TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT 1997

Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

[Index] [Table] [Search] [Search this Act] [Notes] [Noteup] [Download] [Help]

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT 1997

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

Long Title

PART 1--INTRODUCTION

1. Short title
2. Commencement
3. Objects
4. Regulatory policy
5. Simplified outline
6. Main index
7. Definitions
8. Crown to be bound
9. Extra - territorial application
10. Extension to external Territories
11. Extension to offshore areas
11A. Application of the Criminal Code
12. Act subject to Radiocommunications Act
13. Continuity of partnerships
14. Controlled carriage services, controlled networks and controlled facilities
15. Content service
16. Listed carriage services
18. Access to an emergency call service
19. Recognised person who operates an emergency call service
20. Customer cabling
21. Customer equipment
22. Customer cabling and customer equipment--boundary of a telecommunications network
23. Immediate circle
24. Extended meaning of use

PART 2--NETWORK--UNITS

Division 1--Simplified outline

25. Simplified outline

Division 2--Basic definition

26. Single line links connecting distinct places in Australia
27. Multiple line links connecting distinct places in Australia
28. Designated radiocommunications facility
29. Facilities specified in Ministerial determination

Division 3--Related definitions

30. Line links
31. Designated radiocommunications facility
32. Public mobile telecommunications service
33. Intercell hand - over functions
34. When a base station is part of a terrestrial radiocommunications customer access network
35. Fixed radiocommunications link

Division 4--Distinct places

36. Distinct places--basic rules
37. Properties
38. Combined areas
39. Principal user of a property
40. Eligible combined areas

PART 3--CARRIERS

Division 1--Simplified outline

41. Simplified outline

Division 2--Prohibitions relating to carriers

42. Network unit not to be used without carrier licence or nominated carrier declaration
43. Continuing offences
44. Supply to the public
45. Exemption--defence
46. Exemption--intelligence operations
47. Exemption--transport authorities
48. Exemption--broadcasting services
49. Exemption--electricity supply bodies
50. Exemption--line links authorised by or under previous laws
51. Exemption--Ministerial determination

Division 3--Carrier licences

52. Applications for carrier licence
53. Form of application etc.
53A. Copy of application to be given to Communications Access Co - ordinator
54. Application to be accompanied by charge
55. Further information
56. Grant of licence
56AA. Deemed carrier licence--designated Telstra successor company
56A. Consultation with Communications Access Co - ordinator
57. Carrier licence has effect subject to this Act
58. Refusal of carrier licence--disqualified applicant
58A. Refusal of carrier licence--security
59. Time limit on licence decision
60. Notification of refusal of application
61. Conditions of carrier licence specified in Schedule 1
62. Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152AZ of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
62A. Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BCO of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
62B. Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BDF of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
62C. Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152BEC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
62D. Condition of carrier licence set out in section 152CJC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
62E. Condition of carrier licence set out in section 37 of the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011
63. Conditions of carrier licence declared by Minister
63A. Conditions of a carrier licence held by Telstra Limited
64. Consultation about declared licence conditions
65. Conditions about foreign ownership or control
67. Carrier licence conditions--special provisions
68. Compliance with conditions
69. Remedial directions--breach of condition
69AA. Remedial directions--breach of conditions relating to access
70. Formal warnings--breach of condition
71. Surrender of carrier licence
72. Cancellation of carrier licence
73. Collection of charges relating to carrier licences
73A. Refund of application charge
74. Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth
75. Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge
76. Commonwealth not liable to charge

Division 4--Nominated carrier declarations

77. Applications for nominated carrier declarations
78. Application to be accompanied by charge etc.
79. Form of application etc.
80. Further information
81. Making a nominated carrier declaration
81A. Obligations of nominated carrier
82. Notification of refusal of application
83. Revocation of nominated carrier declaration

Division 5--Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences

84. Register of nominated carrier declarations and carrier licences

PART 4--SERVICE--PROVIDERS

Division 1--Simplified outline

85. Simplified outline

Division 2--Service providers

86. Service providers

Division 3--Carriage service providers

87. Carriage service providers
88. Supply to the public
89. Exemption from definition--customers located on the same premises
90. Exemption from definition--defence
91. Exemption from definition--intelligence operations
92. Exemption from definition--transport authorities
93. Exemption from definition--broadcasting services
94. Exemption from definition--electricity supply bodies
95. Exemption from definition--Ministerial determination
96. Exemption from certain regulatory provisions--Ministerial determination

Division 4--Content service providers

97. Content service providers

Division 5--Service provider rules

98. Service provider rules
99. Service provider determinations
100. Exemptions from service provider rules
101. Service providers must comply with service provider rules
102. Remedial directions--breach of service provider rules
103. Formal warnings--breach of service provider rules

PART 5--MONITORING--OF THE PERFORMANCE OF CARRIERS AND CARRIAGE SERVICE PROVIDERS

104. Simplified outline
105. Monitoring of performance--annual report
105A. Monitoring of performance--additional report
105C. Monitoring of breaches by a designated Telstra successor company of an undertaking about structural separation

PART 6--INDUSTRY--CODES AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Division 1--Simplified outline

106. Simplified outline

Division 2--Interpretation

107. Industry codes
108. Industry standards
108A. Electronic messaging service provider
108B. Telecommunications industry
109. Telecommunications activity
109B. Telemarketing activity
109C. Fax marketing activity
110. Sections of the telecommunications industry
110B. Sections of the telemarketing industry
110C. Sections of the fax marketing industry
111. Participants in a section of the telecommunications industry
111AA. Participants in a section of the telemarketing industry
111AB. Participants in a section of the fax marketing industry
111B. Unsolicited commercial electronic messages

