Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00195:section:4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:C2024C00195
Segment Type: section
Provision Reference: s 4
Character Range: 15243–17540

4  Simplified outline
  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.
         • The Secretary is responsible for entering into contracts, and making grants, relating to:
             (a) fixed wireless broadband; and
             (b) satellite broadband.
         • The ACMA will assess and collect the charge imposed on carriers by the Telecommunications (Regional Broadband Scheme) Charge Act 2020.
         • The proceeds of the charge will be used to:
             (a) pay contractors and grant recipients; and
             (b) offset designated 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.
         • Designated Telstra successor companies are subject to price control arrangements.