ACCC may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing 535
477........................ ACCC’s directions to prevail over the ACMA’s directions 537
Part 23—Standard agreements for the supply of carriage services 538
478........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 538
479........................ Standard terms and conditions apply unless excluded.... 538
482........................ Concurrent operation of State/Territory laws.................. 539
483........................ Competition and Consumer Act not affected by this Part 540
Part 24—Carriers’ powers and immunities 541
484........................ Schedule 3...................................................................... 541
Part 24A—Submarine cables 542
484A..................... Schedule 3A................................................................... 542
Part 25—Public inquiries 543
Division 1—Simplified outline 543
485........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 543
Division 2—Inquiries by the ACMA 544
486........................ When inquiry must be held............................................. 544
487........................ When inquiry may be held.............................................. 544
488........................ Informing the public about an inquiry............................. 545
489........................ Discussion paper............................................................ 545
490........................ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.... 546
491........................ Hearings......................................................................... 546
492........................ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......... 547
493........................ Confidential material not to be published........................ 548
494........................ Direction about private hearings..................................... 549
495........................ Reports on inquiries........................................................ 550
Division 3—Inquiries by the ACCC 551
496........................ When inquiry must be held............................................. 551
497........................ When inquiry may be held.............................................. 551
498........................ Informing the public about an inquiry............................. 551
499........................ Discussion paper............................................................ 552
500........................ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.... 552
501........................ Hearings......................................................................... 553
502........................ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......... 554
503........................ Confidential material not to be published........................ 554
504........................ Direction about private hearings..................................... 555
505........................ Reports on inquiries........................................................ 556
505A..................... ACCC may use material presented to a previous public inquiry 557
505B...................... ACCC may adopt a finding from a previous public inquiry 558
506........................ ACCC’s other powers not limited.................................. 558
Part 26—Investigations 559
507........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 559
508........................ Matters to which this Part applies................................... 559
509........................ Complaints to the ACMA............................................... 560
510........................ Investigations by the ACMA.......................................... 562
511........................ Preliminary inquiries....................................................... 563
512........................ Conduct of investigations............................................... 563
513........................ Complainant and certain other persons to be informed of various matters 564
514........................ Reference of matters to Ombudsman or other responsible person 565
515........................ Reference of matters to the ACCC.................................. 566
515A..................... Reference of matters to Information Commissioner........ 567
516........................ Reports on investigations................................................ 568
517........................ Publication of reports...................................................... 569
518........................ Person adversely affected by report to be given opportunity to comment 570
519........................ Protection from civil actions........................................... 570
Part 27—The ACMA’s information‑gathering powers 572
Division 1—Simplified outline 572
520........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 572
Division 2—Information‑gathering powers 573
521........................ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from carriers and service providers 573
522........................ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from other persons 574
523........................ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............. 576
524........................ Self‑incrimination........................................................... 576
525........................ Giving false or misleading information or evidence........ 577
527........................ Copies of documents...................................................... 577
528........................ ACMA may retain documents........................................ 577
Division 3—Record‑keeping rules 579
529........................ ACMA may make record‑keeping rules......................... 579
530........................ Compliance with record‑keeping rules............................ 580
531........................ Incorrect records............................................................. 580
Part 28—Enforcement 581
Division 1—Introduction 581
532........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 581
532A..................... References to the Spam Act 2003.................................... 582
Division 2—Inspectors and identity cards 583
533........................ Inspectors....................................................................... 583
534........................ Identity cards.................................................................. 584
Division 3—Search warrants relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act 585
535........................ Magistrate may issue warrant......................................... 585
536........................ Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc................... 586
537........................ Contents of warrant........................................................ 586
538........................ Warrants may be issued by telephone etc........................ 586
539........................ Provisions relating to issue of warrant by telephone etc. 586
540........................ Proceedings involving warrant issued by telephone etc.. 588
Division 4—Searches and seizures relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act 589
541........................ When is a thing connected with an offence?................... 589
541A..................... When is a thing connected with a breach of the Spam Act 2003? 589
542........................ Searches and seizures..................................................... 589
543........................ Production of identity card etc........................................ 590
544........................ Evidence of commission of other offences against Part 21 of this Act or other breaches of the Spam Act 2003........................................................................................ 591
545........................ Emergency entry, search and seizure.............................. 592
546........................ Retention of things seized............................................... 593
Division 5—Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21 594
547........................ Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21................. 594
Division 5A—Searches to monitor compliance with the Spam Act 2003 595
547A..................... Powers available to inspectors for monitoring compliance 595
547B...................... Monitoring powers......................................................... 595
547C...................... Production of identity card etc........................................ 597
547D..................... Monitoring warrants....................................................... 597
547E...................... Details of warrant to be given to occupier etc................. 599
547F...................... Announcement before entry............................................ 599
547G..................... Compensation for damage to equipment......................... 599
547H..................... Occupier entitled to be present during search.................. 600
Division 5B—Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003 602
547J....................... Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003 602
Division 6—Other powers of inspectors 604
548........................ General powers of inspectors......................................... 604
549........................ Power to require information etc..................................... 605
550........................ Retention of documents.................................................. 607
Division 7—Forfeiture 608
551........................ Court may order forfeiture.............................................. 608
552........................ Forfeited goods may be sold........................................... 608
Division 8—Future offences 609
553........................ Offences that are going to be committed......................... 609
Part 29—Review of decisions 610
554........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 610