Division 3--General principles relating to industry codes and industry standards

112. Statement of regulatory policy
113. Examples of matters that may be dealt with by industry codes and industry standards
114. Industry codes and industry standards may confer powers on the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
115. Industry codes and industry standards not to deal with certain design features and performance requirements
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
116A. Industry codes and standards do not affect Privacy Act 1988

Division 4--Industry codes

117. Registration of industry codes
118. ACMA may request codes
119. Publication of notice where no body or association represents a section of the telecommunications industry, the telemarketing industry or the fax marketing industry
119A. Variation of industry codes
119B. Publication requirements for submissions
120. Replacement of industry codes
121. Directions about compliance with industry codes
122. Formal warnings--breach of industry codes
122A. De - registering industry codes and provisions of industry codes

Division 5--Industry standards

123. ACMA may determine an industry standard if a request for an industry code is not complied with
124. ACMA may determine industry standard where no industry body or association formed
125. ACMA may determine industry standards where industry codes fail
125AA. ACMA must determine an industry standard if directed by the Minister
125A. ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the telemarketing industry
125B. ACMA must determine certain industry standards relating to the fax marketing industry
126. Industry standards not to be determined for certain privacy matters
128. Compliance with industry standards
129. Formal warnings--breach of industry standards
130. Variation of industry standards
131. Revocation of industry standards
132. Public consultation on industry standards
133. Consultation with ACCC and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
134. Consultation with Information Commissioner
135. Consultation with consumer body
135A. Consultation with the States and Territories

Division 6--Register of industry codes and industry standards

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

Division 6A--Reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer-related industry codes

136A. Application for eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer - related industry code
136B. Declaration of eligibility for reimbursement of costs of development or variation of consumer - related industry code
136C. Reimbursement of costs of developing or varying consumer - related industry code
136D. Costs--transactions between persons not at arm's length
136E. Refundable cost

Division 7--Miscellaneous

137. Protection from civil proceedings
138. Implied freedom of political communication
139. Agreements for the carrying on of telemarketing activities or fax marketing activities must require compliance with this Part

PART 8--LOCAL--ACCESS LINES

Division 1--Introduction

142. Simplified outline of this Part
142A. Definitions
142B. Functional separation undertaking given by a person
142BA. Promotion of the long - term interests of end - users of carriage services and of services supplied by means of carriage services
142BB. Terms and conditions
142BC. Unsatisfactory compliance record
142BD. Designated carriage service

Division 2--Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis

142C. Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis--lines that come into existence on or after the designated commencement date etc.
143. Supply of eligible services to be on wholesale basis--networks in existence before the designated commencement date etc.
143AA. Judicial enforcement of prohibitions

Division 2A--Exemptions

143A. Class exemptions
143B. Compliance with conditions and limitations of exemption determinations
143C. Judicial enforcement of conditions and limitations of exemption determinations
143D. Publication of list of persons who have elected to be bound by exemption determinations
143E. Exemptions--certain real estate development projects etc.
143F. Exemptions--lines installed in close proximity to other lines
143G. Exemptions--networks covered by exemption instruments
143H. Exemption--networks marketed as business networks
144. Exemptions--Ministerial instrument
145. Exemption--transport authorities
146. Exemption--electricity supply bodies
147. Exemption--gas supply bodies
148. Exemption--water supply bodies
149. Exemption--sewerage services bodies
150. Exemption--storm water drainage services bodies
151. Exemption--State or Territory road authorities

Division 2B--Functional separation undertakings

151A. Standard functional separation undertaking
151B. Deemed standard functional separation undertaking
151C. Joint functional separation undertaking
151D. Further information about undertaking
151E. Withdrawal of undertaking that is under consideration
151F. ACCC to accept or reject functional separation undertaking
151G. Consultation--acceptance or rejection of undertaking
151H. Serial undertakings
151J. Criteria for accepting functional separation undertaking
151K. Variation of functional separation undertaking that is under consideration
151L. Replacement of functional separation undertaking that is under consideration
151M. Renewal of functional separation undertaking
151N. Variation of expiry time of certain functional separation undertakings
151P. Duration of functional separation undertaking
151Q. Variation of functional separation undertaking that is in force
151R. Further information about variation of functional separation undertaking
151S. Withdrawal of variation that is under consideration
151T. ACCC to accept or reject variation
151U. Consultation--acceptance or rejection of variation
151V. Criteria for accepting variation
151W. Revocation of functional separation undertaking
151X. Consultation--revocation of functional separation undertaking
151Y. Notification that a person is at risk of having an unsatisfactory compliance record in relation to functional separation
151Z. Variation of functional separation undertaking following giving of revocation notice
151ZA. Reporting obligations following giving of revocation notice
151ZB. Requirement to notify changes in control of person who gave undertaking
151ZC. Register of functional separation undertakings
151ZD. Compliance with functional separation undertaking
151ZE. Enforcement of functional separation undertaking

Division 2C--Non-discrimination rules

151ZF. Eligible services to be supplied on a non - discriminatory basis
151ZG. Eligible services--related activities to be carried on on a non - discriminatory basis
151ZH. Statement about the differences between an access agreement and an offer etc.
151ZHA. Judicial enforcement of non - discrimination rules

