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 83
70.......................... Formal warnings—breach of condition............................ 84
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............................................ 90
74.......................... Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth..... 90
75.......................... Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge................ 90
76.......................... Commonwealth not liable to charge.................................. 91
Division 4—Nominated carrier declarations 92
77.......................... Applications for nominated carrier declarations................ 92
78.......................... Application to be accompanied by charge etc.................... 92
79.......................... Form of application etc..................................................... 92
80.......................... Further information........................................................... 92
81.......................... Making a nominated carrier declaration............................ 93
81A....................... Obligations of nominated carrier....................................... 93
82.......................... Notification of refusal of application................................. 94
83.......................... Revocation of nominated carrier declaration..................... 94
Division 5—Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences 96
84.......................... Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences 96
Part 4—Service providers 97
Division 1—Simplified outline 97
85.......................... Simplified outline.............................................................. 97
Division 2—Service providers 98
86.......................... Service providers.............................................................. 98
Division 3—Carriage service providers 99
87.......................... Carriage service providers................................................ 99
88.......................... Supply to the public........................................................ 101
89.......................... Exemption from definition—customers located on the same premises 102
90.......................... Exemption from definition—defence.............................. 102
91.......................... Exemption from definition—intelligence operations....... 103
92.......................... Exemption from definition—transport authorities........... 103
93.......................... Exemption from definition—broadcasting services........ 104
94.......................... Exemption from definition—electricity supply bodies.... 105
95.......................... Exemption from definition—Ministerial determination... 105
96.......................... Exemption from certain regulatory provisions—Ministerial determination 106
Division 4—Content service providers 107
97.......................... Content service providers............................................... 107
Division 5—Service provider rules 108
98.......................... Service provider rules..................................................... 108
99.......................... Service provider determinations...................................... 109
100........................ Exemptions from service provider rules......................... 110
101........................ Service providers must comply with service provider rules 110
102........................ Remedial directions—breach of service provider rules... 111
103........................ Formal warnings—breach of service provider rules....... 113
Part 5—Monitoring of the performance of carriers and carriage service providers 116
104........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 116
105........................ Monitoring of performance—annual report.................... 116
105A..................... Monitoring of performance—additional report............... 117
105C...................... Monitoring of breaches by Telstra of an undertaking about structural separation 117
Part 6—Industry codes and industry standards 118
Division 1—Simplified outline 118
106........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 118
Division 2—Interpretation 119
107........................ Industry codes................................................................ 119
108........................ Industry standards.......................................................... 119
108A..................... Electronic messaging service provider............................ 119
108B...................... Telecommunications industry......................................... 120
109........................ Telecommunications activity........................................... 120
109B...................... Telemarketing activity..................................................... 120
109C...................... Fax marketing activity..................................................... 122
110........................ Sections of the telecommunications industry.................. 124
110B...................... Sections of the telemarketing industry............................ 126
110C...................... Sections of the fax marketing industry............................ 126
111........................ Participants in a section of the telecommunications industry 127
111AA.................. Participants in a section of the telemarketing industry..... 127
111AB................... Participants in a section of the fax marketing industry.... 128
111B...................... Unsolicited commercial electronic messages................... 128
Division 3—General principles relating to industry codes and industry standards 129
112........................ Statement of regulatory policy........................................ 129
113........................ Examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards 131
114........................ Industry codes and industry standards may confer powers on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman........................................................................................ 134
115........................ Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with certain design features and performance requirements........................................................................................ 134
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.................................... 136
116A..................... Industry codes and standards do not affect Privacy Act 1988 136
Division 4—Industry codes 137
117........................ Registration of industry codes........................................ 137
118........................ ACMA may request codes............................................. 139
119........................ Publication of notice where no body or association represents a section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry 142
119A..................... Variation of industry codes............................................. 142
119B...................... Publication requirements for submissions...................... 145
120........................ Replacement of industry codes....................................... 148
121........................ Directions about compliance with industry codes........... 148
122........................ Formal warnings—breach of industry codes.................. 149
122A..................... De‑registering industry codes and provisions of industry codes 150
Division 5—Industry standards 151
123........................ ACMA may determine an industry standard if a request for an industry code is not complied with 151
124........................ ACMA may determine industry standard where no industry body or association formed 152
125........................ ACMA may determine industry standards where industry codes fail 153
125AA.................. ACMA must determine an industry standard if directed by the Minister 154
125A..................... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the telemarketing industry 155
125B...................... ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the fax marketing industry 156
126........................ Industry standards not to be determined for certain privacy matters 157
128........................ Compliance with industry standards............................... 157
129........................ Formal warnings—breach of industry standards............ 158
130........................ Variation of industry standards....................................... 158
131........................ Revocation of industry standards.................................... 159
132........................ Public consultation on industry standards....................... 159
133........................ Consultation with ACCC and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman 160
134........................ Consultation with Information Commissioner................ 160
135........................ Consultation with consumer body.................................. 161
135A..................... Consultation with the States and Territories.................... 161
Division 6—Register of industry codes and industry standards 162
136........................ ACMA to maintain Register of industry codes and industry standards 162
Division 6A—Reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry codes 163
136A..................... Application for eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code................................................................................ 163
136B...................... Declaration of eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer‑related industry code................................................................................ 164
136C...................... Reimbursement of costs of developing or varying consumer‑related industry code 166
136D..................... Costs—transactions between persons not at arm’s length 169
136E...................... Refundable cost.............................................................. 169
Division 7—Miscellaneous 170
137........................ Protection from civil proceedings................................... 170
138........................ Implied freedom of political communication................... 170
