{"id":"F2025L00386","name":"Telecommunications (Cabling Provider) Rules 2025","slug":"telecommunications-cabling-provider-rules-2025","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":106190,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2025L00386-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Preliminary","content":"#### Part 1—Preliminary\n\n#### 1 Name\n\n  These are the Telecommunications (Cabling Provider) Rules 2025.\n\n#### 2 Commencement\n\n  These rules commence on 31 March 2025.\n\n> Note: These Rules are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation which may be accessed free of charge at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n#### 3 Authority\n\n  These rules are made under subsection 421(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\n#### 4 Repeal of the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014\n\n  The Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014 (F2014L01684) are repealed.\n\n#### 5 Application\n\nThese rules apply to a:\n\n1.  cabling provider;\n2.  registered cabling provider; and\n\n(c) registrar.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name","content":"#### 1 Name\n\n  These are the Telecommunications (Cabling Provider) Rules 2025.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n  These rules commence on 31 March 2025.\n\n> Note: These Rules are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation which may be accessed free of charge at www.legislation.gov.au.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authority","content":"#### 3 Authority\n\n  These rules are made under subsection 421(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Repeal of the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014","content":"#### 4 Repeal of the Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014\n\n  The Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014 (F2014L01684) are repealed.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application","content":"#### 5 Application\n\nThese rules apply to a:\n\n1.  cabling provider;\n2.  registered cabling provider; and\n\n(c) registrar.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"#### Part 2—Interpretation\n\n#### 6 Definitions\n\n  In these rules:\n\n> Act means the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\n> active cabling registration means a cabling registration that has not expired, is not suspended, and has not been revoked.\n\n    additional units of competency: see section 22 and clause 5 of Schedule 1.\n    aerial cabling has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> AS IEC 60038:2022 means:\n\n> the Australian Standard AS IEC 60038:2022 Standard voltages published by Standards Australia on 23 December 2022, as existing from time to time; or\n\n> a standard published by Standards Australia as a replacement of that standard, as existing on the date it is first published.\n\n> Note: A copy of AS IEC 60038:2022 can be obtained for a fee from the Standards Australia Store website at https://store.standards.org.au or may be viewed at an office of the ACMA on request and subject to licensing conditions.\n\n> boundary of a telecommunications network has the meaning given by section 22 of the Act.\n\nbroadband cabling means point-to-point customer cabling installed in premises that do not have a main distribution frame or jumperable distributor at the boundary of the telecommunications network.\n\nNote: Typically, broadband cabling is used to connect devices to a telecommunications network for a range of purposes including telephony, internet, and security and alarm systems.\n\n> cabling provider means an individual who performs or supervises the performance of cabling work.\n\n> cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration issued or renewed under Division 4 or 5 of Part 3.\n\n> cabling work means cabling work of a kind that is declared by the ACMA under subsection 419(1) of the Act to be a type of cabling work for the purposes of Division 9 of Part 21 of the Act.\n\n> Note: The current declaration under subsection 419(1) of the Act is the Telecommunications (Types of Cabling Work) Declaration 2024, which is available, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> certified copy, for a document, means a copy of the document that has been certified by a prescribed person to be a true copy of the document.\n\ncoaxial cabling means customer cabling that consists of an inner conductor surrounded by a conducting shield, with the two separated by insulating material.\n\n> competency requirements: see section 12 and Schedule 1.\n\n> Database: see section 34.\n\n> distribution frame means an item of customer equipment that enables the interconnections between, and the termination of, cables, to be made.\n\n> distributor has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> expired cabling registration means a cabling registration:\n\n> in relation to which the period of registration has ended;\n\n> that has not been renewed; and\n\n> that was not revoked.\n\n> frame means a rigid structure to which customer cabling may be attached.\n\n> jumper has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> jumperable distributor means a distributor on which it is possible to connect or install a jumper.\n\n> jumperable frame means a frame on which it is possible to connect or install a jumper.\n\n> kind of cabling registration: see section 11.\n\n> Labelling Notice means:\n\n(a) the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2025; or\n\n(b) if a later instrument replaces the instrument mentioned in paragraph (a) - the later instrument.\n\nNote: The Telecommunications ((Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2025 can be accessed, free of charge on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> lift means a moving platform, cage or compartment for conveying people or goods from one level to another.\n\n> Note: A lift includes lifts inside or outside commercial or residential buildings.\n\n> lift cabling registration: see section 7.\n\n> lift car means the cage or compartment of a lift, and includes the floor, car frame, roof, sides and doors.\n\n> main distribution frame has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> network termination device has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> open cabling registration: see section 8.\n\noptical fibre cabling means customer cabling that contains optical fibres that transmit light to carry communications.\n\n> patch panel has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> period of registration: see subsection 13(2).\n\n> personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.\n\n> plug has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> prescribed person has the meaning given by the Statutory Declarations Act 1959.\n\n> registered cabling provider means a cabling provider who holds an active cabling registration.