Division 3--Other provisions

151ZI. Anti - avoidance
151ZJ. Self - incrimination
151ZK. Delegation
151ZL. Review by the Australian Competition Tribunal
151ZM. Functions and powers of the Australian Competition Tribunal etc.
151ZN. Provisions that do not apply in relation to an Australian Competition Tribunal review
152. Associate
153. Control
154. Control of a company
155. When a person is in a position to exercise control of a network
155A. When a person is in a position to exercise control of a line
156. Deemed networks etc.
156A. Certain lines deemed to have come into existence on or after the designated commencement date
157. Certain installations and connections are not taken to be an extension, alteration or upgrade of a network
158. Local access line
158A. Deemed local access lines
159. Alteration
160. Upgrade of telecommunications network
161. Extended meaning of residential customer
162. Close proximity

PART 13--PROTECTION--OF COMMUNICATIONS

Division 1--Introduction

270. Simplified outline
271. Eligible person
272. Number - database operator and eligible number - database person
273. Information
274. Telecommunications contractor
275. Number - database contractor
275A. Location information
275B. Emergency management person
275C. Emergency
275D. Emergency law
275E. Relevant information

Division 2--Primary disclosure/use offences

276. Primary disclosure/use offence--eligible persons
277. Primary disclosure/use offence--eligible number - database persons
278. Primary disclosure/use offence--emergency call persons

Division 3--Exceptions to primary disclosure/use offences

Subdivision A--Exceptions

279. Performance of person's duties
280. Authorisation by or under law
281. Witnesses
284. Assisting the ACMA, the eSafety Commissioner, the ACCC or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
285. Integrated public number database
285A. Data for emergency warnings
286. Calls to emergency service number
287. Threat to person's life or health
288. Communications for maritime purposes
289. Knowledge or consent of person concerned
290. Implicit consent of sender and recipient of communication
291. Business needs of other carriers or service providers
291A. Location dependent carriage services
292. Circumstances prescribed in the regulations
293. Uses connected with exempt disclosures
294. Effect of this Subdivision

Subdivision B--Burden of proof

295. Burden of proof

Division 3A--Integrated public number database authorisations

Subdivision A--ACMA scheme for the granting of authorisations

295A. ACMA to make integrated public number database scheme
295B. Scheme must deal with certain matters
295C. Applications may be treated differently
295D. Scope of authorisations
295E. Provisional and final authorisations
295F. Conditions
295G. Varying or revoking authorisations
295H. Scheme may confer administrative powers on the ACMA
295J. Ancillary or incidental provisions
295K. Scheme - making power not limited
295L. Variation of scheme
295M. Consultation

Subdivision B--Ministerial instruments

295N. Criteria for deciding authorisation applications
295P. Conditions
295Q. Other reviewable decisions

Subdivision C--Enforcing compliance with conditions of authorisations

295R. Offence of breaching a condition
295S. Remedial directions for breaching a condition
295T. Formal warnings for breaching a condition

Subdivision D--Report to Minister

295U. Report to Minister

Division 3B--Emergency warnings

295V. Use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons
295W. Use or disclosure of information by other persons
295X. Effect on telecommunications network
295Y. Coronial and other inquiries
295Z. Offence--use or disclosure of information by emergency management persons
295ZA. Offence--use or disclosure of information by other persons
295ZB. Reports of access
295ZC. Annual reports to the ACMA and Information Commissioner
295ZD. Arrangements with States and Territories
295ZE. Commonwealth immunity

Division 4--Secondary disclosure/use offences

296. Performance of person's duties
297. Authorisation by or under law
299. Assisting the ACMA, the eSafety Commissioner, the ACCC or the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
299A. Integrated public number database
300. Threat to person's life or health
301. Communications for maritime purposes
302. Business needs of other carriers or service providers
302A. Location dependent carriage services
303. Secondary offence--contravening this Division
303A. Generality of Division not limited

Division 4A--Relationship with the Privacy Act 1988

303B. Acts taken to be authorised by this Act for purposes of Privacy Act
303C. Prosecution of an offence against this Part does not affect proceedings under the Privacy Act 1988

Division 5--Record-keeping requirements

304. Associate
305. Authorisations under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979
306. Record of disclosures--general
306A. Record of disclosures--prospective authorisation under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979
307. Incorrect records
308. Annual reports to the ACMA by carriers, carriage service providers or number - database operators
309. Monitoring by the Information Commissioner

Division 6--Instrument-making powers not limited

310. Instrument - making powers not limited

PART 14--NATIONAL--INTEREST MATTERS

Division 1--Simplified outline

311. Simplified outline

Division 2--Obligations of ACMA and carriers and carriage service providers

312. ACMA's obligations
313. Obligations of carriers and carriage service providers
314. Terms and conditions on which help is to be given

Division 3--Notification of changes to telecommunications services or telecommunications systems relating to obligation under subsection 313(1A) or (2A)

Subdivision A--Individual notifications

314A. Individual notifications
314B. Assessment of proposed change

Subdivision B--Security capability plans

314C. Security capability plans
314D. Assessment of security capability plan
314E. Relationship with section 314A

Division 4--Carriage service provider may suspend supply of carriage service in an emergency

315. Suspension of supply of carriage service in an emergency

Division 5--Directions by Home Affairs Minister

315A. Direction if use or supply of carriage services prejudicial to security
315B. Direction if risk of unauthorised interference or access involving telecommunications networks or facilities

Division 6--Home Affairs Secretary's information-gathering powers

315C. Home Affairs Secretary may obtain information and documents from carriers and carriage service providers
315D. Self - incrimination
315E. Copies of documents
315F. Retention of documents
315G. Delegation by Home Affairs Secretary