139........................ Agreements for the carrying on of telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities must require compliance with this Part................................................................... 170
Part 8—Local access lines 172
Division 1—Introduction 172
142........................ Simplified outline of this Part......................................... 172
142A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 173
142B...................... Functional separation undertaking given by a person..... 176
142BA................... Promotion of the long‑term interests of end‑users of carriage services and of services supplied by means of carriage services.............................................................. 176
142BB................... Terms and conditions...................................................... 177
142BC................... Unsatisfactory compliance record................................... 177
142BD................... Designated carriage service............................................. 177
Division 2—Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis 179
142C...................... Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis—lines that come into existence on or after the designated commencement date etc................................................... 179
143........................ Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis—networks in existence before the designated commencement date etc................................................... 181
143AA.................. Judicial enforcement of prohibitions............................... 183
Division 2A—Exemptions 184
143A..................... Class exemptions............................................................ 184
143B...................... Compliance with conditions and limitations of exemption determinations 188
143C...................... Judicial enforcement of conditions and limitations of exemption determinations 188
143D..................... Publication of list of persons who have elected to be bound by exemption determinations 189
143E...................... Exemptions—certain real estate development projects etc. 189
143F...................... Exemptions—lines installed in close proximity to other lines 192
143G..................... Exemptions—networks covered by exemption instruments 193
143H..................... Exemption—networks marketed as business networks.. 195
144........................ Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 196
145........................ Exemption—transport authorities................................... 197
146........................ Exemption—electricity supply bodies............................. 198
147........................ Exemption—gas supply bodies...................................... 199
148........................ Exemption—water supply bodies................................... 199
149........................ Exemption—sewerage services bodies........................... 199
150........................ Exemption—storm water drainage services bodies......... 200
151........................ Exemption—State or Territory road authorities.............. 200
Division 2B—Functional separation undertakings 202
151A..................... Standard functional separation undertaking.................... 202
151B...................... Deemed standard functional separation undertaking....... 206
151C...................... Joint functional separation undertaking........................... 209
151D..................... Further information about undertaking........................... 214
151E...................... Withdrawal of undertaking that is under consideration... 215
151F...................... ACCC to accept or reject functional separation undertaking 215
151G..................... Consultation—acceptance or rejection of undertaking.... 217
151H..................... Serial undertakings......................................................... 218
151J....................... Criteria for accepting functional separation undertaking. 219
151K...................... Variation of functional separation undertaking that is under consideration 220
151L...................... Replacement of functional separation undertaking that is under consideration 221
151M..................... Renewal of functional separation undertaking................ 221
151N..................... Variation of expiry time of certain functional separation undertakings 222
151P...................... Duration of functional separation undertaking................ 224
151Q..................... Variation of functional separation undertaking that is in force 225
151R...................... Further information about variation of functional separation undertaking 226
151S...................... Withdrawal of variation that is under consideration........ 227
151T...................... ACCC to accept or reject variation.................................. 227
151U..................... Consultation—acceptance or rejection of variation......... 229
151V..................... Criteria for accepting variation........................................ 230
151W..................... Revocation of functional separation undertaking............ 230
151X..................... Consultation—revocation of functional separation undertaking 233
151Y..................... Notification that a person is at risk of having an unsatisfactory compliance record in relation to functional separation........................................................................ 234
151Z...................... Variation of functional separation undertaking following giving of revocation notice 235
151ZA................... Reporting obligations following giving of revocation notice 236
151ZB................... Requirement to notify changes in control of person who gave undertaking 238
151ZC................... Register of functional separation undertakings............... 240
151ZD................... Compliance with functional separation undertaking........ 240
151ZE.................... Enforcement of functional separation undertaking.......... 241
Division 2C—Non‑discrimination rules 243
151ZF.................... Eligible services to be supplied on a non‑discriminatory basis 243
151ZG................... Eligible services—related activities to be carried on on a non‑discriminatory basis 245
151ZH................... Statement about the differences between an access agreement and an offer etc. 247
151ZHA................ Judicial enforcement of non‑discrimination rules............ 250
Division 3—Other provisions 251
151ZI..................... Anti‑avoidance................................................................ 251
151ZJ.................... Self‑incrimination........................................................... 252
151ZK................... Delegation....................................................................... 252
151ZL.................... Review by the Australian Competition Tribunal............. 253
151ZM.................. Functions and powers of the Australian Competition Tribunal etc. 254
151ZN................... Provisions that do not apply in relation to an Australian Competition Tribunal review 255
152........................ Associate........................................................................ 255
153........................ Control............................................................................ 256
154........................ Control of a company..................................................... 257
155........................ When a person is in a position to exercise control of a network 257
155A..................... When a person is in a position to exercise control of a line 259
156........................ Deemed networks etc...................................................... 261
156A..................... Certain lines deemed to have come into existence on or after the designated commencement date 263
157........................ Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade of a network........................................................................................ 264
158........................ Local access line............................................................. 265
158A..................... Deemed local access lines............................................... 266
159........................ Alteration........................................................................ 267
160........................ Upgrade of telecommunications network........................ 267
161........................ Extended meaning of residential customer..................... 267
162........................ Close proximity.............................................................. 269
Part 13—Protection of communications 270
Division 1—Introduction 270
270........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 270
271........................ Eligible person................................................................ 270
272........................ Number‑database operator and eligible number‑database person 271
273........................ Information..................................................................... 271
274........................ Telecommunications contractor....................................... 271
275........................ Number‑database contractor........................................... 272
275A..................... Location information....................................................... 272
275B...................... Emergency management person...................................... 272
275C...................... Emergency...................................................................... 273
275D..................... Emergency law............................................................... 273
275E...................... Relevant information....................................................... 273
Division 2—Primary disclosure/use offences 274
276........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible persons.......... 274
277........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—eligible number‑database persons 276
278........................ Primary disclosure/use offence—emergency call persons 278
Division 3—Exceptions to primary disclosure/use offences 280
Subdivision A—Exceptions 280
279........................ Performance of person’s duties...................................... 280