\n\n> registrar means a person accredited by the ACMA under these rules to act as a registrar and to provide registration services.\n\n> registration services: see section 26.\n\n    restricted cabling registration: see section 9.\n    reviewable decision: see section 35.\n    socket has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\nspecialised cabling means any of the following kinds of cabling:\n\n    aerial cabling;\n    broadband cabling;\n    coaxial cabling;\n    optical fibre cabling;\n    structured cabling; or\n    underground cabling.\n\nstructured cabling means a network of customer cabling infrastructure that is installed in a systematic manner that enables scalability and ease of management.\n\nNote: Structured cabling often integrates voice, data, video, and various building management systems (such as safety alarms, security access and energy systems), over a choice of media.\n\n> suspended cabling provider means a cabling provider whose cabling registration has been suspended under these rules.\n\n> underground cabling has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> valid application: see subsection 13(6).\n\n> Wiring Rules means:\n\n1.  the Australian Standard AS/CA S009:2020 – Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling (Wiring Rules) first published by Communications Alliance Ltd on 20 August 2020, as existing from time to time; or\n    any standard published as a replacement of that standard by Communications Alliance Ltd, as existing on the date it is first published.\n\nNote 1: A copy of AS/CA S009:2020 could, at the time of making these rules, be accessed free of charge from Communications Alliance Ltd.’s website at www.commsalliance.com.au.\n\n> Note 2: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    ACMA (section 7);\n    customer cabling (see sections 7 and 20);\n    customer equipment (see sections 7 and 21);\n    inspector (see sections 7 and 533).\n\n#### 7 Meaning of lift cabling registration\n\nIn these rules, lift cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work that:\n\n(a) is performed in relation to a lift that has been installed, or is to be installed; and\n\n(b) requires the customer cabling that is used to perform the work to connect to or provide a connection between:\n\n(i) a cross connection point adjacent to the lift motor room;\n\n(ii) the lift control cubicle within the lift motor room;\n\n(iii) the lift cars; or\n\n(iv) if the lift has no lift cars - the lift platforms.\n\nNote 1: Examples of cross connection points include:\n\n1.  the floor distributor;\n2.  the local distributor; and\n3.  any other suitable cable termination point adjacent to the lift motor room.\n\nNote 2: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.\n\n#### 8 Meaning of open cabling registration\n\nIn these rules, open cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work where the customer cabling that is used to perform the work terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a:\n\n1.  socket;\n2.  network termination device; or\n3.  main distribution frame.\n\nNote: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.\n\n9 Meaning of restricted cabling registration\n\n1.  Subject to subsection (2), in these rules, restricted cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work where:\n    1.  the customer cabling that is used to perform the work terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a socket or network termination device; and\n    2.  the electrical supply voltage in the premises where the cabling work is performed:\n        1.  does not exceed typical domestic single-phase or three-phase electrical supply voltages; or\n        2.  does exceed typical domestic single-phase or three-phase electrical supply voltages, but the supply voltages are identifiable by, and the electrical power cables are inaccessible to, every person performing the cabling work.\n\n> Note 1: Typical domestic single-phase and three-phase electrical supply voltages are specified by AS IEC 60038:2022.\n\nNote 2: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.\n\n    A restricted cabling registration does not authorise a person to perform or supervise the performance of cabling work that:\n\n    (a) uses customer cabling that terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a main distribution frame;\n    (b) is between customer equipment and a jumperable distributor or jumperable frame, and which terminates at the distributor or frame;\n    (c) involves cable pairs that are included in cable sheaths shared with other services;\n    (d) is between customer equipment and a patch panel, and which terminates at the patch panel; or\n    (e) involves the installation of customer cabling on poles and structures that are used, or intended for use, for the distribution of electricity.\n    Note: A registered cabling provider who holds a restricted cabling registration typically performs or supervises cabling work in domestic or small business premises. Examples of such cabling work include cabling work (other than cabling work which uses cabling connected via a jumperable distributor, a jumperable frame or a patch panel):\n\n-   connected behind an alarm panel or modem;\n-   connected directly behind a customer switching system;\n-   for additional phone points (other than the first point) for standard telephone services in a commercial, high rise or multi-storey building;\n-   for a home automation system.\n\n  10 References to other instruments\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\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    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as existing from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: 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\n> Note 2: See section 589 of the Act.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"#### 6 Definitions\n\n  In these rules:\n\n> Act means the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\n> active cabling registration means a cabling registration that has not expired, is not suspended, and has not been revoked.\n\n    additional units of competency: see section 22 and clause 5 of Schedule 1.\n    aerial cabling has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> AS IEC 60038:2022 means:\n\n> the Australian Standard AS IEC 60038:2022 Standard voltages published by Standards Australia on 23 December 2022, as existing from time to time; or\n\n> a standard published by Standards Australia as a replacement of that standard, as existing on the date it is first published.\n\n> Note: A copy of AS IEC 60038:2022 can be obtained for a fee from the Standards Australia Store website at https://store.standards.org.au or may be viewed at an office of the ACMA on request and subject to licensing conditions.\n\n> boundary of a telecommunications network has the meaning given by section 22 of the Act.\n\nbroadband cabling means point-to-point customer cabling installed in premises that do not have a main distribution frame or jumperable distributor at the boundary of the telecommunications network.