Communications Update April 2007 – Regulatory developments
14 May 2007ACMA permits additional services on the directory assistance number
On 8 March 2007, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) amended the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 to allow phone companies to provide additional services on the shared directory assistance number (DAN) 12 23. The additional services permitted will include national and international operator-connected calls and other operator services. These additional services will be optional and chargeable.
The DAN is used by all carriage service providers (CSP) to provide directory assistance services in fulfilment of their obligations under Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. Currently, Telstra is the only CSP subject to the government’s pricing arrangements in the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997. The amendment of the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997 will involve no changes to the existing directory assistance service offered on the DAN.
Under the amendment, Telstra will be required to provide an Implementation Operation Plan (IOP) for ACMA’s approval. This will involve a consultation process with consumer groups. The IOP will provide comprehensive details of the additional services that Telstra proposes to offer on the DAN. ACMA will need to be satisfied that:
- Telstra will continue to supply directory assistance services on the DAN
- access to the supply of directory assistance services will not be diminished, and
- consumers will be adequately informed of the availability of additional services and the associated charges.
For further information on ACMA’s policy on the supply of additional services on the DAN, please visit the ACMA website.
ACMA brings in new number range for innovative communications services
On 26 April 2007, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced the introduction of a new, location independent service type and number range to provide for the introduction of innovative communications services. The new 0550 number range and service type has been introduced under amendments to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 1997.
The new service type and 0550 number range caters for telecommunications services that rely on the internet protocol (IP) for the digital transmission of voice telephony (VoIP services) that can either be fixed and/or location independent.
The new arrangements allow service providers a choice of number ranges. Service providers that offer traditional fixed telephone services, including close substitutes, continue to have access to geographic numbers however service providers can now choose to diversify to the new 0550 number range.
Where the service offers features that are significantly different from traditional telephone services then ACMA expects only the 0550 range will be offered. This especially relates to telephone services not fixed to a particular location.
For further information regarding the new service type and 0550 number range please visit the ACMA website.
ACMA to review the Children’s Television Standards
On 2 March 2007, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) released terms of reference for its first substantial review of the Children’s Television Standards since their introduction in 1990. The requirements for the Children’s Television Standards are set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. ACMA’s review will seek to make recommendations on the efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness of the following elements of the Children’s Television Standards:
- current quota levels, time bands and scheduling for ‘C’ and ‘P’ programs
- current limitations on the amount, timing and content of non-program material such as advertising, and
- processes for content and quality assessments.
Government mechanisms to support the development and funding of children’s television programs will not be subject to the review.
ACMA is currently undertaking a program of research on children’s television viewing habits and advertising to children, preliminary to conducting the review.
ACMA will be releasing an Issues Paper before July this year, inviting public submissions. The introduction of new standard for the Children’s Television Standards is anticipated late in 2007.
For further information, please visit the ACMA website.
ACMA releases IPND Scheme
On 28 March 2007, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) announced it’s new ‘gatekeeper’ role to authorise and grant applications for the use and disclosure of information from the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) under the Telecommunications Integrated Public Number Database Scheme 2007 (IPND Scheme).
The IPND is an industry wide database managed by Telstra of all listed and unlisted public telephone numbers. The new scheme has been created as a result of amendments to part 13 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 which governs the access to and use of data from the IPND.
Under the IPND Scheme ACMA will grant authorisations for the use and disclosure of information regarding the publication and maintenance of a Public Number Directory (PND). In addition, it will authorise applications for the conduct of research of a kind specified by the minister in the Telecommunications (Integrated Public Number Database—Permitted Research Purposes) Instrument 2007 (No 1). The IPND Scheme aims to prevent the misuse of IPND information by regulating the access of data by PND publishers and researchers.
The scheme provides for the:
- making of applications
- assessment of applications
- duration that the authorisation will apply, and
- outlines the process for when an authorisation will end.
In addition, the IPND Scheme imposes conditions on the granting of authorisations. Conditions include the manner that corrections are dealt with and information that must be provided to consumers who are contacted by researchers.
For further information on the IPND scheme, please visit the ACMA website.
For more general information please contact
Title : Special Counsel
Office : Sydney
Phone : +61 2 9225 5954
Fax : +61 2 9322 4000
Email : duncan.giles@freehills.com
