{"id":"F2025L00410","name":"Telecommunications (Annual Charge) Determination 2025","slug":"telecommunications-annual-charge-determination-2025","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":106228,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2025L00410-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Telecommunications (Annual Charge) Determination 2025","content":"![Commonwealth of Australia coat of arms](image.001.jpeg)\n\nTelecommunications (Annual Charge) Determination 2025\n\nThe Australian Communications and Media Authority makes the following instrument under subsections 20(1) and 22(2) of the Telecommunications (Numbering Charges) Act 1997.\n\nDated: 21 March 2025\n\nAdam Suckling\n\n\\[signed\\]\n\nMember\n\nMichael Brealey\n\n\\[signed\n\nGeneral Manager\n\nAustralian Communications and Media Authority\n\n  \n\n1 Name\n\nThis is the Telecommunications (Annual Charge) Determination 2025.\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis instrument commences at the start of the day after the day it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.\n\nNote: The Federal Register of Legislation may be accessed free of charge at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n3 Authority\n\nThis instrument is made under subsections 20(1) and 22(2) of the Telecommunications (Numbering Charges) Act 1997.\n\n4 Repeal of the Telecommunications (Annual Charge) Determination 2014\n\nThe Telecommunications (Annual Charge) Determination 2014 \\[Registration No. F2014L01782\\] is repealed.\n\n5 Definitions\n\nIn this instrument:\n\n> access code has the meaning given by section 28 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> Act means the Telecommunications (Numbering Charges) Act 1997.\n\n> census date, for a year, is the day in April determined for the year under subsection 18(2) of the Act.\n\n> community service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> geographic number has the meaning given by section 10 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> incoming only international service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> interconnect and routing service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> internal network service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> international direct dial service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> international ring back price service has the meaning given by section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> international service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> internet of things service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> plan means the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 2025.\n\n> public safety service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> replacement plan means a numbering plan made under subsection 455(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997 after the commencement of this instrument, which replaces the plan.\n\n> specified for use has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> testing service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> virtual private network service has the meaning given in section 5 of the plan or, if the plan is replaced, in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan.\n\n> Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n> Note: ACMA\n\n> Note: carriage service provider\n\n> Note: (c) number\n\n> Note: (d) numbering plan.\n\n6 References to other instruments\n\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n\n(a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and\n\n(b) a reference to any other kind of instrument is a reference to that other instrument as in force at the commencement of this instrument.\n\nNote: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.\n\n7 Amount of charge\n\n(1) The amount of charge imposed on a number held at the beginning of the census date is calculated in accordance with the following formula:\n\n![Start formula AOC over N end formula](image.002.png)\n\nwhere:\n\n> AOC means, for the chargeable holding that includes the number, the amount calculated under subsection (2).\n\n> N means the quantity of numbers comprising the chargeable holding.\n\n(2) For subsection (1), the value of AOC for a chargeable holding is determined as follows:\n\n> AOC = quantity of numbers x lesser of BNC amount and $100 000\n\nwhere:\n\n> BNC amount, for a chargeable holding, is the base number charge multiplied by:\n\n(a) the applicable multiplier; and\n\n(b) 10 to the power of (10 minus number length).\n\n> base number charge means the amount of charge determined by solving the following equation using the method known as the Newton‑Raphson method:\n\n> Revenue Target = the sum of (quantity of numbers x the lesser of (BNC amount or $100 000)) for each chargeable holding of every carriage service provider.\n\n> Note: After the ACMA calculates the base number charge, it will publish it on its website. The ACMA’s website is www.acma.gov.au.\n\n> chargeable holding means one number or a group of numbers held by a carriage service provider, all of which:\n\n(a) have the same amount of digits; and\n\n(b) are of the same service type.