555........................ Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA 610
556........................ Deadlines for reaching certain decisions......................... 610
557........................ Statements to accompany notification of decisions......... 611
558........................ Applications for reconsideration of decisions................. 611
559........................ Reconsideration by the ACMA...................................... 612
560........................ Deadlines for reconsiderations........................................ 612
561........................ Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration 612
562........................ Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal............ 613
Part 30—Injunctions 614
563........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 614
564........................ Injunctions...................................................................... 614
565........................ Interim injunctions.......................................................... 618
566........................ Discharge etc. of injunctions........................................... 618
567........................ Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply.......... 618
568........................ Other powers of the court unaffected.............................. 619
Part 31—Civil penalties 620
569........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 620
570........................ Pecuniary penalties for contravention of civil penalty provisions 620
571........................ Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............. 622
572........................ Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contravention of civil penalty provisions 625
Part 31A—Enforceable undertakings 626
572A..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 626
572B...................... Acceptance of undertakings............................................ 626
572C...................... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................... 627
Part 31B—Infringement notices for contraventions of civil penalty provisions 629
572D..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 629
572E...................... When an infringement notice can be given...................... 629
572F...................... Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 633
572G..................... Amount of penalty.......................................................... 634
572H..................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 634
572J....................... What happens if the penalty is paid................................. 635
572K...................... Effect of this Part on civil proceedings........................... 635
572L...................... Appointment of authorised infringement notice officer... 636
572M..................... Guidelines relating to infringement notices..................... 636
572N..................... Regulations..................................................................... 637
Part 32—Vicarious liability 638
573........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 638
574........................ Proceedings under this Act............................................. 638
574A..................... Definition........................................................................ 638
575........................ Liability of corporations.................................................. 639
576........................ Liability of persons other than corporations.................... 640
Part 33—Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra 642
Division 1—Introduction 642
577........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 642
Division 2—Structural separation 643
Subdivision A—Undertaking about structural separation 643
577A..................... Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation... 643
577AA.................. Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation may be subject to the occurrence of events 648
577AB................... When undertaking about structural separation comes into force 650
577AC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about structural separation 651
577AD.................. Compliance with undertaking about structural separation 652
577B...................... Variation of undertaking about structural separation....... 652
577BA................... Authorised conduct—subsection 51(1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 653
Subdivision B—Migration plan 660
577BB................... Migration plan principles................................................ 660
577BC................... Migration plan................................................................ 661
577BD................... Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given after undertaking about structural separation comes into force.............................................................. 663
577BDA................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given before undertaking about structural separation comes into force.............................................................. 665
577BDB................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in compliance with a direction 667
577BDC................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in response to a request 668
577BE................... Effect of approval of draft migration plan....................... 670
577BF................... Variation of final migration plan..................................... 671
Division 3—Hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 673
577C...................... Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 673
577CA................... Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks may be subject to the occurrence of events........................................................................................ 674
577CB................... When undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks comes into force 676
577CC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 677
577CD................... Compliance with undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 678
577D..................... Variation of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 678
Division 4—Subscription television broadcasting licences 680
577E...................... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 680
577EA................... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences may be subject to the occurrence of events....................................................... 681
577EB................... When undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences comes into force 683
577EC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 684
577ED................... Compliance with undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 685
577F...................... Variation of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 685
Division 5—Enforcement of undertakings 687
577G..................... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................... 687
Division 6—Limits on allocation of spectrum licences etc. 689
577GA.................. Excluded spectrum regime.............................................. 689
577H..................... Designated part of the spectrum...................................... 689
577J....................... Limits on allocation of certain spectrum licences to Telstra 689
577K...................... Limits on use of certain spectrum licences by Telstra..... 692
577L...................... Limits on assignment of certain spectrum licences to Telstra etc. 694
Division 7—Other provisions 696
577M..................... Associate........................................................................ 696
577N..................... Control............................................................................ 697
577P...................... Control of a company..................................................... 697
577Q..................... When Telstra is in a position to exercise control of a network 697
Part 34—Special provisions relating to conventions and directions 700
579........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 700
580........................ ACMA must have regard to conventions....................... 700
581........................ Power to give directions to carriers and service providers 701
Part 35—Miscellaneous 703
582........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 703
583........................ Penalties for certain continuing offences......................... 704
584........................ Procedure relating to certain continuing offences............ 705
585........................ Treatment of partnerships............................................... 705
586........................ Giving of documents to partnerships.............................. 706
587........................ Nomination of address for service of documents............ 706
588........................ Service of summons or process on foreign corporations—criminal proceedings 707
589........................ Instruments under this Act may provide for matters by reference to other instruments 708
590........................ Arbitration—acquisition of property............................... 709
591........................ Compensation—constitutional safety net........................ 710
592........................ Act not to affect performance of State or Territory functions 711
593........................ Funding of consumer representation, and of research, in relation to telecommunications 711
593A..................... Removal of Optus Networks’ tax losses........................ 712
594........................ Regulations..................................................................... 713
An Act about telecommunications, and for related purposes
Part 1—Introduction
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Telecommunications Act 1997.