\n\nNote: Typically, broadband cabling is used to connect devices to a telecommunications network for a range of purposes including telephony, internet, and security and alarm systems.\n\n> cabling provider means an individual who performs or supervises the performance of cabling work.\n\n> cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration issued or renewed under Division 4 or 5 of Part 3.\n\n> cabling work means cabling work of a kind that is declared by the ACMA under subsection 419(1) of the Act to be a type of cabling work for the purposes of Division 9 of Part 21 of the Act.\n\n> Note: The current declaration under subsection 419(1) of the Act is the Telecommunications (Types of Cabling Work) Declaration 2024, which is available, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> certified copy, for a document, means a copy of the document that has been certified by a prescribed person to be a true copy of the document.\n\ncoaxial cabling means customer cabling that consists of an inner conductor surrounded by a conducting shield, with the two separated by insulating material.\n\n> competency requirements: see section 12 and Schedule 1.\n\n> Database: see section 34.\n\n> distribution frame means an item of customer equipment that enables the interconnections between, and the termination of, cables, to be made.\n\n> distributor has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> expired cabling registration means a cabling registration:\n\n> in relation to which the period of registration has ended;\n\n> that has not been renewed; and\n\n> that was not revoked.\n\n> frame means a rigid structure to which customer cabling may be attached.\n\n> jumper has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> jumperable distributor means a distributor on which it is possible to connect or install a jumper.\n\n> jumperable frame means a frame on which it is possible to connect or install a jumper.\n\n> kind of cabling registration: see section 11.\n\n> Labelling Notice means:\n\n(a) the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2025; or\n\n(b) if a later instrument replaces the instrument mentioned in paragraph (a) - the later instrument.\n\nNote: The Telecommunications ((Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2025 can be accessed, free of charge on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n> lift means a moving platform, cage or compartment for conveying people or goods from one level to another.\n\n> Note: A lift includes lifts inside or outside commercial or residential buildings.\n\n> lift cabling registration: see section 7.\n\n> lift car means the cage or compartment of a lift, and includes the floor, car frame, roof, sides and doors.\n\n> main distribution frame has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> network termination device has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> open cabling registration: see section 8.\n\noptical fibre cabling means customer cabling that contains optical fibres that transmit light to carry communications.\n\n> patch panel has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> period of registration: see subsection 13(2).\n\n> personal information has the same meaning as in the Privacy Act 1988.\n\n> plug has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> prescribed person has the meaning given by the Statutory Declarations Act 1959.\n\n> registered cabling provider means a cabling provider who holds an active cabling registration.\n\n> registrar means a person accredited by the ACMA under these rules to act as a registrar and to provide registration services.\n\n> registration services: see section 26.\n\n    restricted cabling registration: see section 9.\n    reviewable decision: see section 35.\n    socket has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\nspecialised cabling means any of the following kinds of cabling:\n\n    aerial cabling;\n    broadband cabling;\n    coaxial cabling;\n    optical fibre cabling;\n    structured cabling; or\n    underground cabling.\n\nstructured cabling means a network of customer cabling infrastructure that is installed in a systematic manner that enables scalability and ease of management.\n\nNote: Structured cabling often integrates voice, data, video, and various building management systems (such as safety alarms, security access and energy systems), over a choice of media.\n\n> suspended cabling provider means a cabling provider whose cabling registration has been suspended under these rules.\n\n> underground cabling has the same meaning as in the Wiring Rules.\n\n> valid application: see subsection 13(6).\n\n> Wiring Rules means:\n\n1.  the Australian Standard AS/CA S009:2020 – Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling (Wiring Rules) first published by Communications Alliance Ltd on 20 August 2020, as existing from time to time; or\n    any standard published as a replacement of that standard by Communications Alliance Ltd, as existing on the date it is first published.\n\nNote 1: A copy of AS/CA S009:2020 could, at the time of making these rules, be accessed free of charge from Communications Alliance Ltd.’s website at www.commsalliance.com.au.\n\n> Note 2: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    ACMA (section 7);\n    customer cabling (see sections 7 and 20);\n    customer equipment (see sections 7 and 21);\n    inspector (see sections 7 and 533).","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of lift cabling registration","content":"#### 7 Meaning of lift cabling registration\n\nIn these rules, lift cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work that:\n\n(a) is performed in relation to a lift that has been installed, or is to be installed; and\n\n(b) requires the customer cabling that is used to perform the work to connect to or provide a connection between:\n\n(i) a cross connection point adjacent to the lift motor room;\n\n(ii) the lift control cubicle within the lift motor room;\n\n(iii) the lift cars; or\n\n(iv) if the lift has no lift cars - the lift platforms.\n\nNote 1: Examples of cross connection points include:\n\n1.  the floor distributor;\n2.  the local distributor; and\n3.  any other suitable cable termination point adjacent to the lift motor room.\n\nNote 2: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of open cabling registration","content":"#### 8 Meaning of open cabling registration\n\nIn these rules, open cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work where the customer cabling that is used to perform the work terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a:\n\n1.  socket;\n2.  network termination device; or\n3.  main distribution frame.\n\nNote: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.\n\n9 Meaning of restricted cabling registration\n\n1.  