Division 7--Information sharing and confidentiality

315H. Information sharing and confidentiality

Division 8--Annual report

315J. Annual report

Division 8A--Review by Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security

315K. Review by Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security

Division 9--Generality of Part not limited

316. Generality of Part not limited

PART 15--INDUSTRY--ASSISTANCE

Division 1--Introduction

317A. Simplified outline of this Part
317B. Definitions
317C. Designated communications provider etc.
317D. Electronic service
317E. Listed acts or things
317F. Extension to external Territories

Division 2--Voluntary technical assistance

317G. Voluntary technical assistance provided to ASIO, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, the Australian Signals Directorate or an interception agency
317H. Form of technical assistance request
317HAA. Provision of advice to designated communications providers
317HAB. Notification obligations
317HA. Duration of technical assistance request
317J. Specified period etc.
317JAA. Decision - making criteria
317JA. Variation of technical assistance requests
317JB. Revocation of technical assistance requests
317JC. Whether a technical assistance request is reasonable and proportionate
317K. Contract etc.

Division 3--Technical assistance notices

317L. Technical assistance notices
317LA. Approval of technical assistance notices given by the chief officer of an interception agency of a State or Territory
317M. Form of technical assistance notice
317MAA. Provision of advice to designated communications providers
317MAB. Notification obligations
317MA. Duration of technical assistance notice
317N. Compliance period etc.
317P. Decision - making criteria
317PA. Consultation about a proposal to give a technical assistance notice
317Q. Variation of technical assistance notices
317R. Revocation of technical assistance notices
317RA. Whether requirements imposed by a technical assistance notice are reasonable and proportionate

Division 4--Technical capability notices

317S. Attorney - General may determine procedures and arrangements relating to requests for technical capability notices
317T. Technical capability notices
317TAAA.Approval of technical capability notice
317TAA. Provision of advice to designated communications providers
317TAB. Notification obligations
317TA. Duration of technical capability notice
317U. Compliance period etc.
317V. Decision - making criteria
317W. Consultation about a proposal to give a technical capability notice
317WA. Assessment and report
317X. Variation of technical capability notices
317XA. Approval of variation of technical capability notice
317Y. Consultation about a proposal to vary a technical capability notice
317YA. Assessment and report
317Z. Revocation of technical capability notices
317ZAA. Whether requirements imposed by a technical capability notice are reasonable and proportionate

Division 5--Compliance and enforcement

317ZA. Compliance with notices--carriers and carriage service providers
317ZB. Compliance with notices--designated communications provider (other than a carrier or carriage service provider)
317ZC. Civil penalty provision
317ZD. Enforceable undertakings
317ZE. Injunctions

Division 6--Unauthorised disclosure of information etc.

317ZF. Unauthorised disclosure of information
317ZFA. Powers of a court

Division 7--Limitations

317ZG. Designated communications provider must not be requested or required to implement or build a systemic weakness or systemic vulnerability etc.
317ZGA. Limits on technical capability notices
317ZH. General limits on technical assistance requests, technical assistance notices and technical capability notices

Division 8--General provisions

317ZJ. Immunity
317ZK. Terms and conditions on which help is to be given etc.
317ZKA. Notification obligations
317ZL. Service of notices etc.
317ZM. Interception agency--chief officer and officer
317ZN. Delegation by Director - General of Security
317ZP. Delegation by Director - General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service
317ZQ. Delegation by Director - General of the Australian Signals Directorate
317ZR. Delegation by the chief officer of an interception agency
317ZRA. Relationship of this Part to parliamentary privileges and immunities
317ZRB. Inspection of records
317ZS. Annual reports
317ZT. Alternative constitutional basis

PART 16--DEFENCE--REQUIREMENTS AND DISASTER PLANS

Division 1--Introduction

333. Simplified outline
334. Defence authority

Division 2--Supply of carriage services

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

Division 3--Defence planning

336. Definitions
337. Preparation of draft agreement
338. ACMA's certification of draft agreement
339. Requirement to enter into certified agreement
340. Compliance with agreement
341. Withdrawal of certification of agreement
342. Duration of agreement
343. Variation of agreement

Division 4--Disaster plans

344. Designated disaster plans
345. Carrier licence conditions about designated disaster plans
346. Service provider determinations about designated disaster plans
346A. Carrier and carriage service provider immunity

Division 5--Delegation

347. Delegation

PART 17--PRE---SELECTION IN FAVOUR OF CARRIAGE SERVICE PROVIDERS

348. Simplified outline
349. Requirement to provide pre - selection
349A. Local access line
350. When pre - selection is provided in favour of a carriage service provider
350A. Declared carriage services
351. Pre - selection to be provided
352. Exemptions from requirement to provide pre - selection
353. Use of over - ride dial codes

PART 18--CALLING--LINE IDENTIFICATION

354. Simplified outline
355. Calling line identification
356. Exemptions from calling line identification requirement

PART 19--STATUTORY--INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDERS

Division 1--Introduction

360. Simplified outline of this Part
360A. Definitions
360AA. Qualifying fixed wireless carriage service
360AB. Associate
360AC. Control
360AD. Control of a company
360AE. When a person is in a position to exercise control of a facility