280........................ Authorisation by or under law........................................ 281
281........................ Witnesses........................................................................ 283
284........................ Assisting the ACMA, the eSafety Commissioner, the ACCC or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman................................................................... 284
285........................ Integrated public number database.................................. 285
285A..................... Data for emergency warnings......................................... 289
286........................ Calls to emergency service number................................. 290
287........................ Threat to person’s life or health...................................... 291
288........................ Communications for maritime purposes......................... 291
289........................ Knowledge or consent of person concerned................... 291
290........................ Implicit consent of sender and recipient of communication 292
291........................ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..... 292
291A..................... Location dependent carriage services.............................. 294
292........................ Circumstances prescribed in the regulations................... 295
293........................ Uses connected with exempt disclosures........................ 296
294........................ Effect of this Subdivision............................................... 296
Subdivision B—Burden of proof 296
295........................ Burden of proof.............................................................. 296
Division 3A—Integrated public number database authorisations 298
Subdivision A—ACMA scheme for the granting of authorisations 298
295A..................... ACMA to make integrated public number database scheme 298
295B...................... Scheme must deal with certain matters............................ 298
295C...................... Applications may be treated differently........................... 299
295D..................... Scope of authorisations................................................... 299
295E...................... Provisional and final authorisations................................ 299
295F...................... Conditions...................................................................... 299
295G..................... Varying or revoking authorisations................................ 299
295H..................... Scheme may confer administrative powers on the ACMA 300
295J....................... Ancillary or incidental provisions................................... 300
295K...................... Scheme‑making power not limited.................................. 300
295L...................... Variation of scheme........................................................ 300
295M..................... Consultation.................................................................... 300
Subdivision B—Ministerial instruments 301
295N..................... Criteria for deciding authorisation applications............... 301
295P...................... Conditions...................................................................... 301
295Q..................... Other reviewable decisions............................................. 302
Subdivision C—Enforcing compliance with conditions of authorisations 302
295R...................... Offence of breaching a condition.................................... 302
295S...................... Remedial directions for breaching a condition................ 302
295T...................... Formal warnings for breaching a condition.................... 303
Subdivision D—Report to Minister 303
295U..................... Report to Minister........................................................... 303
Division 3B—Emergency warnings 304
295V..................... Use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons 304
295W..................... Use or disclosure of information by other persons......... 305
295X..................... Effect on telecommunications network........................... 305
295Y..................... Coronial and other inquiries............................................ 305
295Z...................... Offence—use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons 306
295ZA................... Offence—use or disclosure of information by other persons.. 306
295ZB................... Reports of access............................................................ 307
295ZC................... Annual reports to the ACMA and Information Commissioner 307
295ZD................... Arrangements with States and Territories....................... 308
295ZE.................... Commonwealth immunity............................................... 308
Division 4—Secondary disclosure/use offences 309
296........................ Performance of person’s duties...................................... 309
297........................ Authorisation by or under law........................................ 309
299........................ Assisting the ACMA, the eSafety Commissioner, the ACCC or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman................................................................... 309
299A..................... Integrated public number database.................................. 310
300........................ Threat to person’s life or health...................................... 311
301........................ Communications for maritime purposes......................... 312
302........................ Business needs of other carriers or service providers..... 312
302A..................... Location dependent carriage services.............................. 313
303........................ Secondary offence—contravening this Division............. 313
303A..................... Generality of Division not limited................................... 313
Division 4A—Relationship with the Privacy Act 1988 314
303B...................... Acts taken to be authorised by this Act for purposes of Privacy Act 314
303C...................... Prosecution of an offence against this Part does not affect proceedings under the Privacy Act 1988 314
Division 5—Record‑keeping requirements 315
304........................ Associate........................................................................ 315
305........................ Authorisations under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 315
306........................ Record of disclosures—general...................................... 315
306A..................... Record of disclosures—prospective authorisation under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.......................................................................... 317
307........................ Incorrect records............................................................. 318
308........................ Annual reports to the ACMA by carriers, carriage service providers or number‑database operators 319
309........................ Monitoring by the Information Commissioner............... 319
Division 6—Instrument‑making powers not limited 321
310........................ Instrument‑making powers not limited........................... 321
Part 14—National interest matters 322
Division 1—Simplified outline 322
311........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 322
Division 2—Obligations of ACMA and carriers and carriage service providers 324
312........................ ACMA’s obligations...................................................... 324
313........................ Obligations of carriers and carriage service providers.... 324
314........................ Terms and conditions on which help is to be given........ 330
Division 3—Notification of changes to telecommunications services or telecommunications systems relating to obligation under subsection 313(1A) or (2A) 332
Subdivision A—Individual notifications 332
314A..................... Individual notifications................................................... 332
314B...................... Assessment of proposed change..................................... 335
Subdivision B—Security capability plans 337
314C...................... Security capability plans................................................. 337
314D..................... Assessment of security capability plan........................... 338
314E...................... Relationship with section 314A...................................... 340
Division 4—Carriage service provider may suspend supply of carriage service in an emergency 341
315........................ Suspension of supply of carriage service in an emergency 341
Division 5—Directions by Home Affairs Minister 343
315A..................... Direction if use or supply of carriage services prejudicial to security 343
315B...................... Direction if risk of unauthorised interference or access involving telecommunications networks or facilities........................................................................................ 344
Division 6—Home Affairs Secretary’s information‑gathering powers 348
315C...................... Home Affairs Secretary may obtain information and documents from carriers and carriage service providers........................................................................................ 348
315D..................... Self‑incrimination........................................................... 349
315E...................... Copies of documents...................................................... 350
315F...................... Retention of documents.................................................. 350
315G..................... Delegation by Home Affairs Secretary........................... 351
Division 7—Information sharing and confidentiality 352
315H..................... Information sharing and confidentiality.......................... 352
Division 8—Annual report 354
315J....................... Annual report.................................................................. 354
Division 8A—Review by Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 356
315K...................... Review by Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security 356
Division 9—Generality of Part not limited 357
316........................ Generality of Part not limited.......................................... 357
