This course focuses on the body of law and regulation governing the provision of telecommunications services and the operation of telecommunications networks in Australia. In other words, the course concentrates on the law and regulation application to the technological means, such as switched, broadband, cable, mobile and satellite networks, by which content, including voice and data, is carried or delivered within and sent to/from Australia. It is not concerned with the regulation of content which usually falls in the domain of 'media law' or 'communications law'. Topics which will be explored include: communications technology, the history and development of Australian telecommunications law and policy, regulatory and industry structures, authorisation and licensing, network construction and installation, access and interconnection, sector-specific measures dealing with anti-competitive conduct, spectrum management, universal service, consumer protection and privacy.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the principles and tools of telecommunications law and regulation in Australia. Upon completion of the course, students will:
- understand the concepts and principles underlying relevant legislation and case law in the area of telecommunications law
- be able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
- be able to identify and analyse a legal issue in telecommunications law
- develop an awareness of the legal and policy developments in the sector in Australia and world wide; and
- be able to evaluate suggested changes to reform the regulation of the sector.
Indicative Assessment
To achieve the learning outcomes indicated, students will be assessed by way of:
- class participation
- a case study. Students will be given a commercially realistic fact-based scenario and have to identify and analyse the regulatory issues which arise on the facts
- a research paper on a topic to be approved by the lecturer
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
At least 26 class hours and additional private study time.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Annabel Z Dodd, The Essential Guide to Telecommunications, Pearson Education, 4th ed, 2005.
The following text should be available by the time the course is offered;
Alasdair Grant and David Howarth, Australian Telecommunications Regulation, CCH, 4th ed, forthcoming
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2958 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