Division 2--Service areas and statutory infrastructure providers

Subdivision AA--Introduction

360B. Simplified outline of this Division
360C. Service area

Subdivision B--Service areas and statutory infrastructure providers

360F. General service area
360G. Statutory infrastructure provider for the general service area
360H. Nominated service area--declaration made by a carrier
360HA. Nominated service area--anticipatory notice to be given to the ACMA by a carrier
360HB. Nominated service area--declaration made by a carriage service provider
360HC. Nominated service area--anticipatory notice to be given to the ACMA by a carriage service provider
360J. Nominated service area--carrier licence conditions declarations
360K. Statutory infrastructure provider for a nominated service area
360KA. Anticipated service area
360KB. Statutory infrastructure provider for an anticipated service area
360L. Designated service area and statutory infrastructure provider

Subdivision D--Format of description of areas

360LA. Format of description of areas

Subdivision E--Exempt projects

360M. Exempt real estate development projects
360N. Exempt building redevelopment projects
360NA. Proximity to a project area

Division 3--Obligations of statutory infrastructure provider

360P. Obligation of statutory infrastructure provider to connect premises
360Q. Obligation of statutory infrastructure provider to supply eligible services--premises
360R. Notification obligations of statutory infrastructure provider
360RA. Rules may impose additional notification obligations on a statutory infrastructure provider
360RB. Statutory infrastructure provider must have a website
360S. Targets for NBN Co

Division 3A--Notification obligations of carriage service provider

360SA. Notification obligations of carriage service provider
360SB. Rules may impose additional notification obligations on a carriage service provider

Division 4--Standards, benchmarks and rules

360U. Standards and benchmarks
360V. Rules

Division 4A--Compensation

Subdivision A--Introduction

360VA. Simplified outline
360VB. Definitions
360VC. Meaning of certain expressions

Subdivision B--Damages for breach of standards or rules by statutory infrastructure providers

360VD. Damages for breach of a designated compensable standard or designated compensable rule
360VE. Time for payment of damages
360VF. Evidentiary certificate issued by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

Subdivision C--Miscellaneous

360VG. Savings of other laws and remedies
360VH. Compensation rules

Division 5--Offers to be made available

360W. Offer to be made available etc.--connection of premises
360X. Offer to be made available--supply of eligible services

Division 5A--Information-gathering powers

360XAA. Secretary may obtain information and documents from carriers and carriage service providers
360XAB. Copying documents--compensation
360XAC. Copies of documents
360XAD. Secretary may retain documents
360XAE. Law relating to legal professional privilege not affected
360XAF. Disclosure of information to the ACMA
360XAG. Delegation by the Secretary

Division 6--Miscellaneous

360XAH. Compliance audits
360XAI. Additional functions of the ACMA
360XA. Periodic compliance reports
360Y. Building redevelopment projects etc.
360Z. Register of statutory infrastructure providers and anticipatory notices
360ZA. Delegation

PART 20--INTERNATIONAL--ASPECTS OF ACTIVITIES OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY

Division 1--Simplified outline

364. Simplified outline

Division 2--Compliance with international agreements

365. INTELSAT and Inmarsat--directions to Signatories
366. Compliance with conventions

Division 3--Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators

367. Rules of conduct about dealings with international telecommunications operators
368. ACCC to administer Rules of Conduct
369. Rules of Conduct to bind carriers and carriage service providers
370. Unenforceability of agreements
371. Investigations by the ACCC
372. Reviews of the operation of this Division

PART 20A--DEPLOYMENT--OF OPTICAL FIBRE ETC.

Division 1--Simplified outline

372A. Simplified outline

Division 2--Deployment of optical fibre lines

372B. Deployment of optical fibre lines to building lots
372C. Deployment of optical fibre lines to building units
372D. Exemptions--Ministerial instrument

Division 3--Installation of fibre-ready facilities

Subdivision A--Installation obligations

372E. Installation of fibre - ready facilities--building lots
372F. Installation of fibre - ready facilities--building units

Subdivision B--Sale of building lots and building units

372G. Sale of building lots and building units--subdivisions
372H. Sale of building units--other projects
372J. Acquisition of property

Subdivision C--Remedial notices

372JA. Remedial notices
372JB. Contents of remedial notices
372JC. Compliance with remedial notice
372JD. Extension of time for compliance with remedial notices
372JE. Variation of remedial notices
372JF. Revocation of remedial notices
372JG. Formal irregularities or defects in remedial notices
372JH. Designated civil penalty provision

Subdivision D--Exemptions

372K. Exemptions--Ministerial instrument

Division 4--Third party access regime

372L. Third party access regime
372M. Terms and conditions of access
372N. Exemptions--Ministerial instrument
372NA. Code relating to access

Division 5--Exemption of certain projects

372P. Exemption of certain projects

Division 6--Miscellaneous

372Q. Real estate development projects etc.
372R. Subdivision of an area of land
372S. Building units
372T. Sale of building lots
372U. Sale of building units
372V. Fixed - line facilities
372W. Fibre - ready facility
372X. Installation of a facility
372Y. Installation of a fibre - ready facility in proximity to a building lot or building unit
372Z. Sewerage services, electricity or water supplied to a building lot or building unit
372ZA. Supply to the public
372ZB. Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws
372ZD. NBN Co

PART 21--TECHNICAL--REGULATION

Division 1--Simplified outline

373. Simplified outline

Division 2--Interpretative provisions

374. Part applies to networks or facilities in Australia operated by carriers or carriage service providers
375. Manager of network or facility

Division 3--Technical standards about customer equipment and customer cabling

376. ACMA's power to make technical standards
376A. ACMA must make technical standards if directed by the Minister
377. Adoption of voluntary standards
378. Procedures for making technical standards
379. Making technical standards in cases of urgency

Division 4--Disability standards

380. Disability standards
381. Adoption of voluntary standards
382. Procedures for making disability standards
383. Effect of compliance with disability standards