Subject to subsection (2), in these rules, restricted cabling registration means a kind of cabling registration that authorises a person to perform, or supervise the performance of, cabling work where:\n    1.  the customer cabling that is used to perform the work terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a socket or network termination device; and\n    2.  the electrical supply voltage in the premises where the cabling work is performed:\n        1.  does not exceed typical domestic single-phase or three-phase electrical supply voltages; or\n        2.  does exceed typical domestic single-phase or three-phase electrical supply voltages, but the supply voltages are identifiable by, and the electrical power cables are inaccessible to, every person performing the cabling work.\n\n> Note 1: Typical domestic single-phase and three-phase electrical supply voltages are specified by AS IEC 60038:2022.\n\nNote 2: See section 22 for requirements for cabling work that involves the use of specialised cabling.\n\n    A restricted cabling registration does not authorise a person to perform or supervise the performance of cabling work that:\n\n    (a) uses customer cabling that terminates at, or connects to, the boundary of the telecommunications network on a main distribution frame;\n    (b) is between customer equipment and a jumperable distributor or jumperable frame, and which terminates at the distributor or frame;\n    (c) involves cable pairs that are included in cable sheaths shared with other services;\n    (d) is between customer equipment and a patch panel, and which terminates at the patch panel; or\n    (e) involves the installation of customer cabling on poles and structures that are used, or intended for use, for the distribution of electricity.\n    Note: A registered cabling provider who holds a restricted cabling registration typically performs or supervises cabling work in domestic or small business premises. Examples of such cabling work include cabling work (other than cabling work which uses cabling connected via a jumperable distributor, a jumperable frame or a patch panel):\n\n-   connected behind an alarm panel or modem;\n-   connected directly behind a customer switching system;\n-   for additional phone points (other than the first point) for standard telephone services in a commercial, high rise or multi-storey building;\n-   for a home automation system.\n\n  10 References to other instruments\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\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    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as existing from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: 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\n> Note 2: See section 589 of the Act.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Kinds of cabling registration","content":"#### 11 Kinds of cabling registration\n\n    Each of the following is a kind of cabling registration:\n\n    lift cabling registration;\n    open cabling registration; and\n    restricted cabling registration.\n\nDivision 2 Requirements for registration","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Requirements for registration","content":"#### 12 Requirements for registration\n\n    A person may only be issued a kind of cabling registration if the person:\n\n    is an individual; and\n    at the time of applying for registration or renewal of registration:\n\n    is not a suspended cabling provider; and\n    has met the competency requirements applicable to the kind of cabling registration applied for, which are:\n\n    for a lift cabling registration – specified in clause 2 of Schedule 1;\n    for an open cabling registration - specified in clause 3 of Schedule 1; and\n    for a restricted cabling registration – specified in clause 4 of Schedule 1.\n\n    For subparagraph (1)(b)(ii), a person:\n\n    may use an expired cabling registration as evidence of having met the competency requirements, if the person applies for registration or renewal of registration within 10 years of the date on which the expired cabling registration expired; and\n    cannot use a registration that has been revoked under these rules or rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act, as evidence of having met the competency requirements.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"Division 3 Application for registration","sectionType":"section","heading":"Division 3 Application for registration","content":"# Part 3 Registration\n\nDivision 1 Kinds of cabling registration\n\n#### 11 Kinds of cabling registration\n\n    Each of the following is a kind of cabling registration:\n\n    lift cabling registration;\n    open cabling registration; and\n    restricted cabling registration.\n\nDivision 2 Requirements for registration\n\n#### 12 Requirements for registration\n\n    A person may only be issued a kind of cabling registration if the person:\n\n    is an individual; and\n    at the time of applying for registration or renewal of registration:\n\n    is not a suspended cabling provider; and\n    has met the competency requirements applicable to the kind of cabling registration applied for, which are:\n\n    for a lift cabling registration – specified in clause 2 of Schedule 1;\n    for an open cabling registration - specified in clause 3 of Schedule 1; and\n    for a restricted cabling registration – specified in clause 4 of Schedule 1.\n\n    For subparagraph (1)(b)(ii), a person:\n\n    may use an expired cabling registration as evidence of having met the competency requirements, if the person applies for registration or renewal of registration within 10 years of the date on which the expired cabling registration expired; and\n    cannot use a registration that has been revoked under these rules or rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act, as evidence of having met the competency requirements.\n\n#### Division 3 Application for registration\n\n#### 13 Application for registration\n\n  A person (the applicant) may apply to a registrar for a kind of cabling registration.\n  A person may apply for a kind of cabling registration for a period of one year or for a period of three years (period of registration).\n  An application must contain:\n\n  the information specified in subsection (4); and\n  the documents specified in subsection (5).\n\n  For the purposes of paragraph (3)(a), the information required is:\n\n  the applicant’s name and contact details, including an email address and phone number;\n  the kind of cabling registration, and period of registration, the applicant is applying for;\n  details of the applicant’s completion of the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for; and\n  a statement specifying whether the applicant has previously been registered under these rules, or rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act, and, if they have been so registered, also specifies:\n\n    the kind of registration; and\n    whether the registration is still in place, has expired, is suspended or was revoked.