\n\n> exempt service type, in relation to a number in a chargeable holding, means a number that, under section 8, is exempt from charge.\n\n> multiplier means:\n\n(a) for a chargeable holding containing only normal service type numbers — 1;\n\n(b) for a chargeable holding containing only reduced service type numbers — 0.01;\n\n(c) for a chargeable holding containing only exempt service type numbers — 0.\n\n> normal service type, in relation to a number in a chargeable holding, means a number that is not a reduced service type or an exempt service type.\n\n> number length means the amount of digits in the number concerned.\n\n> reduced service type, in relation to a number in a chargeable holding, means a number of any of the following kinds:\n\n(a) numbers specified for use with an incoming only international service;\n\n(b) numbers specified for use with an internal network service;\n\n(c) numbers specified for use with an internet of things service;\n\n(d) numbers specified for use with a testing service.\n\n> Revenue Target, for a year, is $60 000 000.\n\n> service type means exempt service type, normal service type or reduced service type, as the context requires.\n\n8 Numbers exempt from charge\n\n(1) The following numbers are exempt from charge:\n\n(a) a number specified for use with a community service;\n\n(b) a geographic number, other than a number mentioned in subsection 22(1) of the Act;\n\n(c) a number that is an international signalling point code, within the meaning of section 36 of the plan or in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan;\n\n(d) a number that is a mobile network code, within the meaning of section 39 of the plan or in a corresponding provision of a replacement plan;\n\n(e) a number that is an access code specified for use with an international service;\n\n(f) a number that is an access code specified for use with an international direct dial service;\n\n(g) a number that is an access code specified for use with an international ring back price service;\n\n(h) a number that is an access code specified for use with an interconnect and routing service;\n\n(i) a number that is an access code specified for use with a virtual private network service;\n\n(j) a number that is a four or five digit access code specified for use with an incoming only international service; and\n\n(k) a number specified for use with a public safety service.\n\n(2) A number specified for use with an internet of things service is exempt from charge for a period of 12 months from the commencement of this instrument.\n\nExample\n\nA carriage service provider has 2 chargeable holdings:\n\n> Note: (a) holding Y, that, on the census date, contains 500 numbers, each of which is:\n\n> Note: 5 digits in length; and\n\n> Note: an international signalling point code; and\n\n> Note: (b) holding Z, that, on the census date, contains 10 000 numbers, each of which is:\n\n> Note: 10 digits in length; and\n\n> Note: a normal service type number.\n\nFor the purpose of the example, the base number charge for the year is $0.90, determined on the basis of a Revenue Target of $60 000 000.\n\nCalculation of AOC for holding Y:\n\n> Note: AOC \\= quantity of numbers x the lesser of BNC amount and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 500 x the lesser of ($0.90 x 0 x 10^(10 – 5)) and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 500 x the lesser of ($0.90 x 0 x 100 000) and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 500 x the lesser of $0 and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 500 x 0;\n\n> Note: thus \\= $0.\n\nCalculation of AOC for holding Z:\n\n> Note: AOC \\= quantity of numbers x the lesser of BNC amount and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 10 000 x the lesser of ($0.90 x 1 x 10^(10 – 10)) and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 10 000 x the lesser of ($0.90 x 1 x 1) and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 10 000 x the lesser of $0.90 and $100 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= 10 000 x $0.90;\n\n> Note: thus \\= $9 000.\n\nCalculation of total AOC for the year for the carriage service provider:\n\n> Note: AOC \\= AOC for holding Y + AOC for holding Z;\n\n> Note: thus \\= $0 + $9 000;\n\n> Note: thus \\= $9 000.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Determination continues the existing statutory function of setting an annual charge for numbering resources; it repeals the 2014 Determination and updates definitions, the relevant numbering plan reference (Telecommunications Numbering Plan 2025), the Revenue Target and the calculation mechanics. Those updates are routine to the instrument’s core purpose (recovering a fixed revenue amount from number-holders). While it introduces or preserves specific policy choices (for example, a 12‑month exemption for IoT numbers and the reduced multiplier for certain service types), those are adjustments within the instrument’s original scope (setting who pays and how much) rather than a material expansion into new regulatory domains."