Division 5--Technical standards about the interconnection of facilities

384. ACMA's power to make technical standards
385. Adoption of voluntary standards
386. Procedures for making technical standards
387. Procedures for making technical standards
388. Provision of access
389. Promotion of the long - term interests of end - users of carriage services and of services supplied by means of carriage services

Division 5A--Technical standards relating to Layer 2 bitstream services

389A. ACMA's power to determine technical standards
389B. Compliance with technical standards

Division 6--Connection permits and connection rules

Subdivision A--Connection permits authorising the connection of non-standard customer equipment and non-standard cabling

390. Application for connection permit
391. Form of application
392. Application to be accompanied by charge
393. Further information
394. Issue of connection permits
395. Connection permit has effect subject to this Act
396. Nominees of holder
397. Duration of connection permits
398. Conditions of connection permits
399. Offence of contravening condition
400. Formal warnings--breach of condition
401. Surrender of connection permit
402. Cancellation of connection permit
403. Register of connection permits

Subdivision B--Connection rules

404. Connection rules
405. Procedures for making connection rules

Division 7--Labelling of customer equipment and customer cabling

406. Application of labels
406A. Application of Division to agent of manufacturer or importer
407. Labelling requirements
408. Requirements to apply labels--ancillary matters
409. Recognised testing authorities and competent bodies
410. Certification bodies
411. Connection of customer equipment or customer cabling--breach of section 376 standards
412. Connection of labelled customer equipment or customer cabling not to be refused
413. Supply of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling
414. Applying labels before satisfying requirements under subsection 408(5)
415. Failure to retain records etc.
416. Application of labels containing false statements about compliance with standards

Division 8--Protected symbols

417. Protected symbols

Division 9--Cabling providers

418. Cabling work
419. Types of cabling work
420. Prohibition of unauthorised cabling work
421. Cabling provider rules
422. Procedures for making cabling provider rules
423. Application for cabling licence
424. Form of application
425. Application to be accompanied by charge
426. Further information
427. Grant of cabling licence
428. Time limit on licence decision
429. Notification of refusal of application
430. Cabling licence has effect subject to this Act
431. Duration of cabling licence
432. Conditions of cabling licence
433. Procedures for changing licence conditions
434. Offence in relation to contravening condition
435. Formal warnings--breach of condition
436. Surrender of cabling licence
437. Suspension of cabling licence
438. Cancellation of cabling licence
439. ACMA may limit application of Division in relation to customer cabling
440. Ministerial directions
441. Delegation
442. Register of cabling licences

Division 10--Remedies for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc.

443. Civil action for unauthorised connections to telecommunications networks etc.
444. Remedy for contravention of labelling requirements
445. Remedies for connection of unlabelled customer equipment or unlabelled customer cabling
446. Disconnection of dangerous customer equipment or customer cabling
447. Disconnection of customer equipment or customer cabling--protection of the integrity of networks and facilities
448. Civil action for dangerous connections to telecommunications networks etc.
449. Other remedies not affected

Division 11--Prohibited customer equipment and prohibited customer cabling

450. Declaration of prohibited customer equipment or prohibited customer cabling
452. Operation of prohibited customer equipment or customer cabling

Division 12--Pre-commencement labels

453. Pre - commencement labels

Division 13--Penalties payable instead of prosecution

453A. Penalties payable instead of prosecution

PART 22--NUMBERING--OF CARRIAGE SERVICES AND REGULATION OF ELECTRONIC ADDRESSING

Division 1--Simplified outline

454. Simplified outline

Division 2--Numbering of carriage services

Subdivision AA--Management by numbering scheme manager

454A. Minister may determine numbering scheme manager
454B. No property rights in numbers
454C. Numbering scheme principles
454D. Revocation of determination
454E. Directions to numbering scheme manager
454F. Numbering scheme manager providing information to the ACMA
454G. Directions to comply with rules
454H. Numbering scheme documents are not legislative instruments

Subdivision A--Management by the ACMA

455A. Application
455. Numbering plan
456. Numbering plan--supply to the public
457. Numbering plan--allocation otherwise than in accordance with an allocation system
458. Numbering plan--rules about portability of allocated numbers
459. ACMA to administer numbering plan
459A. Delegation
460. Consultation about numbering plan
461. Consultation with ACCC
461A. Making numbering plan in cases of urgency
462. Compliance with the numbering plan

Subdivision B--Allocation system for numbers

463A. Numbering scheme manager
463. Allocation system for numbers
464. Consultation about an allocation system

Subdivision C--Miscellaneous

465. Register of allocated numbers
466. Emergency service numbers
468. Collection of numbering charges
469. Collection of charges on behalf of the Commonwealth
470. Cancellation of certain exemptions from charge
471. Commonwealth not liable to charge
472. Integrated public number database
473. Letters and symbols taken to be numbers

Division 3--Regulation of electronic addressing

474. Declared manager of electronic addressing
475. ACMA may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing
476. ACCC may give directions to declared manager of electronic addressing
477. ACCC's directions to prevail over the ACMA's directions

PART 23--STANDARD--AGREEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF CARRIAGE SERVICES

478. Simplified outline
479. Standard terms and conditions apply unless excluded
482. Concurrent operation of State/Territory laws
483. Competition and Consumer Act not affected by this Part