\n\n  For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), the documents required are:\n\n  certified copies of qualifications obtained by the applicant that meet the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n  a document evidencing that the applicant has completed the work experience that meets the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n  a copy of the results of the cabling regulations test relevant to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for; and\n  a declaration made and signed by the applicant that states that:\n\n  the applicant is aware of the requirements of these rules that relate to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n  the applicant has met all the competency requirements relevant to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n    all other documents attached to the application are original documents or true copies of the original documents; and\n    the information in the application form is true and correct.\n\n  An application that meets the requirements of this section is a valid application.\n\n#### Division 4 Decisions about registration applications\n\n  14 Decisions about registration applications -- registrar\n\n  This section applies if a person makes an application to a registrar under section 13 for a kind of cabling registration.\n  The registrar must not issue the person with a cabling registration unless the registrar is satisfied that:\n\n  the application is a valid application;\n  the person meets the requirements for registration specified in section 12 that apply to the kind of cabling registration that the person is applying for; and\n  the person has not had a previous cabling registration revoked under these rules, or under rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act.\n\n  If the registrar is satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (2), the registrar must:\n\n  in writing, issue to the person the kind of cabling registration that the person applied for, for the period of registration applied for;\n  give the person proof of registration; and\n  update the Database.\n\n  Note 1: Proof of registration may be in the form of a registration card or a certificate.\n  Note 2: For paragraph (3)(c), see section 34.\n\n  If the registrar is not satisfied that:\n\n  the application is a valid application; or\n  the person meets the requirements of section 12 that apply to the kind of registration the person is applying for,\n\n  the registrar must provide such assistance as is reasonably necessary to assist the person to make a valid application or to meet the relevant registration requirements in section 12.\n  Note: Assistance for the purposes of subsection (4) will typically be providing information about the qualifications the person must obtain to satisfy the competency requirements for the relevant kind of cabling registration.\n\n  If the person has had a previous cabling registration revoked, the registrar must refer the application to the ACMA.\n  The registrar may refer a registration application to the ACMA if the registrar considers that the applicant does not meet the registration requirements.\n\n15 Decisions about registration applications – referral to ACMA\n\n  This section applies if a registrar (the relevant registrar) refers an application for a cabling registration made by a person to the ACMA under subsections 14(5) or (6).\n  If the ACMA is satisfied that:\n\n  the person will, if issued with a cabling registration, be able to comply with these rules, the Wiring Rules and the Act;\n  the application is a valid application; and\n  the person meets the requirements in section 12,\n\n  the ACMA must, in writing, notify the person and the relevant registrar that the person is issued with the kind of cabling registration, for the period of registration, specified in the notice.\n\n  If the relevant registrar is notified under subsection (2), the registrar must:\n\n  give the person proof of registration; and\n  update the Database.\n\n  Note: For paragraph (3)(b), see section 34.\n\n  If the ACMA is not satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (2), the ACMA may, by notice in writing given to the person, refuse to issue the person with a cabling registration.\n\n  Note: A decision under subsection (4) is a reviewable decision: see Part 6.\n\n  The ACMA must notify the relevant registrar, in writing, of a decision made under subsection (4).\n\nDivision 5 Renewal of registration\n\n16 Renewal of registration\n\n    A:\n\n    registered cabling provider; or\n    person with an expired cabling registration (unregistered cabling provider),\n\nmay apply to a registrar for renewal of the kind of cabling registration that the registered cabling provider currently holds, or the unregistered cabling provider previously held.\n\n    An application for renewal made by a registered cabling provider must include proof that the provider’s cabling registration is an active cabling registration.\n    An application made by an unregistered cabling provider must include proof that the provider’s expired cabling registration expired less than 10 years before the date of the application.\n    The registrar may only renew a registered cabling provider’s active cabling registration by issuing the provider with the same kind of cabling registration as the active cabling registration.\n    The registrar may only renew an unregistered cabling provider’s expired cabling registration by issuing the provider with the same kind of cabling registration as the expired cabling registration.\n\nNote: A person who wants to apply for a different kind of cabling registration to the one they currently hold or previously held may do so under section 13.\n\nDivision 6 Suspension or revocation of registration\n\n17 Suspension or revocation of registration\n\n    The ACMA may suspend for a specified period that does not exceed the period of registration, or revoke, a cabling provider’s cabling registration, if it is satisfied that:\n\n    the provider has breached these rules, the Wiring Rules or the Act; or\n    the provider’s cabling registration was incorrectly issued.\n\nNote: A decision to suspend or revoke a registration is subject to review: see Part 6.\n\n    If the ACMA decides to suspend or revoke a cabling provider’s cabling registration, the ACMA must, in writing, notify the:\n\n    cabling provider; and\n    registrar who issued the cabling provider the registration,\n\nas soon as possible after the decision is made.\n\n    A registrar who receives a notice under paragraph (2)(b) must update the Database and the cabling provider’s proof of registration to indicate that the registration has been suspended or revoked, as soon as practicable after receiving the notice.