Part 15—Industry assistance 358
Division 1—Introduction 358
317A..................... Simplified outline of this Part......................................... 358
317B...................... Definitions...................................................................... 360
317C...................... Designated communications provider etc........................ 366
317D..................... Electronic service............................................................ 370
317E...................... Listed acts or things........................................................ 371
317F...................... Extension to external Territories..................................... 373
Division 2—Voluntary technical assistance 374
317G..................... Voluntary technical assistance provided to ASIO, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, the Australian Signals Directorate or an interception agency................. 374
317H..................... Form of technical assistance request............................... 377
317HAA............... Provision of advice to designated communications providers 378
317HAB................ Notification obligations................................................... 379
317HA.................. Duration of technical assistance request.......................... 380
317J....................... Specified period etc......................................................... 381
317JAA................. Decision‑making criteria................................................. 381
317JA.................... Variation of technical assistance requests....................... 382
317JB.................... Revocation of technical assistance requests.................... 386
317JC.................... Whether a technical assistance request is reasonable and proportionate 388
317K...................... Contract etc..................................................................... 389
Division 3—Technical assistance notices 391
317L...................... Technical assistance notices............................................ 391
317LA................... Approval of technical assistance notices given by the chief officer of an interception agency of a State or Territory.......................................................................... 392
317M..................... Form of technical assistance notice................................. 392
317MAA............... Provision of advice to designated communications providers 393
317MAB............... Notification obligations................................................... 395
317MA.................. Duration of technical assistance notice............................ 395
317N..................... Compliance period etc..................................................... 396
317P...................... Decision‑making criteria................................................. 397
317PA................... Consultation about a proposal to give a technical assistance notice 397
317Q..................... Variation of technical assistance notices......................... 398
317R...................... Revocation of technical assistance notices...................... 400
317RA................... Whether requirements imposed by a technical assistance notice are reasonable and proportionate 402
Division 4—Technical capability notices 403
317S...................... Attorney‑General may determine procedures and arrangements relating to requests for technical capability notices............................................................................. 403
317T...................... Technical capability notices............................................. 403
317TAAA............. Approval of technical capability notice........................... 406
317TAA................ Provision of advice to designated communications providers 407
317TAB................ Notification obligations................................................... 407
317TA................... Duration of technical capability notice............................ 408
317U..................... Compliance period etc..................................................... 410
317V..................... Decision‑making criteria................................................. 410
317W..................... Consultation about a proposal to give a technical capability notice 411
317WA.................. Assessment and report.................................................... 412
317X..................... Variation of technical capability notices.......................... 417
317XA.................. Approval of variation of technical capability notice........ 419
317Y..................... Consultation about a proposal to vary a technical capability notice 420
317YA.................. Assessment and report.................................................... 421
317Z...................... Revocation of technical capability notices....................... 425
317ZAA................ Whether requirements imposed by a technical capability notice are reasonable and proportionate 426
Division 5—Compliance and enforcement 428
317ZA................... Compliance with notices—carriers and carriage service providers 428
317ZB................... Compliance with notices—designated communications provider (other than a carrier or carriage service provider)......................................................................... 428
317ZC................... Civil penalty provision.................................................... 429
317ZD................... Enforceable undertakings................................................ 430
317ZE.................... Injunctions...................................................................... 431
Division 6—Unauthorised disclosure of information etc. 432
317ZF.................... Unauthorised disclosure of information.......................... 432
317ZFA................. Powers of a court............................................................ 442
Division 7—Limitations 444
317ZG................... Designated communications provider must not be requested or required to implement or build a systemic weakness or systemic vulnerability etc........................... 444
317ZGA................ Limits on technical capability notices.............................. 445
317ZH................... General limits on technical assistance requests, technical assistance notices and technical capability notices........................................................................................ 446
Division 8—General provisions 451
317ZJ.................... Immunity........................................................................ 451
317ZK................... Terms and conditions on which help is to be given etc... 451
317ZKA................ Notification obligations................................................... 458
317ZL.................... Service of notices etc...................................................... 460
317ZM.................. Interception agency—chief officer and officer................ 462
317ZN................... Delegation by Director‑General of Security.................... 463
317ZP.................... Delegation by Director‑General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service 463
317ZQ................... Delegation by Director‑General of the Australian Signals Directorate 464
317ZR................... Delegation by the chief officer of an interception agency 464
317ZRA................ Relationship of this Part to parliamentary privileges and immunities 465
317ZRB................. Inspection of records...................................................... 466
317ZS.................... Annual reports................................................................ 467
317ZT.................... Alternative constitutional basis....................................... 468
Part 16—Defence requirements and disaster plans 469
Division 1—Introduction 469
333........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 469
334........................ Defence authority............................................................ 469
Division 2—Supply of carriage services 470
335........................ Requirement to supply carriage services for defence purposes or for the management of natural disasters........................................................................................ 470
Division 3—Defence planning 472
336........................ Definitions...................................................................... 472
337........................ Preparation of draft agreement........................................ 472
338........................ ACMA’s certification of draft agreement....................... 473
339........................ Requirement to enter into certified agreement................. 474
340........................ Compliance with agreement............................................ 474
341........................ Withdrawal of certification of agreement........................ 474
342........................ Duration of agreement.................................................... 475
343........................ Variation of agreement.................................................... 475
Division 4—Disaster plans 477
344........................ Designated disaster plans................................................ 477
345........................ Carrier licence conditions about designated disaster plans 477
346........................ Service provider determinations about designated disaster plans 477
346A..................... Carrier and carriage service provider immunity.............. 477
Division 5—Delegation 479
347........................ Delegation....................................................................... 479
Part 17—Pre‑selection in favour of carriage service providers 480
348........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 480
349........................ Requirement to provide pre‑selection.............................. 480
349A..................... Local access line............................................................. 486
350........................ When pre‑selection is provided in favour of a carriage service provider 486
350A..................... Declared carriage services............................................... 488