2 Commencement
(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:
• This Act sets up a system for regulating telecommunications.
• The main entities regulated by this Act are carriers and service providers.
• A carrier is the holder of a carrier licence granted under this Act.
• The owner of a network unit that is used to supply carriage services to the public must hold a carrier licence unless responsibility for the unit is transferred from the owner to a carrier.
• There are 4 types of network unit:
(a) a single line link connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line link meets certain minimum distance requirements;
(b) multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line links meet certain minimum distance requirements;
(c) a designated radiocommunications facility;
(d) a facility specified in a Ministerial determination.
• Carrier licences are subject to conditions.
• There are 2 types of service provider:
(a) a carriage service provider;
(b) a content service provider.
• A carriage service provider is a person who supplies, or proposes to supply, certain carriage services.
• A content service provider is a person who supplies, or proposes to supply, certain content services.
• Service providers must comply with the service provider rules.
• The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is to monitor, and report each year to the Minister on, significant matters relating to the performance of carriers and carriage service providers.
• Bodies and associations that represent sections of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry may develop industry codes.
• Industry codes may be registered by the ACMA.
• Compliance with an industry code is voluntary unless the ACMA directs a particular participant in the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry to comply with the code.
• The ACMA has a reserve power to make an industry standard if there are no industry codes or if an industry code is deficient.
• Compliance with industry standards is mandatory.
• Carriers and carriage service providers must protect the confidentiality of communications.
• The ACMA, carriers and carriage service providers must do their best to prevent telecommunications networks and facilities from being used to commit offences.
• Carriers and carriage service providers must do their best to protect telecommunications networks and facilities from unauthorised interference or unauthorised access.
• Carriers and carriage service providers must ensure that it is possible to execute a warrant issued under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
• Carriage service providers may be required to supply carriage services for defence purposes or for the management of natural disasters.
• A carrier or carriage service provider may be required to enter into an agreement with the Commonwealth about:
(a) planning for network survivability; or
(b) operational requirements in times of crisis.
• The ACMA may require certain carriers and carriage service providers to provide pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers in relation to calls made using a standard telephone service.
• The ACMA must require certain carriers and carriage service providers to provide pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers in relation to calls made using a declared carriage service.
• Carriers and carriage service providers may be required to comply with certain international conventions.
• The Minister may make Rules of Conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators.
• Provision is made for the technical regulation of customer equipment, customer cabling and cabling work.
• Numbering may be administered by a numbering scheme manager or by the ACMA.
• Provision is made for standard agreements for the supply of carriage services.
• The ACMA and the ACCC may hold public inquiries about certain matters relating to telecommunications.
• The ACMA may investigate certain matters relating to telecommunications.
• Certain switching systems must be capable of providing calling line identification.
• Provision is made for the following ancillary matters:
(a) information‑gathering powers;
(b) powers of search, entry and seizure;
(c) review of decisions;
(d) injunctions.
6 Main index
The following is a main index to this Act:
| Main Index | | |
| Item | Topic | Provisions |
| 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’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’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
(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.
ACNC type of entity means an entity that meets the description of a type of entity in column 1 of the table in subsection 25‑5(5) of the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012.
adverse security assessment has the meaning given by section 35 of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.
AFP Minister means the Minister administering the Australian Federal Police Act 1979.
aircraft includes a balloon.
ASIO means the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
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 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 (other than section 317ZB) 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; or
(c) a provision of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 that is declared by that Act to be a civil penalty provision for the purposes of this Act.
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 part of the spectrum has the meaning given by section 577H.
designated radiocommunications facility has the meaning given by section 31.
Director‑General of Security means the Director‑General of Security holding office under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.
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.
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) if there is a numbering scheme manager—a service specified by the ACMA for the purposes of this subparagraph in a legislative instrument; or
(iva) if there is no numbering scheme manager—a service specified for the purposes of this subparagraph in the numbering plan made by the ACMA; or
(v) a service for despatching a force or service referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (iva).
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.
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 Circuit Court means the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.
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 Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
fixed‑line facility has the meaning given by section 372V.
fixed radiocommunications link has the meaning given by section 35.
Home Affairs Department means the Department administered by the Home Affairs Minister.
Home Affairs Minister means the Minister administering the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979.
Home Affairs Secretary means the Secretary of the Home Affairs Department.
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) a Layer 2 bitstream service (within the ordinary meaning of that expression); and
(b) a listed carriage service; and
(c) supplied using a line to premises occupied or used by an end‑user.