\n\nDivision 7 - Requirements that apply to registered cabling providers\n\n18 Requirement to update registrar\n\n    A registered cabling provider must inform the registrar who issued the provider their cabling registration of any changes to their contact information that is held by the registrar, within 21 days after the change occurs.\n    In this section, contact information includes the cabling provider’s name, address, email address and phone number.\n\n19 Requirement to assist ACMA or inspectors\n\nA registered cabling provider must give all reasonable cooperation and assistance to the ACMA or an inspector.\n\nDivision 8 – Registrar ceases to be a registrar\n\n20 Registrar ceases to be a registrar – consequences for registered cabling providers\n\n(1) This section applies if, for any reason, a registrar ceases to be a registrar.\n\n(2) A registered cabling provider who was issued registration by the registrar before the registrar ceased to be a registrar, is taken to remain registered until the date on which the provider’s registration expires (unless the registration is earlier revoked).\n\nNote: A registered cabling provider who is affected by this section may renew their cabling registration with another registrar.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application for registration","content":"#### 13 Application for registration\n\n  A person (the applicant) may apply to a registrar for a kind of cabling registration.\n  A person may apply for a kind of cabling registration for a period of one year or for a period of three years (period of registration).\n  An application must contain:\n\n  the information specified in subsection (4); and\n  the documents specified in subsection (5).\n\n  For the purposes of paragraph (3)(a), the information required is:\n\n  the applicant’s name and contact details, including an email address and phone number;\n  the kind of cabling registration, and period of registration, the applicant is applying for;\n  details of the applicant’s completion of the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for; and\n  a statement specifying whether the applicant has previously been registered under these rules, or rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act, and, if they have been so registered, also specifies:\n\n    the kind of registration; and\n    whether the registration is still in place, has expired, is suspended or was revoked.\n\n  For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), the documents required are:\n\n  certified copies of qualifications obtained by the applicant that meet the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n  a document evidencing that the applicant has completed the work experience that meets the competency requirements for the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n  a copy of the results of the cabling regulations test relevant to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for; and\n  a declaration made and signed by the applicant that states that:\n\n  the applicant is aware of the requirements of these rules that relate to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n  the applicant has met all the competency requirements relevant to the kind of cabling registration that the applicant is applying for;\n    all other documents attached to the application are original documents or true copies of the original documents; and\n    the information in the application form is true and correct.\n\n  An application that meets the requirements of this section is a valid application.","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Division 4 Decisions about registration ","sectionType":"section","heading":"Division 4 Decisions about registration applications","content":"#### Division 4 Decisions about registration applications\n\n  14 Decisions about registration applications -- registrar\n\n  This section applies if a person makes an application to a registrar under section 13 for a kind of cabling registration.\n  The registrar must not issue the person with a cabling registration unless the registrar is satisfied that:\n\n  the application is a valid application;\n  the person meets the requirements for registration specified in section 12 that apply to the kind of cabling registration that the person is applying for; and\n  the person has not had a previous cabling registration revoked under these rules, or under rules previously in place under subsection 421(1) of the Act.\n\n  If the registrar is satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (2), the registrar must:\n\n  in writing, issue to the person the kind of cabling registration that the person applied for, for the period of registration applied for;\n  give the person proof of registration; and\n  update the Database.\n\n  Note 1: Proof of registration may be in the form of a registration card or a certificate.\n  Note 2: For paragraph (3)(c), see section 34.\n\n  If the registrar is not satisfied that:\n\n  the application is a valid application; or\n  the person meets the requirements of section 12 that apply to the kind of registration the person is applying for,\n\n  the registrar must provide such assistance as is reasonably necessary to assist the person to make a valid application or to meet the relevant registration requirements in section 12.\n  Note: Assistance for the purposes of subsection (4) will typically be providing information about the qualifications the person must obtain to satisfy the competency requirements for the relevant kind of cabling registration.\n\n  If the person has had a previous cabling registration revoked, the registrar must refer the application to the ACMA.\n  The registrar may refer a registration application to the ACMA if the registrar considers that the applicant does not meet the registration requirements.\n\n15 Decisions about registration applications – referral to ACMA\n\n  This section applies if a registrar (the relevant registrar) refers an application for a cabling registration made by a person to the ACMA under subsections 14(5) or (6).\n  If the ACMA is satisfied that:\n\n  the person will, if issued with a cabling registration, be able to comply with these rules, the Wiring Rules and the Act;\n  the application is a valid application; and\n  the person meets the requirements in section 12,\n\n  the ACMA must, in writing, notify the person and the relevant registrar that the person is issued with the kind of cabling registration, for the period of registration, specified in the notice.\n\n  If the relevant registrar is notified under subsection (2), the registrar must:\n\n  give the person proof of registration; and\n  update the Database.\n\n  Note: For paragraph (3)(b), see section 34.\n\n  If the ACMA is not satisfied of the matters specified in subsection (2), the ACMA may, by notice in writing given to the person, refuse to issue the person with a cabling registration.\n\n  Note: A decision under subsection (4) is a reviewable decision: see Part 6.\n\n  The ACMA must notify the relevant registrar, in writing, of a decision made under subsection (4).