351........................ Pre‑selection to be provided............................................ 488
352........................ Exemptions from requirement to provide pre‑selection... 489
353........................ Use of over‑ride dial codes............................................. 490
Part 18—Calling line identification 492
354........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 492
355........................ Calling line identification................................................ 492
356........................ Exemptions from calling line identification requirement. 492
Part 19—Statutory infrastructure providers 494
Division 1—Introduction 494
360........................ Simplified outline of this Part......................................... 494
360A..................... Definitions...................................................................... 494
360AA.................. Qualifying fixed wireless carriage service...................... 497
Division 2—Service areas and statutory infrastructure providers 499
Subdivision AA—Introduction 499
360B...................... Simplified outline of this Division.................................. 499
360C...................... Definition of service area............................................... 500
Subdivision A—Rules applicable before the designated day 501
360D..................... Interim NBN service area............................................... 501
360E...................... Statutory infrastructure provider for an interim NBN service area 503
Subdivision B—Rules applicable after the start of the designated day 503
360F...................... General service area........................................................ 503
360G..................... Statutory infrastructure provider for the general service area 504
Subdivision C—Rules applicable before, at and after the start of the designated day 504
360H..................... Nominated service area—declaration made by a carrier.. 504
360HA.................. Nominated service area—anticipatory notice to be given to the ACMA by a carrier 508
360J....................... Nominated service area—carrier licence conditions declarations 511
360K...................... Statutory infrastructure provider for a nominated service area 511
360L...................... Designated service area and statutory infrastructure provider 512
Subdivision D—Format of description of areas 513
360LA................... Format of description of areas........................................ 513
Division 3—Obligations of statutory infrastructure provider 514
360P...................... Obligation of statutory infrastructure provider to connect premises 514
360Q..................... Obligation of statutory infrastructure provider to supply eligible services—premises 517
360R...................... Notification obligations of statutory infrastructure provider 521
360S...................... Targets for NBN Co....................................................... 521
Division 4—Standards, benchmarks and rules 523
360U..................... Standards and benchmarks............................................. 523
360V..................... Rules............................................................................... 525
Division 5—Publication of offers 527
360W..................... Publication of offer etc.—connection of premises.......... 527
360X..................... Publication of offer—supply of eligible services............ 527
Division 6—Miscellaneous 529
360XA.................. Periodic compliance reports............................................ 529
360Y..................... Building redevelopment projects etc............................... 529
360Z...................... Register of statutory infrastructure providers and anticipatory notices 530
360ZA................... Delegation....................................................................... 531
Part 20—International aspects of activities of the telecommunications industry 533
Division 1—Simplified outline 533
364........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 533
Division 2—Compliance with international agreements 534
365........................ INTELSAT and Inmarsat—directions to Signatories..... 534
366........................ Compliance with conventions......................................... 534
Division 3—Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators 536
367........................ Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators 536
368........................ ACCC to administer Rules of Conduct........................... 538
369........................ Rules of Conduct to bind carriers and carriage service providers 539
370........................ Unenforceability of agreements...................................... 539
371........................ Investigations by the ACCC........................................... 539
372........................ Reviews of the operation of this Division....................... 540
Part 20A—Deployment of optical fibre etc. 541
Division 1—Simplified outline 541
372A..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 541
Division 2—Deployment of optical fibre lines 542
372B...................... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building lots........... 542
372C...................... Deployment of optical fibre lines to building units......... 544
372D..................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 546
Division 3—Installation of fibre‑ready facilities 547
Subdivision A—Installation obligations 547
372E...................... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building lots.......... 547
372F...................... Installation of fibre‑ready facilities—building units........ 548
Subdivision B—Sale of building lots and building units 550
372G..................... Sale of building lots and building units—subdivisions... 550
372H..................... Sale of building units—other projects............................. 552
Subdivision D—Exemptions 553
372K...................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 553
Division 4—Third party access regime 556
372L...................... Third party access regime............................................... 556
372M..................... Terms and conditions of access...................................... 558
372N..................... Exemptions—Ministerial instrument.............................. 559
372NA.................. Code relating to access.................................................... 559
Division 5—Exemption of certain projects 561
372P...................... Exemption of certain projects.......................................... 561
Division 6—Miscellaneous 562
372Q..................... Real estate development projects etc............................... 562
372R...................... Subdivision of an area of land........................................ 564
372S...................... Building units................................................................. 564
372T...................... Sale of building lots........................................................ 564
372U..................... Sale of building units...................................................... 565
372V..................... Fixed‑line facilities.......................................................... 565
372W..................... Fibre‑ready facility.......................................................... 566
372X..................... Installation of a facility.................................................... 566
372Y..................... Installation of a fibre‑ready facility in proximity to a building lot or building unit 566
372Z...................... Sewerage services, electricity or water supplied to a building lot or building unit 567
372ZA................... Supply to the public........................................................ 568
372ZB................... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws........... 569
372ZD................... NBN Co......................................................................... 569
Part 21—Technical regulation 570
Division 1—Simplified outline 570
373........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 570
Division 2—Interpretative provisions 572
374........................ Part applies to networks or facilities in Australia operated by carriers or carriage service providers 572
375........................ Manager of network or facility....................................... 572
Division 3—Technical standards about customer equipment and customer cabling 573
376........................ ACMA’s power to make technical standards................. 573
376A..................... ACMA must make technical standards if directed by the Minister 575
377........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 575
378........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 575
379........................ Making technical standards in cases of urgency............. 576
Division 4—Disability standards 578
380........................ Disability standards........................................................ 578
381........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 578
382........................ Procedures for making disability standards.................... 579
383........................ Effect of compliance with disability standards................ 580
Division 5—Technical standards about the interconnection of facilities 581
384........................ ACMA’s power to make technical standards................. 581
385........................ Adoption of voluntary standards.................................... 582
386........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 582
387........................ Procedures for making technical standards..................... 583
388........................ Provision of access......................................................... 584
389........................ Promotion of the long‑term interests of end‑users of carriage services and of services supplied by means of carriage services.............................................................. 584
Division 5A—Technical standards relating to Layer 2 bitstream services 585
389A..................... ACMA’s power to determine technical standards.......... 585
389B...................... Compliance with technical standards.............................. 585