PART 24--CARRIERS----POWERS AND IMMUNITIES

484. Schedule 3

PART 24A--SUBMARINE--CABLES

484A. Schedule 3A

PART 25--PUBLIC--INQUIRIES

Division 1--Simplified outline

485. Simplified outline

Division 2--Inquiries by the ACMA

486. When inquiry must be held
487. When inquiry may be held
488. Informing the public about an inquiry
489. Discussion paper
490. Written submissions and protection from civil actions
491. Hearings
492. Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases
493. Confidential material not to be published
494. Direction about private hearings
495. Reports on inquiries

Division 3--Inquiries by the ACCC

496. When inquiry must be held
497. When inquiry may be held
498. Informing the public about an inquiry
499. Discussion paper
500. Written submissions and protection from civil actions
501. Hearings
502. Hearing to be in public except in exceptional cases
503. Confidential material not to be published
504. Direction about private hearings
505. Reports on inquiries
505A. ACCC may use material presented to a previous public inquiry
505B. ACCC may adopt a finding from a previous public inquiry
506. ACCC's other powers not limited

PART 26--INVESTIGATIONS

507. Simplified outline
508. Matters to which this Part applies
509. Complaints to the ACMA
510. Investigations by the ACMA
511. Preliminary inquiries
512. Conduct of investigations
513. Complainant and certain other persons to be informed of various matters
514. Reference of matters to Ombudsman or other responsible person
515. Reference of matters to the ACCC
515A. Reference of matters to Information Commissioner
516. Reports on investigations
517. Publication of reports
518. Person adversely affected by report to be given opportunity to comment
519. Protection from civil actions

PART 27--THE--ACMA'S INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS

Division 1--Simplified outline

520. Simplified outline

Division 2--Information-gathering powers

521. The ACMA may obtain information and documents from carriers and service providers
522. The ACMA may obtain information and documents from other persons
523. Copying documents--reasonable compensation
524. Self - incrimination
525. Giving false or misleading information or evidence
527. Copies of documents
528. ACMA may retain documents

Division 3--Record-keeping rules

529. ACMA may make record - keeping rules
530. Compliance with record - keeping rules
531. Incorrect records

PART 28--ENFORCEMENT

Division 1--Introduction

532. Simplified outline
532A. References to the Spam Act 2003

Division 2--Inspectors and identity cards

533. Inspectors
534. Identity cards

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

535. Magistrate may issue warrant
536. Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc.
537. Contents of warrant
538. Warrants may be issued by telephone etc.
539. Provisions relating to issue of warrant by telephone etc.
540. Proceedings involving warrant issued by telephone etc.

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

541. When is a thing connected with an offence?
541A. When is a thing connected with a breach of the Spam Act 2003 ?
542. Searches and seizures
543. Production of identity card etc.
544. Evidence of commission of other offences against Part 21 of this Act or other breaches of the Spam Act 2003
545. Emergency entry, search and seizure
546. Retention of things seized

Division 5--Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21

547. Searches to monitor compliance with Part 21

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

547A. Powers available to inspectors for monitoring compliance
547B. Monitoring powers
547C. Production of identity card etc.
547D. Monitoring warrants
547E. Details of warrant to be given to occupier etc.
547F. Announcement before entry
547G. Compensation for damage to equipment
547H. Occupier entitled to be present during search

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

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

Division 6--Other powers of inspectors

548. General powers of inspectors
549. Power to require information etc.
550. Retention of documents

Division 7--Forfeiture

551. Court may order forfeiture
552. Forfeited goods may be sold

Division 8--Future offences

553. Offences that are going to be committed

PART 29--REVIEW--OF DECISIONS

554. Simplified outline
555. Decisions that may be subject to reconsideration by the ACMA
556. Deadlines for reaching certain decisions
557. Statements to accompany notification of decisions
558. Applications for reconsideration of decisions
559. Reconsideration by the ACMA
560. Deadlines for reconsiderations
561. Statements to accompany notification of decisions on reconsideration
562. Review by the Administrative Review Tribunal

PART 30--INJUNCTIONS

563. Simplified outline
564. Injunctions
565. Interim injunctions
566. Discharge etc. of injunctions
567. Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply
568. Other powers of the court unaffected

PART 31--CIVIL--PENALTIES

569. Simplified outline
570. Pecuniary penalties for contravention of civil penalty provisions
571. Civil action for recovery of pecuniary penalties
572. Criminal proceedings not to be brought for contravention of civil penalty provisions

PART 31A--ENFORCEABLE--UNDERTAKINGS

572A. Simplified outline
572B. Acceptance of undertakings
572C. Enforcement of undertakings

PART 31B--INFRINGEMENT--NOTICES FOR CONTRAVENTIONS OF CIVIL PENALTY PROVISIONS

572D. Simplified outline
572E. When an infringement notice can be given
572F. Matters to be included in an infringement notice
572G. Amount of penalty
572H. Withdrawal of an infringement notice
572J. What happens if the penalty is paid
572K. Effect of this Part on civil proceedings
572L. Appointment of authorised infringement notice officer
572M. Guidelines relating to infringement notices
572N. Regulations

PART 32--VICARIOUS--LIABILITY

573. Simplified outline
574. Proceedings under this Act
574A. Definition
575. Liability of corporations
576. Liability of persons other than corporations

PART 33--VOLUNTARY--UNDERTAKINGS ORIGINALLY GIVEN BY TELSTRA

Division 1--Introduction

577. Simplified outline

Division 2--Structural separation

Subdivision A--Undertaking about structural separation

577A. Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation
577AA. Acceptance of undertaking about structural separation may be subject to the occurrence of events
577AB. When undertaking about structural separation comes into force
577AC. Publication requirements for undertaking about structural separation
577ACA. Repointing of undertaking about structural undertaking to certain designated Telstra successor companies
577ACB. Directions--facilitation of undertaking about structural separation
577AD. Compliance with undertaking about structural separation
577B. Variation of undertaking about structural separation
577BA. Authorised conduct--subsection 51(1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
577BAA. Directions--facilitation of contract or agreement