\n\nDivision 5 Renewal of registration\n\n16 Renewal of registration\n\n    A:\n\n    registered cabling provider; or\n    person with an expired cabling registration (unregistered cabling provider),\n\nmay apply to a registrar for renewal of the kind of cabling registration that the registered cabling provider currently holds, or the unregistered cabling provider previously held.\n\n    An application for renewal made by a registered cabling provider must include proof that the provider’s cabling registration is an active cabling registration.\n    An application made by an unregistered cabling provider must include proof that the provider’s expired cabling registration expired less than 10 years before the date of the application.\n    The registrar may only renew a registered cabling provider’s active cabling registration by issuing the provider with the same kind of cabling registration as the active cabling registration.\n    The registrar may only renew an unregistered cabling provider’s expired cabling registration by issuing the provider with the same kind of cabling registration as the expired cabling registration.\n\nNote: A person who wants to apply for a different kind of cabling registration to the one they currently hold or previously held may do so under section 13.\n\nDivision 6 Suspension or revocation of registration\n\n17 Suspension or revocation of registration\n\n    The ACMA may suspend for a specified period that does not exceed the period of registration, or revoke, a cabling provider’s cabling registration, if it is satisfied that:\n\n    the provider has breached these rules, the Wiring Rules or the Act; or\n    the provider’s cabling registration was incorrectly issued.\n\nNote: A decision to suspend or revoke a registration is subject to review: see Part 6.\n\n    If the ACMA decides to suspend or revoke a cabling provider’s cabling registration, the ACMA must, in writing, notify the:\n\n    cabling provider; and\n    registrar who issued the cabling provider the registration,\n\nas soon as possible after the decision is made.\n\n    A registrar who receives a notice under paragraph (2)(b) must update the Database and the cabling provider’s proof of registration to indicate that the registration has been suspended or revoked, as soon as practicable after receiving the notice.\n\nDivision 7 - Requirements that apply to registered cabling providers\n\n18 Requirement to update registrar\n\n    A registered cabling provider must inform the registrar who issued the provider their cabling registration of any changes to their contact information that is held by the registrar, within 21 days after the change occurs.\n    In this section, contact information includes the cabling provider’s name, address, email address and phone number.\n\n19 Requirement to assist ACMA or inspectors\n\nA registered cabling provider must give all reasonable cooperation and assistance to the ACMA or an inspector.\n\nDivision 8 – Registrar ceases to be a registrar\n\n20 Registrar ceases to be a registrar – consequences for registered cabling providers\n\n(1) This section applies if, for any reason, a registrar ceases to be a registrar.\n\n(2) A registered cabling provider who was issued registration by the registrar before the registrar ceased to be a registrar, is taken to remain registered until the date on which the provider’s registration expires (unless the registration is earlier revoked).\n\nNote: A registered cabling provider who is affected by this section may renew their cabling registration with another registrar.","sortOrder":14}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears consistent with its original intent to regulate telecommunications cabling providers. It modernises the 2014 rules by updating referenced standards and clarifying registration types, but does not appear to have expanded beyond the core purpose of ensuring competent, registered individuals perform cabling work."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple defined terms (approximately 40+ definitions in section 6 alone)","Three distinct registration types with different competency requirements and scope limitations","Cross-references to external standards (AS IEC 60038:2022, AS/CA S009:2020 Wiring Rules) and other legislation (Telecommunications Act 1997, Privacy Act 1988, Statutory Declarations Act 1959)","Nested conditional logic in section 9 (restricted cabling registration) with exceptions to what is authorised","10-year lookback period for expired registrations creating temporal conditions","Dual decision-making pathways (registrar vs ACMA) for applications with revocation history","Incorporation of competency requirements by reference to Schedule 1 (not fully provided in extract)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law creates a national licensing system for people who install telecommunications cabling in Australia, replacing the 2014 rules and grouping work into three registration types (lift, complex commercial, and restricted domestic/small business). It affects cabling installers, registered providers, and ACMA‑accredited registrars, setting competency, registration terms, enforcement powers, record-keeping and renewal rules. The aim is to ensure qualified installers, protect network integrity, safety, and consumers."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Rules principally update and replace the previous 2014 cabling provider rules rather than expand their underlying purpose. They retain the same regulatory architecture: individual registration for persons who perform or supervise cabling work, competency‑based eligibility, registrar intake with ACMA oversight, renewal, suspension and revocation. The notable adjustments are technical and organisational (explicitly naming three registration kinds and cross‑referencing more recent technical standards and instruments, and formalising referral/assistance duties). Those changes refine scope and implementation but do not appear to grow the rules significantly beyond their original regulatory purpose of controlling who may legally perform declared cabling work."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive interpretation/definitions section with ~50 defined or cross‑referenced terms (section 6)","Multiple registration kinds with differentiated scopes and exclusions (sections 7–9, 11)","Dependence on external technical instruments (Wiring Rules, AS IEC 60038:2022, Labelling Notice) and Schedule 1 for competency units","Conditional decision flow split between registrars and ACMA with referral and review mechanisms (sections 14–15, 17)","Nested exclusions in restricted registration (section 9) and conditional use of expired registrations as evidence (section 12)","Cross‑references to other Parts and sections not included here (Schedule 1, Part 6 review procedures, Database at section 34)","Repeated and interleaved provisions across the instrument (duplication in the provided text)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does, in plain terms**\n\n- Replaces the previous cabling provider rules (the 2014 Rules) with a new set of rules called the Telecommunications (Cabling Provider) Rules 2025 and takes effect on 31 March 2025 (section 4 and commencement).  