Division 6—Connection permits and connection rules 587
Subdivision A—Connection permits authorising the connection of non‑standard customer equipment and non‑standard cabling 587
390........................ Application for connection permit................................... 587
391........................ Form of application......................................................... 587
392........................ Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 588
393........................ Further information......................................................... 588
394........................ Issue of connection permits............................................ 588
395........................ Connection permit has effect subject to this Act............. 589
396........................ Nominees of holder........................................................ 589
397........................ Duration of connection permits....................................... 589
398........................ Conditions of connection permits................................... 590
399........................ Offence of contravening condition.................................. 590
400........................ Formal warnings—breach of condition.......................... 591
401........................ Surrender of connection permit....................................... 591
402........................ Cancellation of connection permit................................... 591
403........................ Register of connection permits........................................ 592
Subdivision B—Connection rules 593
404........................ Connection rules............................................................. 593
405........................ Procedures for making connection rules......................... 593
Division 7—Labelling of customer equipment and customer cabling 595
406........................ Application of labels....................................................... 595
406A..................... Application of Division to agent of manufacturer or importer 595
407........................ Labelling requirements.................................................... 595
408........................ Requirements to apply labels—ancillary matters............. 596
409........................ Recognised testing authorities and competent bodies...... 598
410........................ Certification bodies......................................................... 598
411........................ Connection of customer equipment or customer cabling—breach of section 376 standards 598
412........................ Connection of labelled customer equipment or customer cabling not to be refused 600
413........................ Supply of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling 602
414........................ Applying labels before satisfying requirements under subsection 408(5) 602
415........................ Failure to retain records etc............................................. 603
416........................ Application of labels containing false statements about compliance with standards 604
Division 8—Protected symbols 605
417........................ Protected symbols........................................................... 605
Division 9—Cabling providers 609
418........................ Cabling work.................................................................. 609
419........................ Types of cabling work.................................................... 609
420........................ Prohibition of unauthorised cabling work....................... 609
421........................ Cabling provider rules.................................................... 610
422........................ Procedures for making cabling provider rules................ 611
423........................ Application for cabling licence........................................ 612
424........................ Form of application......................................................... 612
425........................ Application to be accompanied by charge....................... 612
426........................ Further information......................................................... 612
427........................ Grant of cabling licence.................................................. 612
428........................ Time limit on licence decision......................................... 613
429........................ Notification of refusal of application............................... 614
430........................ Cabling licence has effect subject to this Act.................. 614
431........................ Duration of cabling licence............................................. 614
432........................ Conditions of cabling licence.......................................... 614
433........................ Procedures for changing licence conditions.................... 615
434........................ Offence in relation to contravening condition................. 615
435........................ Formal warnings—breach of condition.......................... 616
436........................ Surrender of cabling licence............................................ 616
437........................ Suspension of cabling licence......................................... 617
438........................ Cancellation of cabling licence........................................ 617
439........................ ACMA may limit application of Division in relation to customer cabling 618
440........................ Ministerial directions...................................................... 618
441........................ Delegation....................................................................... 619
442........................ Register of cabling licences............................................. 620
Division 10—Remedies for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc. 621
443........................ Civil action for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc. 621
444........................ Remedy for contravention of labelling requirements....... 622
445........................ Remedies for connection of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling 623
446........................ Disconnection of dangerous customer equipment or customer cabling 625
447........................ Disconnection of customer equipment or customer cabling—protection of the integrity of networks and facilities........................................................................... 627
448........................ Civil action for dangerous connections to telecommunications networks etc. 628
449........................ Other remedies not affected............................................ 629
Division 11—Prohibited customer equipment and prohibited customer cabling 630
450........................ Declaration of prohibited customer equipment or prohibited customer cabling 630
452........................ Operation of prohibited customer equipment or customer cabling 630
Division 12—Pre‑commencement labels 632
453........................ Pre‑commencement labels............................................... 632
Division 13—Penalties payable instead of prosecution 633
453A..................... Penalties payable instead of prosecution......................... 633
Part 22—Numbering of carriage services and regulation of electronic addressing 634
Division 1—Simplified outline 634
454........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 634
Division 2—Numbering of carriage services 635
Subdivision AA—Management by numbering scheme manager 635
454A..................... Minister may determine numbering scheme manager..... 635
454B...................... No property rights in numbers........................................ 635
454C...................... Numbering scheme principles......................................... 635
454D..................... Revocation of determination........................................... 637
454E...................... Directions to numbering scheme manager...................... 637
454F...................... Numbering scheme manager providing information to the ACMA 638
454G..................... Directions to comply with rules...................................... 639
454H..................... Numbering scheme documents are not legislative instruments 639
Subdivision A—Management by the ACMA 639
455A..................... Application..................................................................... 639
455........................ Numbering plan.............................................................. 640
456........................ Numbering plan—supply to the public........................... 641
457........................ Numbering plan—allocation otherwise than in accordance with an allocation system 642
458........................ Numbering plan—rules about portability of allocated numbers 642
459........................ ACMA to administer numbering plan............................ 643
459A..................... Delegation....................................................................... 643
460........................ Consultation about numbering plan................................ 644
461........................ Consultation with ACCC................................................ 645
461A..................... Making numbering plan in cases of urgency.................. 645
462........................ Compliance with the numbering plan.............................. 646
Subdivision B—Allocation system for numbers 647
463A..................... Numbering scheme manager........................................... 647
463........................ Allocation system for numbers....................................... 648
464........................ Consultation about an allocation system......................... 649
Subdivision C—Miscellaneous 649
465........................ Register of allocated numbers......................................... 649
466........................ Emergency service numbers........................................... 651
468........................ Collection of numbering charges.................................... 652
469........................ Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth... 654
470........................ Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge.............. 654
