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Title: Australia Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999

Language: English

Type: Document

Nature: Laws and Regulations

Published: March 6, 2021

Region: East Asia and Pacific (EAP)

Country: Australia

Sector: Telecom and ICT

Keywords: PPPs by Sector *, Information & Communication Technology PPPs **, Australia

Document Link(s):

Document(s):

Document Summary:

A compilation of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 25 June 2020 (the compilation date). The latest amendments will be included in the above link to Federal Register of Legislation. 

Document Details:

 The following is a simplified outline of this Act:

• A universal service regime is established. The main object of the universal service regime is to ensure that all people in Australia, wherever they reside or carry on business, should have reasonable access, on an equitable basis, to:

              (a)     standard telephone services; and

              (b)     payphones.

• The universal service regime established by this Act is to be phased out and replaced by alternative contractual arrangements.

• The Secretary is responsible for entering into contracts, and making grants, to support the provision of public interest telecommunications services.

• Public interest telecommunication services include:

              (a)     standard telephone services; and

              (b)     payphones; and

              (c)     emergency call services; and

              (d)     the National Relay Service.

• The ACMA will assess and collect the levy imposed on carriers by the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012.

• The proceeds of the levy will be used to:

             (a)     pay contractors and grant recipients; and

             (b)     pay eligible administrative costs.

• Local calls are to be charged for on an untimed basis.

• The ACMA may make performance standards to be complied with by carriage service providers in relation to customer service.

• Certain carriers and carriage service providers must enter into the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman scheme.

• The ACMA may impose requirements on carriers, carriage service providers and certain other persons in relation to emergency call services.

• Telstra is subject to price control arrangements.

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Updated:

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