For the purposes of determining the ordinary meaning of the expression used in paragraph (a), assume that 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 carriage service provider means a carriage service provider covered by a declaration in force under subsection 197(4) of the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
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.
notifiable equipment has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
numbering plan has the meaning given by section 455.
numbering scheme means the scheme for planning and managing:
(a) the numbering of carriage services in Australia; and
(b) the use of numbers in connection with the supply of such services; and
(c) the specification, allocation and issuing of numbers for that use.
numbering scheme manager: see subsection 454A(2).
numbering scheme principles: see subsection 454C(2).
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).
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.
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.
registered charity means an entity that is registered under the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012 as the type of entity mentioned in column 1 of item 1 of the table in subsection 25‑5(5) of that Act.
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.
telecommunications service has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
telecommunications system has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
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.
universal service obligation 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 and of the Northern Territory.
(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
(1) 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.
(2) The operation of this Act in relation to Norfolk Island is not affected by the amendments made by Division 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Territories Legislation Amendment Act 2016.
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, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (1)(e).
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, 349, 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, 349, 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, by legislative instrument, make a 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, by legislative instrument, make a 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, by legislative instrument, make a 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.
(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:
• The object of this Part is to define the expression network unit.
• There are 4 types of network unit:
(a) a single line link connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line link meets certain minimum distance requirements;
(b) multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia, where the line links meet certain minimum distance requirements;
(c) a designated radiocommunications facility;
(d) a facility specified in a Ministerial determination.
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 legislative instrument, determine that a specified facility is a network unit for the purposes of this Act.
(2) The determination has effect accordingly.
(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 station that is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network; or
(c) a fixed radiocommunications link; or
(d) a satellite‑based facility; or
(e) a radiocommunications transmitter of a kind specified in a determination under subsection (2); or
(f) a radiocommunications receiver of a kind specified in a determination under subsection (3);
but does not include a reference to:
(g) a base station of a kind declared under subsection (5) to be exempt from this section; or
(h) a fixed radiocommunications link of a kind declared under subsection (5) to be exempt from this section; or
(i) a satellite‑based facility of a kind declared under subsection (5) to be exempt from this section.
Note 1: Public mobile telecommunications service is defined by section 32.
Note 2: Base station that is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network is defined by section 34.
Note 3: Fixed radiocommunications link is defined by section 35.
Note 4: Satellite‑based facility is defined by section 7.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (1)(e).
(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a determination for the purposes of paragraph (1)(f).
(5) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a declaration for the purposes of paragraph (1)(g), (h) or (i).
(7) To avoid doubt, nothing in the other provisions of this Part limits a power conferred by subsection (2), (3) or (5).
32 Public mobile telecommunications service
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if:
(a) an end‑user can use a carriage service while moving continuously between places; and
(b) the customer equipment used for or in relation to the supply of the service is not in physical contact with any part of the telecommunications network by means of which the service is supplied; and
(c) the service is supplied by use of a telecommunications network that has intercell hand‑over functions; and
(d) the service is not an exempt service (as defined by subsection (2), (3) or (4));
the service is a public mobile telecommunications service.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an exempt service if:
(a) the service is supplied by means of a telecommunications network (a primary network) that is connected to one or more line links or other facilities that, apart from this section, are eligible network units; and
(b) the principal function of the primary network is to supply carriage services between customer equipment connected to the primary network and other such equipment; and
(c) the supply of carriage services between such equipment and equipment connected to the network units is, at most, an ancillary function of the primary network; and
(d) despite the connection or connections referred to in paragraph (a), the primary network cannot be used in carrying a communication, as a single transaction, between equipment connected to the network units and other such equipment.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an exempt service if the service is:
(a) a one‑way only, store‑and‑forward communications service; or
(b) a service that performs the same functions as such a service.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an exempt service if all of the end‑users of the service are located at the same distinct place.
(5) In this section:
eligible network unit means a network unit:
(a) that is owned by one or more carriers; or
(b) in relation to which a nominated carrier declaration is in force.
33 Intercell hand‑over functions
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a telecommunications network is taken to have intercell hand‑over functions if, and only if:
(a) the facilities of the network include at least 2 base stations each of which transmits and receives signals to and from customer equipment (mobile equipment) that is:
(i) used for or in relation to the supply of an eligible mobile telecommunications service; and
(ii) located within a particular area (a cell); and
(b) the network includes the functions necessary to do the following while the network is carrying a communication made to or from particular mobile equipment:
(i) determine in which cell the equipment is located and cause the base station in that cell to transmit and receive signals to and from the equipment;
(ii) when the equipment moves from one cell to another, cause the base station in the one cell to stop, and the base station in the other cell to start, transmitting and receiving signals to and from the equipment.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a carriage service is an eligible mobile telecommunications service if:
(a) an end‑user can use it while moving continuously between places; and
(b) customer equipment used for or in relation to the supply of the service is not in physical contact with any part of the telecommunications network by means of which the service is supplied.
