QR codes
Suppliers can use a QR code, or similar thing, as an alternative form of compliance label. This means that suppliers can label equipment using a QR code if the relevant link is to information on a website that prominently displays the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM).
By enabling QR codes as an alternative form of compliance label, the labelling requirements align with those under the Radiocommunications Act 1992. This provides consistency as well as the flexibility for suppliers to comply with labelling requirements through the use of modern technology.
Repeal of 3 standards
We have repealed:
- Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for ISDN Basic Access Interface – AS/ACIF S031) 2015
- Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for ISDN Primary Rate Access Interface – AS/ACIF S038) 2015
These standards relate to Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) technology which is no longer being deployed or will shortly be disconnected in Australia.
We have also repealed:
- Telecommunications Technical Standard (Surge Protective Devices for Telecommunication Applications – AS/NZS 4117) 2015.
This standard mandated a withdrawn industry standard which applied to surge protectors.
Other changes
Machinery amendments have been made to the TLN, which include:
- removing references to supplier code numbers
- removing references to the national database manager
- updating the definition of the national database
- removing references to three repealed standards
- minor changes to the requirements for registration on the national database, and
changes to reference the new Telecommunications (Mobile Equipment Air Interface) Technical Standard 2022 (the Mobile Equipment Standard 2022).
Mobile Equipment Standard 2022
The Mobile Equipment Standard 2022 replaces the Telecommunications (Mobile Equipment Air Interface) Technical Standard 2018. It mandates compliance with 3 new industry standards to extend existing safeguards to 5G customer equipment:
- AS/CA S042.1:2022 – Requirements for connection to an air interface of a Telecommunications Network – Part 1: General (AS/CA S042.1)
- AS/CA S042.4:2022 – Requirements for connection to an air interface of a Telecommunications Network – Part 4: IMT-2000 and IMT-Advanced Customer Equipment (AS/CA S042.4)
- AS/CA S042.5:2022 (incorporating Amendment No.1/2022) – Requirements for connection to an air interface of a Telecommunications Network – Part 5: IMT-2020 Customer Equipment (AS/CA S042.5).
The Mobile Equipment Standard 2022 also reduces the transition period for suppliers to comply with an amendment or replacement to an applicable industry standard from 2 years to 12 months.
The Mobile Equipment Standard comes into effect on 22 December 2022.