},"complexity_factors":["Specification of a sector‑wide numerical solution (Newton–Raphson) to find the base number charge (s7(2))","Multiple interdependent definitions in the instrument (around 17 defined terms in s5, including many that reference the numbering plan)","Cross-references to the Telecommunications Numbering Plan 2025 and to replacement plans (s5 definitions and s6)","Tiered treatment of service types with multipliers (normal = 1, reduced = 0.01, exempt = 0) creating conditional logic (s7(2))","Per-number scaling by 10^(10 − number length) which introduces exponential dependence on digit length (s7(2))","Hard cap of $100,000 on the per-number amount, producing a min() operation in the core formula (s7(1)–(2))","A detailed list of exemptions with cross-references to the numbering plan (s8(1)), plus a temporary 12‑month exemption for IoT numbers (s8(2))","Dependence on accurate, sector-wide data at a statutory census date (definition of 'census date' in s5 and Act reference), increasing implementation risk","Repeal and replacement of an earlier Determination (s4) — administrative continuity issues for transition"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)**\n\n- This Determination sets the annual charge that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will impose on telephone numbers held by carriage service providers (CSPs). (See s1, s3, s7)\n\n- The charge is calculated for each \"chargeable holding\" — defined as one number or a group of numbers held by a CSP that all have the same number of digits and the same service type. (s5, definition of \"chargeable holding\")\n\n- For each number in a chargeable holding the annual charge equals the quantity of numbers multiplied by the lesser of: (a) a calculated per-number amount called the BNC amount; or (b) $100,000. In short: quantity × min(BNC amount, $100,000). (s7(1)–(2))\n\n- The BNC amount (per-number dollar figure) equals: the base number charge × a multiplier (1, 0.01 or 0 depending on service type) × 10^(10 − number length). The multiplier makes some service types much cheaper or free. (s7(2), definitions)\n\n- The base number charge is not fixed in the Determination. ACMA finds it by solving a single equation: the sum of AOC amounts for all chargeable holdings across all CSPs must equal the Revenue Target for the year. The Revenue Target is set at $60,000,000. The Determination requires ACMA to solve that equation numerically using the Newton–Raphson method and then publish the base number charge on its website. (s7(2) — definition of \"base number charge\"; Revenue Target defined)\n\n- The instrument lists numbers that are exempt from the charge (for example, community-service numbers, most geographic numbers, certain signalling and network codes, various international and interconnect access codes, public safety numbers). It also makes internet-of-things numbers temporarily exempt from charge for 12 months after commencement. (s8(1)–(2))\n\n- The Determination takes effect the day after it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation and it repeals the 2014 Determination. (s2, s4)\n\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Directly: carriage service providers (telecommunications carriers) that hold allocated numbers under the Telecommunications Numbering Plan. They must count numbers held on the \"census date\" and pay the resulting annual charge. (s5 definitions; s7)\n\n- Indirectly: downstream customers and businesses if CSPs choose to pass on the cost through prices or change commercial behaviour tied to number allocations (see analysis below).\n\n\n**Official purpose-claim and the mechanical test of that claim**\n\n- The Determination’s stated mechanism is to recover a fixed Revenue Target ($60m) from number-holders to meet ACMA’s funding needs related to numbering. (s7: Revenue Target)\n\n- Mechanically, that is achieved by (a) a per-number formula that scales with digit length and service type, and (b) a numerical calculation (Newton–Raphson) to set the base number charge so that the aggregate collections equal the Revenue Target. This produces a single system-wide per-numberity value (the base number charge) which, scaled by 10^(10 − length) and the multiplier, yields the per-number charge. (s7(2))\n\n\n**Costs, incentives and trade-offs (practical effects)**\n\n- Who pays: CSPs holding non-exempt numbers are legally liable for the charge; economically, CSPs may try to pass some or all of the cost to customers. (s7, s8)\n\n- Concentrated benefits / diffuse costs: The Revenue Target is fixed ($60m). If many numbers are exempted or treated as reduced (multiplier 0 or 0.01), the remaining (non-exempt) numbers bear a higher per-number cost because the base number charge must be set so aggregate revenue meets the target. That structure concentrates costs on holders of non-exempt, normal-service numbers. (s7(2), s8)\n\n- Incentives for number usage and structuring: Because the per-number charge depends on number length and service type (through the 10^(10 − length) factor and multipliers), CSPs have financial reasons to prefer longer numbers and to use service classifications that attract the reduced multiplier where feasible. The definition of a chargeable holding (same digit count and same service type) means CSPs must report and be charged by these groupings; the Determination therefore creates administrative incentives to organise number allocations consistent with lower-charge classifications, subject to the numbering plan rules. (s5, s7(2))\n\n- Cap and nonlinearities: The per-number