34 When a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network if, and only if:
(a) the base station is part of a telecommunications network; and
(b) the base station is not an exempt base station (as defined by subsection (2)); and
(c) the base station is used, or for use, in connection with the supply of a carriage service; and
(d) customer equipment used for or in relation to the supply of the service is not in physical contact with any part of the telecommunications network by means of which the service is supplied; and
(e) the service is wholly or principally used, or wholly or principally for use, by each end‑user:
(i) at premises occupied or used by the end‑user; or
(ii) in the immediate vicinity of those premises; and
(f) the network does not have intercell hand‑over functions; and
(g) the conditions (if any) specified in the regulations are satisfied; and
(h) the network is not an exempt network (as defined by subsection (3)).
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), a base station is an exempt base station if the sole use of the base station is use by a broadcaster to:
(a) supply broadcasting services to the public; or
(b) supply a secondary carriage service by means of the main carrier signal of a primary broadcasting service;
or both.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(h), a network is an exempt network if:
(a) the network is used, or for use, for the sole purpose of supplying carriage services on a non‑commercial basis; or
(b) the network is of a kind specified in the regulations.
(4) In this section:
broadcaster means:
(a) the Australian Broadcasting Corporation; or
(b) the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation; or
(c) the holder of a licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; or
(d) a person who provides a broadcasting service under a class licence under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
35 Fixed radiocommunications link
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a fixed radiocommunications link is a facility, or a combination of facilities, where:
(a) the facility or combination is used, or for use, in connection with the supply of a carriage service between 2 or more fixed points by means of radiocommunication; and
(b) some or all of the communications carried by means of the facility or combination have the characteristic of double‑ended interconnection (as defined by subsection (3)); and
(c) the facility or combination does not consist of:
(i) one or more base stations that are part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network; or
(ii) one or more base stations that would be part of such a network if paragraph 34(1)(h) had not been enacted.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a fixed point is a fixed point on:
(a) land; or
(b) a building or structure on land.
(3) For the purposes of this section, if:
(a) a communication is carried over a line link or other facility that, apart from this section, is an eligible network unit; and
(b) the communication is then carried (immediately or with a transmission delay of not longer than 30 seconds), by means of radiocommunication, between 2 or more fixed points; and
(c) the communication is then carried (immediately or with a transmission delay of not longer than 30 seconds) over another line link or other facility that, apart from this section, is an eligible network unit;
the communication referred to in paragraph (b) has the characteristic of double‑ended interconnection.
(4) In this section:
eligible network unit means a network unit:
(a) that is owned by one or more carriers; or
(b) in relation to which a nominated carrier declaration is in force.
Division 4—Distinct places
36 Distinct places—basic rules
(1) Places are distinct unless they are all in the same area because of subsection (2), (3) or (4).
(2) Places are in the same area if they are all situated in the same property as defined by section 37.
(3) Places are in the same area if they are situated in properties each of which forms part of a combined area as defined by section 38 and:
(a) the same person or persons is or are the principal user (as defined by section 39) of all the properties that together constitute that combined area; or
(b) because of a determination in force under section 40, that combined area is an eligible combined area for the purposes of this paragraph.
(4) Places are in the same area if they are all situated in the same eligible Territory.
(5) The later provisions of this Division have effect only for the purposes of this Division.
37 Properties
(1) An area of land is a property if:
(a) there is a single freehold or leasehold title in relation to that area (whether or not that title is registered under a law of a State or Territory relating to the registration of interests in land); and
(b) no part of that area is subject to a lease granted by the holder of that title; and
(c) the title to the area is defined by reference to geographical coordinates.
(2) If:
(a) there is a single freehold or leasehold title (as mentioned in paragraph (1)(a)) in relation to an area of land; and
(b) some but not all of that area is subject to a lease granted by the holder of that title;
then, an area of land:
(c) all of which is within the area referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection; and
(d) none of which is subject to such a lease;
is a property unless it is only part of another such area.
(3) An area of land is not a property except as provided in this section.
(4) The regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which an area of land in relation to which there is a single freehold or leasehold title is not to constitute a property for the purposes of this Division.
(5) Despite paragraph (1)(c), the regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which an area of land, the title to which is defined otherwise than by reference to geographical coordinates, is a property.
(6) In this section:
land includes premises and a part of premises, but does not include unalienated Crown land.
lease includes sublease and leasehold title has a corresponding meaning.
38 Combined areas
(1) 2 contiguous properties form a combined area.
(2) If:
(a) a property is contiguous with another property; and
(b) the other property forms part of a combined area;
the first‑mentioned property, and the combined area referred to in paragraph (b), together form a combined area.
(3) Subsection (2) is recursive, that is, the reference in paragraph (2)(b) to a combined area is a reference to something that is a combined area because of any other application or applications of this section.
39 Principal user of a property
(1) The principal user of a property is the person who:
(a) occupies the property; or
(b) uses the property for the purpose that is the sole or principal purpose for which the property is used.
(2) However, if 2 or more persons:
(a) together occupy a property; or
(b) together use a property for the purpose that is the sole or principal purpose for which the property is used;
they are taken to together be the principal user of the property.
40 Eligible combined areas
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified combined areas are eligible combined areas for the purposes of paragraph 36(3)(b).