471........................ Commonwealth not liable to charge................................ 654
472........................ Integrated public number database.................................. 655
473........................ Letters and symbols taken to be numbers....................... 656
Division 3—Regulation of electronic addressing 657
474........................ Declared manager of electronic addressing..................... 657
475........................ ACMA may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing 657
476........................ ACCC may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing 658
477........................ ACCC’s directions to prevail over the ACMA’s directions 660
Part 23—Standard agreements for the supply of carriage services 661
478........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 661
479........................ Standard terms and conditions apply unless excluded.... 661
482........................ Concurrent operation of State/Territory laws.................. 662
483........................ Competition and Consumer Act not affected by this Part 663
Part 24—Carriers’ powers and immunities 664
484........................ Schedule 3...................................................................... 664
Part 24A—Submarine cables 665
484A..................... Schedule 3A................................................................... 665
Part 25—Public inquiries 666
Division 1—Simplified outline 666
485........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 666
Division 2—Inquiries by the ACMA 667
486........................ When inquiry must be held............................................. 667
487........................ When inquiry may be held.............................................. 667
488........................ Informing the public about an inquiry............................. 668
489........................ Discussion paper............................................................ 668
490........................ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.... 669
491........................ Hearings......................................................................... 669
492........................ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......... 670
493........................ Confidential material not to be published........................ 671
494........................ Direction about private hearings..................................... 672
495........................ Reports on inquiries........................................................ 673
Division 3—Inquiries by the ACCC 674
496........................ When inquiry must be held............................................. 674
497........................ When inquiry may be held.............................................. 674
498........................ Informing the public about an inquiry............................. 674
499........................ Discussion paper............................................................ 675
500........................ Written submissions and protection from civil actions.... 675
501........................ Hearings......................................................................... 676
502........................ Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases......... 677
503........................ Confidential material not to be published........................ 677
504........................ Direction about private hearings..................................... 678
505........................ Reports on inquiries........................................................ 679
505A..................... ACCC may use material presented to a previous public inquiry 680
505B...................... ACCC may adopt a finding from a previous public inquiry 681
506........................ ACCC’s other powers not limited.................................. 681
Part 26—Investigations 682
507........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 682
508........................ Matters to which this Part applies................................... 682
509........................ Complaints to the ACMA............................................... 683
510........................ Investigations by the ACMA.......................................... 685
511........................ Preliminary inquiries....................................................... 686
512........................ Conduct of investigations............................................... 686
513........................ Complainant and certain other persons to be informed of various matters 687
514........................ Reference of matters to Ombudsman or other responsible person 688
515........................ Reference of matters to the ACCC.................................. 689
515A..................... Reference of matters to Information Commissioner........ 690
516........................ Reports on investigations................................................ 691
517........................ Publication of reports...................................................... 692
518........................ Person adversely affected by report to be given opportunity to comment 693
519........................ Protection from civil actions........................................... 693
Part 27—The ACMA’s information‑gathering powers 695
Division 1—Simplified outline 695
520........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 695
Division 2—Information‑gathering powers 696
521........................ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from carriers and service providers 696
522........................ The ACMA may obtain information and documents from other persons 697
523........................ Copying documents—reasonable compensation............. 699
524........................ Self‑incrimination........................................................... 699
525........................ Giving false or misleading information or evidence........ 700
527........................ Copies of documents...................................................... 700
528........................ ACMA may retain documents........................................ 700
Division 3—Record‑keeping rules 702
529........................ ACMA may make record‑keeping rules......................... 702
530........................ Compliance with record‑keeping rules............................ 703
531........................ Incorrect records............................................................. 703
Part 28—Enforcement 704
Division 1—Introduction 704
532........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 704
532A..................... References to the Spam Act 2003.................................... 705
Division 2—Inspectors and identity cards 706
533........................ Inspectors....................................................................... 706
534........................ Identity cards.................................................................. 707
Division 3—Search warrants relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act 708
535........................ Magistrate may issue warrant......................................... 708
536........................ Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc................... 709
537........................ Contents of warrant........................................................ 709
538........................ Warrants may be issued by telephone etc........................ 709
539........................ Provisions relating to issue of warrant by telephone etc. 709
540........................ Proceedings involving warrant issued by telephone etc.. 711
Division 4—Searches and seizures relating to breaches of the Spam Act 2003 or Part 21 of this Act 712
541........................ When is a thing connected with an offence?................... 712
541A..................... When is a thing connected with a breach of the Spam Act 2003? 712
542........................ Searches and seizures..................................................... 712
543........................ Production of identity card etc........................................ 713
544........................ Evidence of commission of other offences against Part 21 of this Act or other breaches of the Spam Act 2003........................................................................................ 714
545........................ Emergency entry, search and seizure.............................. 715
546........................ Retention of things seized............................................... 716
Division 5—Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21 717
547........................ Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21................. 717
Division 5A—Searches to monitor compliance with the Spam Act 2003 718
547A..................... Powers available to inspectors for monitoring compliance 718
547B...................... Monitoring powers......................................................... 718
547C...................... Production of identity card etc........................................ 720
547D..................... Monitoring warrants....................................................... 720
547E...................... Details of warrant to be given to occupier etc................. 722
547F...................... Announcement before entry............................................ 722
547G..................... Compensation for damage to equipment......................... 722
547H..................... Occupier entitled to be present during search.................. 723
Division 5B—Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003 725
547J....................... Access to computer data that is relevant to the Spam Act 2003 725
Division 6—Other powers of inspectors 727
548........................ General powers of inspectors......................................... 727
549........................ Power to require information etc..................................... 728
550........................ Retention of documents.................................................. 730
Division 7—Forfeiture 731
551........................ Court may order forfeiture.............................................. 731
552........................ Forfeited goods may be sold........................................... 731