amount is capped at $100,000 (the lesser of BNC amount and $100,000). That cap is practically irrelevant for ordinary retail numbers (per-number amounts are expected to be small) but exists as a hard upper bound and removes runaway liability if the computed BNC amount were extreme. (s7(2))\n\n- Short-term transitional relief: Internet-of-things numbers are exempt for 12 months from commencement, reducing immediate charges for holders of those numbers but shifting more of the Revenue Target onto others during that window. (s8(2))\n\n- Compliance and administrative burden: ACMA must run a sector‑wide numerical solution each year and publish the base number charge. CSPs must count numbers on the census date and apply the formula to compute AOC. The specification of a numerical method (Newton–Raphson) reduces ambiguity for ACMA but requires careful implementation. (s7(2))\n\n- Implementation risk: Solving the Revenue Target equation requires accurate, complete data on all chargeable holdings. Errors in data submission or in the iterative solution could distort the published base number charge and therefore the bills. (s7(2))\n\n- Redistribution effects and potential for strategic behaviour: Because exemptions and reduced multipliers materially lower some holders’ liability, there is potential value in reclassifying numbers or seeking favourable designations under the numbering plan. That creates incentives for regulatory engagement by providers who stand to gain or lose materially from classification changes. (s5, s7(2), s8)\n\n\n**Practical takeaways for affected parties**\n\n- CSPs should: (a) ensure accurate number holdings data on the census date required under the Act; (b) map holdings to the service-type categories used in the Determination (normal, reduced, exempt); (c) expect ACMA to publish the base number charge after solving the Revenue Target equation; (d) review pricing/commercial arrangements that depend on numbering costs. (s5, s7)\n\n- Because some categories (notably IoT) are temporarily exempt, CSPs should plan for the expiration of that exemption after 12 months if they hold those numbers. (s8(2))\n\n\n**Key provisions cited**\n\n- Calculation method and Revenue Target: s7(1)–(2)\n- Definitions and chargeable holding: s5\n- Exempt numbers and temporary IoT exemption: s8(1)–(2)\n- Commencement and repeal of 2014 Determination: s2, s4\n\n\n**Bottom-line**\n\nThis Determination is a technical instrument that updates how ACMA collects a fixed annual sum ($60m) from holders of telecommunications numbers. It defines the per‑number charging formula, the categories that affect per-number rates (number length and service type), the list of exemptions (including a 12‑month exemption for IoT numbers), and requires ACMA to compute and publish the base number charge by solving an equation so that total collected equals the Revenue Target. The legal incidence falls on carriage service providers; economic incidence may fall on end users or influence provider behaviour around numbering allocations and service classification."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This appears to be a routine re-enactment of the annual charge determination with updated references to the 2025 Numbering Plan. The core mechanism (charging telcos for number holdings to encourage efficient use) remains consistent with the 2014 predecessor. The addition of IoT-specific provisions reflects technological evolution rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Mathematical formula requiring Newton-Raphson iterative method to solve for base charge","Nested definitions: 17 defined terms in section 5, many referencing external 'plan' definitions","Multi-layered calculation: AOC formula → BNC amount → base number charge → Revenue Target equation","Conditional multipliers (3 tiers) and exemptions (11 categories in section 8)","Cross-references to Telecommunications Numbering Plan 2025 and replacement plan provisions","Temporal exemption: IoT numbers exempt only for 12 months from commencement (subsection 8(2))","Cap mechanism: 'lesser of BNC amount and $100,000' creates conditional logic","Exponential calculation: '10 to the power of (10 minus number length)' creates non-linear pricing"],"plain_english_summary":"This ACMA pricing rule sets a formula for annual charges telcos must pay for phone numbers, targeting $60 million in revenue and capping charges at $100,000 per number. It uses a calculated base charge adjusted by number length and service-type multipliers (full, reduced, or exempt).\n\nIt affects carriage service providers, aims to discourage hoarding and raise government revenue, and includes a 12‑month exemption for IoT numbers to spur growth."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/telecommunications-annual-charge-determination-2025","history":"/api/acts/telecommunications-annual-charge-determination-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/telecommunications-annual-charge-determination-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/telecommunications-annual-charge-determination-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/telecommunications-annual-charge-determination-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/telecommunications-annual-charge-determination-2025/documents"}}