Part 3—Carriers
Division 1—Simplified outline
41 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Part:
• The owner of a network unit that is used to supply carriage services to the public must hold a carrier licence unless:
(a) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the network unit; or
(b) an exemption applies.
• Carrier licences are granted by the ACMA.
• The holder of a carrier licence is known as a carrier.
• If responsibility for a network unit is transferred from the owner of the unit to a carrier, the ACMA may make a nominated carrier declaration that declares the carrier to be the nominated carrier in relation to the unit.
• Carrier licences are subject to conditions.
Division 2—Prohibitions relating to carriers
42 Network unit not to be used without carrier licence or nominated carrier declaration
(1) If there is only one owner of a network unit, the owner of the network unit must not use the unit, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, to supply a carriage service to the public, unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(2) If there is only one owner of a network unit, the owner of the network unit must not allow or permit another person to use the unit to supply a carriage service to the public unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(3) If there are 2 or more owners of a network unit, an owner of the network unit must not use the unit, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, to supply a carriage service to the public, unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(4) If there are 2 or more owners of a network unit, an owner of the network unit must not, either alone or together with one or more other owners, allow or permit another person to use the unit to supply a carriage service to the public unless:
(a) the owner holds a carrier licence; or
(b) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit.
(5) A person who contravenes subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) commits an offence punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding 20,000 penalty units.
Note: See also sections 4AA and 4B of the Crimes Act 1914.
43 Continuing offences
A person who contravenes section 42 commits a separate offence in respect of each day (including a day of a conviction under this section or any later day) during which the contravention continues.
44 Supply to the public
(1) This section sets out the circumstances in which a network unit is taken, for the purposes of section 42, to be used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(2) If:
(a) there is only one owner of a network unit; and
(b) no nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit; and
(c) any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the unit is used for the carriage of communications between 2 end‑users, where each end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the owner of the unit;
(ii) the unit is used to supply point‑to‑multipoint services to end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the owner of the unit;
(iii) the unit is used to supply designated content services (other than point‑to‑multipoint services) to one or more end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the owner of the unit;
the unit is used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(3) If:
(a) there are 2 or more owners of a network unit; and
(b) no nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to the unit; and
(c) any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the unit is used for the carriage of communications between 2 end‑users, where each end‑user is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of the unit;
(ii) the unit is used to supply point‑to‑multipoint services to end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of the unit;
(iii) the unit is used to supply designated content services (other than point‑to‑multipoint services) to one or more end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of the unit;
the unit is used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(4) If:
(a) a nominated carrier declaration is in force in relation to a network unit; and
(b) any of the following conditions is satisfied:
(i) the unit is used for the carriage of communications between 2 end‑users, where each end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the nominated carrier in relation to the unit;
(ii) the unit is used to supply point‑to‑multipoint services to end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the nominated carrier in relation to the unit;
(iii) the unit is used to supply designated content services (other than point‑to‑multipoint services) to one or more end‑users, where at least one end‑user is outside the immediate circle of the nominated carrier in relation to the unit;
the unit is used to supply a carriage service to the public.
(5) For the purposes of this section, a person is outside the overlap of the immediate circles of the owners of a network unit unless the person is:
(a) within the immediate circles of each of the owners of the unit; or
(b) the owner, or one of the owners, of the unit.
(6) For the purposes of this section, a designated content service is a content service of a kind specified in a written determination made by the Minister.
(7) A determination under subsection (6) is a legislative instrument.
45 Exemption—defence
(1) If the sole use of a network unit is use by, or on behalf of, a defence organisation to carry communications necessary or desirable for defence purposes, section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(2) If:
(a) the principal use of a network unit is use by, or on behalf of, a defence organisation to carry communications necessary or desirable for defence purposes; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(3) In this section:
defence organisation means:
(a) the Defence Department; or
(b) the Australian Defence Force; or
(c) an organisation of a foreign country, so far as the organisation:
(i) has functions corresponding to functions of, or of a part of, the Defence Department or the Australian Defence Force; and
(ii) is authorised by the Commonwealth to operate or train in Australia or an external Territory; or
(d) a part of such an organisation or body.
46 Exemption—intelligence operations
Section 42 does not apply to a network unit that is used wholly or principally:
(a) by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service; or
(b) by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation; or
(c) by the Australian Signals Directorate.
47 Exemption—transport authorities
(1) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if the sole use of the unit is use by Airservices Australia to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of aviation services.
(3) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if the sole use of the unit is use by a State or Territory transport authority to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of any or all of the following services:
(a) train services of a kind provided by the authority;
(b) bus or other road services of a kind provided by the authority;
(c) tram services of a kind provided by the authority.
(4) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if the sole use of the unit is use by a rail corporation to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of train services.
(5) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if:
(a) the principal use of the unit is use by Airservices Australia to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of aviation services; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services.
(7) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if:
(a) the principal use of the unit is use by a State or Territory transport authority to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of any or all of the following services:
(i) train services of a kind provided by the authority;
(ii) bus or other road services of a kind provided by the authority;
(iii) tram services of a kind provided by the authority; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services.