Subdivision B--Migration plan

577BB. Migration plan principles
577BC. Migration plan
577BD. Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC--plan given after undertaking about structural separation comes into force
577BDA. Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC--plan given before undertaking about structural separation comes into force
577BDB. Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC--plan given in compliance with a direction
577BDC. Approval of draft migration plan by the ACCC--plan given in response to a request
577BE. Effect of approval of draft migration plan
577BEA. Repointing of final migration plan to certain designated Telstra successor companies
577BEB. Directions--facilitation of final migration plan
577BF. Variation of final migration plan

Division 3--Hybrid fibre-coaxial networks

577C. Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre - coaxial networks
577CA. Acceptance of undertaking about hybrid fibre - coaxial networks may be subject to the occurrence of events
577CB. When undertaking about hybrid fibre - coaxial networks comes into force
577CC. Publication requirements for undertaking about hybrid fibre - coaxial networks
577CD. Compliance with undertaking about hybrid fibre - coaxial networks
577D. Variation of undertaking about hybrid fibre - coaxial networks

Division 4--Subscription television broadcasting licences

577E. Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences
577EA. Acceptance of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences may be subject to the occurrence of events
577EB. When undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences comes into force
577EC. Publication requirements for undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences
577ED. Compliance with undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences
577F. Variation of undertaking about subscription television broadcasting licences

Division 5--Enforcement of undertakings

577FA. Enforcement of undertakings in force under section 577A
577G. Enforcement of undertakings in force under section 577C or 577E

Division 6--Limits on allocation of spectrum licences etc.

577GA. Excluded spectrum regime
577H. Designated part of the spectrum
577J. Limits on allocation of certain spectrum licences to Telstra
577K. Limits on use of certain spectrum licences by Telstra
577L. Limits on assignment of certain spectrum licences to Telstra etc.

Division 7--Other provisions

577M. Associate
577N. Control
577P. Control of a company
577Q. When Telstra or a designated Telstra successor company is in a position to exercise control of a network

PART 34--SPECIAL--PROVISIONS RELATING TO CONVENTIONS AND DIRECTIONS

579. Simplified outline
580. ACMA must have regard to conventions
581. Power to give directions to carriers and service providers

PART 34A--TELSTRA--SUCCESSOR COMPANIES AND DESIGNATED TELSTRA SUCCESSOR COMPANIES

Division 1--Introduction

581A. Simplified outline of this Part
581B. Object of this Part
581C. Company
581D. Telecommunications law
581E. Prescribed telecommunications law

Division 2--Telstra successor company and designated Telstra successor company

581F. Telstra successor company
581G. Designated Telstra successor company
581H. Declarations--criteria
581J. Demerged Telstra company
581K. ACMA to maintain register of Telstra successor companies and designated Telstra successor companies etc.

Division 3--Transfer of business

581L. Telecommunications business
581M. Notification of transfer of telecommunications business
581MA. Notification of proposed transfer of prescribed business

Division 4--Transfer of assets

581N. Telecommunications asset
581P. Notification of transfer of telecommunications asset
581PA. Notification of proposed transfer of prescribed asset
581Q. Transfer of an asset

Division 5--Consultation relating to declarations

581R. Consultation relating to declarations

Division 6--Directions

581TA. Facilitation of compliance with a direction given by the ACMA
581TB. Facilitation of obligations imposed on a named designated Telstra successor company

Division 7--Transitional

581U. Transitional--references in legislation to Telstra Infraco Limited

PART 34B--ACCESS--TO SUPPLEMENTARY FACILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSMISSION TOWERS

Division 1--Introduction

581V. Simplified outline of this Part
581W. Carrier company group
581X. Eligible company
581XA. Deemed bodies corporate

Division 2--Access to supplementary facilities

581Y. Access to supplementary facilities
581Z. Terms and conditions of access
581ZA. Ministerial pricing determinations

Division 3--Access to telecommunications transmission towers

581ZB. Definitions
581ZBA. Telecommunications transmission tower
581ZC. Extended meaning of access
581ZD. Access to telecommunications transmission towers
581ZE. Terms and conditions of access
581ZF. Code relating to access
581ZG. This Division does not limit Division 2

Division 4--Review of corporate control percentage

581ZH. Review of corporate control percentage

PART 35--MISCELLANEOUS

582. Simplified outline
583. Penalties for certain continuing offences
584. Procedure relating to certain continuing offences
585. Treatment of partnerships
586. Giving of documents to partnerships
587. Nomination of address for service of documents
588. Service of summons or process on foreign corporations--criminal proceedings
589. Instruments under this Act may provide for matters by reference to other instruments
590. Arbitration--acquisition of property
591. Compensation--constitutional safety net
592. Act not to affect performance of State or Territory functions
593. Funding of consumer representation, and of research, in relation to telecommunications
593A. Removal of Optus Networks' tax losses
594. Regulations
SCHEDULE 1 Standard carrier licence conditions
SCHEDULE 2 Standard service provider rules
SCHEDULE 3 Carriers' powers and immunities
SCHEDULE 3A Protection of submarine cables
SCHEDULE 4 Reviewable decisions of the ACMA

AustLII: Copyright Policy | Disclaimers | Privacy Policy | Feedback