Division 8—Future offences 732
553........................ Offences that are going to be committed......................... 732
Part 29—Review of decisions 733
554........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 733
555........................ Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA 733
556........................ Deadlines for reaching certain decisions......................... 733
557........................ Statements to accompany notification of decisions......... 734
558........................ Applications for reconsideration of decisions................. 734
559........................ Reconsideration by the ACMA...................................... 735
560........................ Deadlines for reconsiderations........................................ 735
561........................ Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration 735
562........................ Review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal............ 736
Part 30—Injunctions 737
563........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 737
564........................ Injunctions...................................................................... 737
565........................ Interim injunctions.......................................................... 741
566........................ Discharge etc. of injunctions........................................... 742
567........................ Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply.......... 742
568........................ Other powers of the court unaffected.............................. 743
Part 31—Civil penalties 744
569........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 744
570........................ Pecuniary penalties for contravention of civil penalty provisions 744
571........................ Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties.............. 746
572........................ Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contravention of civil penalty provisions 749
Part 31A—Enforceable undertakings 750
572A..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 750
572B...................... Acceptance of undertakings............................................ 750
572C...................... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................... 751
Part 31B—Infringement notices for contraventions of civil penalty provisions 753
572D..................... Simplified outline............................................................ 753
572E...................... When an infringement notice can be given...................... 753
572F...................... Matters to be included in an infringement notice............. 757
572G..................... Amount of penalty.......................................................... 759
572H..................... Withdrawal of an infringement notice............................. 759
572J....................... What happens if the penalty is paid................................. 760
572K...................... Effect of this Part on civil proceedings........................... 760
572L...................... Appointment of authorised infringement notice officer... 761
572M..................... Guidelines relating to infringement notices..................... 762
572N..................... Regulations..................................................................... 763
Part 32—Vicarious liability 764
573........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 764
574........................ Proceedings under this Act............................................. 764
574A..................... Definition........................................................................ 764
575........................ Liability of corporations.................................................. 765
576........................ Liability of persons other than corporations.................... 766
Part 33—Voluntary undertakings given by Telstra 768
Division 1—Introduction 768
577........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 768
Division 2—Structural separation 769
Subdivision A—Undertaking about structural separation 769
577A..................... Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation... 769
577AA.................. Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation may be subject to the occurrence of events 774
577AB................... When undertaking about structural separation comes into force 776
577AC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about structural separation 777
577AD.................. Compliance with undertaking about structural separation 778
577B...................... Variation of undertaking about structural separation....... 778
577BA................... Authorised conduct—subsection 51(1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 779
Subdivision B—Migration plan 786
577BB................... Migration plan principles................................................ 786
577BC................... Migration plan................................................................ 787
577BD................... Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given after undertaking about structural separation comes into force.............................................................. 789
577BDA................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given before undertaking about structural separation comes into force.............................................................. 791
577BDB................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in compliance with a direction 793
577BDC................ Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC—plan given in response to a request 794
577BE................... Effect of approval of draft migration plan....................... 796
577BF................... Variation of final migration plan..................................... 797
Division 3—Hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 799
577C...................... Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 799
577CA................... Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks may be subject to the occurrence of events........................................................................................ 800
577CB................... When undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks comes into force 802
577CC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 803
577CD................... Compliance with undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 804
577D..................... Variation of undertaking about hybrid fibre‑coaxial networks 804
Division 4—Subscription television broadcasting licences 806
577E...................... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 806
577EA................... Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences may be subject to the occurrence of events....................................................... 807
577EB................... When undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences comes into force 809
577EC................... Publication requirements for undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 810
577ED................... Compliance with undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 811
577F...................... Variation of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences 811
Division 5—Enforcement of undertakings 813
577G..................... Enforcement of undertakings.......................................... 813
Division 6—Limits on allocation of spectrum licences etc. 815
577GA.................. Excluded spectrum regime.............................................. 815
577H..................... Designated part of the spectrum...................................... 815
577J....................... Limits on allocation of certain spectrum licences to Telstra 815
577K...................... Limits on use of certain spectrum licences by Telstra..... 818
577L...................... Limits on assignment of certain spectrum licences to Telstra etc. 820
Division 7—Other provisions 822
577M..................... Associate........................................................................ 822
577N..................... Control............................................................................ 823
577P...................... Control of a company..................................................... 823
577Q..................... When Telstra is in a position to exercise control of a network 823
Part 34—Special provisions relating to conventions and directions 826
579........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 826
580........................ ACMA must have regard to conventions....................... 826
581........................ Power to give directions to carriers and service providers 827
Part 35—Miscellaneous 829
582........................ Simplified outline............................................................ 829
583........................ Penalties for certain continuing offences......................... 830
584........................ Procedure relating to certain continuing offences............ 831
585........................ Treatment of partnerships............................................... 831
586........................ Giving of documents to partnerships.............................. 832
587........................ Nomination of address for service of documents............ 832
588........................ Service of summons or process on foreign corporations—criminal proceedings 833
589........................ Instruments under this Act may provide for matters by reference to other instruments 834
590........................ Arbitration—acquisition of property............................... 835
591........................ Compensation—constitutional safety net........................ 836
592........................ Act not to affect performance of State or Territory functions 837
593........................ Funding of consumer representation, and of research, in relation to telecommunications 837
593A..................... Removal of Optus Networks’ tax losses........................ 838
594........................ Regulations..................................................................... 839
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) t