(8) Section 42 does not apply to a network unit if:
(a) the principal use of the unit is use by a rail corporation to carry communications necessary or desirable for the workings of train services; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services.
(9) In this section:
rail corporation means a body corporate that manages or operates either or both of the following:
(a) rail transport services;
(b) rail transport infrastructure.
48 Exemption—broadcasting services
(1) If :
(a) the sole use of a network unit is use to carry communications that are necessary or desirable for either or both of the following purposes:
(i) the supply of broadcasting services to the public;
(ii) the supply of a secondary carriage service by means of the main carrier signal of a primary broadcasting service; and
(b) the unit does not consist of, or include, a facility used to carry communications between:
(i) the head end of a cable transmission system; and
(ii) the equipment used by an end‑user to receive a broadcasting service; and
(c) the unit does not consist of a broadcasting transmitter transmitting a signal of a broadcasting service to its intended audience;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(2) If:
(a) the principal use of a network unit is use to carry communications that are necessary or desirable for either or both of the following purposes:
(i) the supply of broadcasting services to the public;
(ii) the supply of a secondary carriage service by means of the main carrier signal of a primary broadcasting service; and
(b) the unit does not consist of, or include, a facility used to carry communications between:
(i) the head end of a cable transmission system; and
(ii) the equipment used by an end‑user to receive a broadcasting service; and
(c) the unit does not consist of a broadcasting transmitter transmitting a signal of a broadcasting service to its intended audience; and
(d) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(3) If the sole use of a line link is use for the purpose of a re‑transmission of a kind mentioned in paragraph 212(1)(a) or (b) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(4) If:
(a) the principal use of a line link is use for the purpose of a re‑transmission of a kind mentioned in paragraph 212(1)(a) or (b) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992; and
(b) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(4A) For the purposes of this section, disregard subsection 212(3) of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
(5) In this section:
broadcasting transmitter means a radiocommunications transmitter used, or for use, to deliver a broadcasting service.
head end of a cable transmission system means a facility that:
(a) is connected to a line link; and
(b) is used, or for use, in connection with the delivery of a broadcasting service; and
(c) processes signals for delivery by the line link to end‑users having equipment appropriate for receiving the service.
49 Exemption—electricity supply bodies
(1) If the sole use of a network unit is use by an electricity supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(a) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; or
(b) charging for the supply of electricity;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(2) If:
(a) the principal use of a network unit is use by an electricity supply body to carry communications necessary or desirable for:
(i) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity; or
(ii) charging for the supply of electricity; and
(b) the remaining use of the unit is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 does not apply to the unit.
(3) In this section:
electricity supply body means an authority, or a body corporate, that carries on a business, or performs a function, of:
(a) generating, transmitting, distributing or supplying electricity; or
(b) managing the generation, transmission, distribution or supply of electricity.
50 Exemption—line links authorised by or under previous laws
(1) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under paragraph 13(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act 1975 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the sole use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(2) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under paragraph 13(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act 1975 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the principal use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation; and
(c) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(3) If a line link consists of facilities that:
(a) were installed before the repeal of section 45 of the Telecommunications Act 1989; and
(b) immediately before that repeal, were permitted by that section to be maintained and operated;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(4) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 46 of the Telecommunications Act 1989 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the sole use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(5) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 46 of the Telecommunications Act 1989 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the principal use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation; and
(c) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(6) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 108 of the Telecommunications Act 1991 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the sole use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
(7) If:
(a) a line link consists of facilities in relation to which an authorisation was in force under section 108 of the Telecommunications Act 1991 immediately before the repeal of that Act; and
(b) the principal use of the line link is use as provided in, and in accordance with any conditions specified in, the authorisation; and
(c) the remaining use of the line link is use by one or more carriers, or by one or more exempt network‑users, to supply carriage services and/or content services;
section 42 of this Act does not apply to the line link.
51 Exemption—Ministerial determination
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that section 42 does not apply in relation to:
(a) a specified network unit; or
(b) a specified person; or
(c) a specified use of a network unit.
(2) A determination under this section may be unconditional or subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the determination.
(3) A determination under this section has effect accordingly.
Division 3—Carrier licences
52 Applications for carrier licence
A person may apply to the ACMA for a carrier licence, so long as the person is:
(a) a constitutional corporation; or
(b) an eligible partnership; or
(c) a public body.
53 Form of application etc.
An application must be:
(a) in writing; and
(b) in accordance with the form approved in writing by the ACMA.
53A Copy of application to be given to Communications Access Co‑ordinator
(1) The ACMA must give a copy of the application to the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
(2) For the purposes of sections 56A and 59, the application is taken not to have been received by the ACMA until the copy is received by the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
54 Application to be accompanied by charge
An application must be accompanied by the charge (if any) imposed on the application by Part 2 of the Telecommunications (Carrier Licence Charges) Act 1997.