It is made under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (section 3).\n\n- Establishes three types (kinds) of individual cabling registration that authorise people to do or supervise different sorts of customer cabling work: **lift cabling registration**, **open cabling registration**, and **restricted cabling registration** (sections 11, 7–9).\n\n- Sets the basic eligibility, competency, documentation and application process for individuals who want registration, and the documentary evidence required (qualifications, work experience, test results and a signed declaration) (sections 12–13).\n\n- Allocates decision-making between accredited registrars and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA): registrars issue registrations if satisfied; some applications can be referred to the ACMA and the ACMA can issue, refuse, suspend or revoke registrations (sections 14–17).\n\n- Allows applicants to choose a one‑year or three‑year registration period; allows renewal (including renewal of registrations that expired within 10 years) subject to proof and the registrar’s limits (section 13(2), section 16).\n\n- Imposes ongoing obligations on registered cabling providers to keep their contact information up to date, to cooperate with the ACMA and inspectors, and to have their registration status correctly recorded in the Database (sections 18–19, 20; references to Database at section 34).\n\n**Who is affected**\n\n- Individual cabling providers (workers or supervisors of cabling work) — only natural persons may hold a registration (section 12(1)). Employers or companies cannot directly hold the cabling registration; the individual performing/supervising must be registered.\n\n- Registrars accredited under these rules who receive and assess applications (various sections in Part 3, particularly sections 13–15 and 20).\n\n- The ACMA, which retains review, referral and enforcement powers (sections 15 and 17).\n\n- Consumers, building managers and businesses who hire cabling providers — they will deal with separately‑registered individuals whose registration type determines the work they may lawfully perform.\n\n**How it works mechanically**\n\n- Definitions: The rules set detailed definitions and rely on external technical standards (the Wiring Rules, AS IEC 60038:2022 and other instruments) for technical terms and voltage thresholds that influence eligibility (section 6 and multiple cross-references).\n\n- Registration types: each registration type authorises different termination points and working contexts. For example, a restricted registration is limited to work that terminates on a socket or network termination device and is explicitly excluded from work that terminates on main distribution frames, jumperable distributors/frames, patch panels or shared cable sheaths (section 9). Lift and open registrations have their own defined scopes (sections 7–8).\n\n- Competency and evidence: applicants must demonstrate specified qualifications, relevant work experience, and test results, and supply certified copies of documents plus a declaration (section 13(5)). The specific competency units required for each registration type are set in Schedule 1 (section 12 and Schedule 1 references).\n\n- Decision flow: registrars must not issue a registration unless the application is valid and the person meets requirements; registrars must help applicants to meet requirements where practicable; if the registrar is not satisfied or the applicant had a prior revocation, the matter may be referred to ACMA who can make the final decision (sections 14–15).\n\n- Enforcement: ACMA can suspend or revoke registrations for breaches of these rules, the Wiring Rules, or the Act, or if registration was incorrectly issued (section 17). Suspension/revocation is notified to the registrar who must update the Database and the proof of registration.\n\n**Why it matters (practical incentives, costs and trade‑offs)**\n\n- Who pays: individual applicants bear the direct costs of meeting competency requirements (training, testing, documentation) and of applying. Registrars and ACMA bear administrative costs of processing, recording and enforcement. Consumers face indirect effects (availability of qualified workers, possible price effects).\n\n- Who decides: registrars make most initial decisions (sections 14–15) but the ACMA can step in for referrals and can suspend or revoke registrations (section 17). That structure concentrates enforcement discretion with ACMA while outsourcing intake to registrars.\n\n- Behaviour changes: individuals must obtain and maintain the correct type of registration before performing or supervising declared cabling work; they must update contact details and assist ACMA/inspectors (sections 18–19). Some work is expressly excluded from lower‑level registrations, pushing more complex or risky tasks to higher‑qualified registrants.\n\n- Costs vs benefits and trade‑offs: the rules aim to codify competency and safety standards by linking registration to specific qualifications (section 12 and Schedule 1) and to technical standards (Wiring Rules). This can improve safety and interoperability but raises compliance costs for workers and administrative burdens for registrars/ACMA. Restricting registrations to individuals (not businesses) concentrates compliance cost on workers and may affect how firms organise labour and supervision.\n\n**Implementation risks and gaps to watch**\n\n- Reliance on external instruments (Wiring Rules, AS IEC 60038:2022, Schedule 1 units, Database procedures in section 34) means practical effect depends on those documents and their interpretation.\n\n- Several procedural parts are cross‑referenced but not reproduced here (e.g. Part 6 review processes, Schedule 1 competency details). Those details will matter for appeals, exact competency units and Database operation.\n\n- The registrar/ACMA referral mechanism gives registrars a duty to assist but also creates potential inconsistency between registrars and ACMA decisions (sections 14–15). The rules require notification and Database updates to reduce information frictions (sections 14(3), 15(3), 17(2)–(3))."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/telecommunications-cabling-provider-rules-2025","history":"/api/acts/telecommunications-cabling-provider-rules-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/telecommunications-cabling-provider-rules-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/telecommunications-cabling-provider-rules-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/telecommunications-cabling-provider-rules-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/telecommunications-cabling-provider-rules-2025/documents"}}