55 Further information
(1) The ACMA may, within 20 business days after an application is made, request the applicant to give the ACMA, within the period specified in the request, further information about the application.
(2) The ACMA may refuse to consider the application until the applicant gives the ACMA the information.
(3) In this section:
business day means a day on which the ACMA is open for business in the Australian Capital Territory and in Victoria.
56 Grant of licence
(1) After considering an application, the ACMA may grant a carrier licence in accordance with the application.
(2) If the ACMA grants a carrier licence to a person, the ACMA must give the person a written notice stating that the licence has been granted.
(3) If the ACMA grants a carrier licence, the ACMA must cause to be published in the Gazette a notice stating that the licence has been granted.
56A Consultation with Communications Access Co‑ordinator
(1) The ACMA must not grant a carrier licence unless it has consulted the Communications Access Co‑ordinator about the licence application.
(2) Within 15 business days after the date on which the ACMA received the licence application, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator may give a written notice to the ACMA, stating that the Communications Access Co‑ordinator does not require any further consultation about the application. The notice cannot be revoked.
Note: Under section 53A, the application is treated as not being received by the ACMA until a copy has been received by the Communications Access Co‑ordinator.
(3) Within 15 business days after the date on which the ACMA received the licence application, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator may give a written notice to the ACMA:
(a) stating that, while the notice remains in force, the ACMA must not grant the carrier licence; and
(b) specifying the period during which the notice remains in force (unless earlier revoked), which period cannot end more than 3 months after the date of the notice.
However, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator cannot give such a notice if the Communications Access Co‑ordinator has earlier given a notice under subsection (2) in relation to the application.
(4) At any time while a notice is in force under subsection (3), or under this subsection, the Communications Access Co‑ordinator may give a further written notice to the ACMA:
(a) stating that, while the notice remains in force, the ACMA must not grant the carrier licence; and
(b) specifying the period during which the notice remains in force (unless earlier revoked), which period cannot end more than 3 months after the date of the notice or more than 12 months after the date of the notice under subsection (3).
(5) The Communications Access Co‑ordinator may, by notice in writing to the ACMA, revoke a notice under subsection (3) or (4).
(6) The Communications Access Co‑ordinator cannot issue a further notice under subsection (3) or (4) in respect of the application after it has revoked such a notice.
(7) The ACMA must give the applicant a copy of each notice that the ACMA receives from the Communications Access Co‑ordinator under subsection (3), (4) or (5).
(8) The ACMA must not grant the carrier licence while a notice is in force under subsection (3) or (4).
(9) In this section:
business day means a day on which the ACMA is open for business in the Australian Capital Territory and in Victoria.
57 Carrier licence has effect subject to this Act
(1) A carrier licence has effect subject to this Act.
(2) In this section:
this Act includes the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 and regulations under that Act.
58 Refusal of carrier licence—disqualified applicant
(1) The ACMA may refuse to grant a carrier licence to an applicant if, immediately before the ACMA makes its decision on the application, the applicant is disqualified.
When body corporate is disqualified
(2) For the purposes of this section, a body corporate is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by the body corporate was cancelled under subsection 72(1), (2A) or (2B); or
(b) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by a partnership in which the body corporate was a partner was cancelled under subsection 72(1), (2A) or (2B); or
(c) at the test time, any of the following individuals is disqualified:
(i) a director of the body corporate;
(ii) the secretary of the body corporate;
(iii) a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who is concerned in, or takes part in, the management of the body corporate.
When individual is disqualified—failure to pay annual charge
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), an individual is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by a body corporate or partnership was cancelled under subsection 72(1) because of a failure by the body corporate or partnership to pay in full the charge referred to in that subsection; and
(b) in the case of a body corporate—at the time when the charge referred to in subsection 72(1) was due and payable, the individual was:
(i) a director of the body corporate; or
(ii) the secretary of the body corporate; or
(iii) a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the body corporate; and
(c) in the case of a partnership—at the time when the charge referred to in subsection 72(1) was due and payable, the individual:
(i) was an employee of the partnership; and
(ii) was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the partnership; and
(d) the individual:
(i) aided, abetted, counselled or procured the failure of the body corporate or partnership; or
(ii) was in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the failure of the body corporate or partnership.
When individual is disqualified—failure to pay industry levy
(4A) For the purposes of subsection (2), an individual is disqualified at a particular time (the test time) if:
(a) at any time before the test time, a carrier licence held by a body corporate or partnership was cancelled under subsection 72(2A) because of a failure by the body corporate or partnership to pay in full the industry levy referred to in that subsection; and
(b) in the case of a body corporate—at the time when the industry levy referred to in subsection 72(2A) was due and payable, the individual was:
(i) a director of the body corporate; or
(ii) the secretary of the body corporate; or
(iii) a person (by whatever name called and whether or not a director of the body corporate) who was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the body corporate; and
(c) in the case of a partnership—at the time when the industry levy referred to in subsection 72(2A) was due and payable, the individual:
(i) was an employee of the partnership; and
(ii) was concerned in, or took part in, the management of the partnership; and