{"id":"F2025L00397","name":"Telecommunications (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for Connection to a Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S041) Technical Standard 2025","slug":"telecommunications-requirements-for-dsl-customer-equipment-for-connection-to-a-switched-telephone-ne","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":106214,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2025L00397-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Telecommunications (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for Connection to a Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S041) Technical Standard 2025","content":"![Commonwealth of Australia coat of arms](image.001.png)\n\nTelecommunications (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for Connection to a Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S041) Technical Standard 2025\n\nThe Australian Communications and Media Authority makes the following technical standard under subsection 376(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\nDated: 20 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\nPart 1 – Preliminary\n\n1 Name\n\n(1) This technical standard is the Telecommunications (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for Connection to a Switched Telephone Network – AS/CA S041) Technical Standard 2025.\n\n(2) This technical standard may also be cited as AS/CA S041-2025.\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis technical standard commences on 30 March 2025.\n\n> Note: This technical standard is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation which may be accessed free of charge at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n3 Authority\n\nThis technical standard is made under subsection 376(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\n4 Repeal of the Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/ACIF S041) 2015\n\nThe Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/ACIF S041) 2015 \\[F2015L00187\\] is repealed.\n\n5 Objects\n\nThe objects of this technical standard are to specify requirements that are necessary or convenient for:\n\n(a) protecting the integrity of a telecommunications network or a facility;\n\n(b) protecting the health or safety of persons who:\n\n(i) operate;\n\n(ii) work on;\n\n(iii) use services supplied by means of; or\n\n(iv) are otherwise reasonably likely to be affected by the operation of;\n\na telecommunications network or a facility;\n\n(c) ensuring that customer equipment can be used to give access to an emergency call service; and\n\n(d) ensuring, for the purposes of the supply of a standard telephone service, the interoperability of customer equipment with a telecommunications network to which the equipment is, or is proposed to be, connected.\n\nPart 2 – Interpretation\n\n6 Definitions\n\nIn this technical standard:\n\n> ACMA transition period, in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard, has the meaning given by section 9.\n\n> Act means the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\n> ADSL item means an item of customer equipment that is an ADSL filter, or part of an ADSL filter, that is used, or is to be used, for connection to an ADSL service that shares the metallic local loop with an analogue switched telephone network two-wire service.\n\n> Note: “ADSL” stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.\n\namendment instrument, in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard, means an instrument published by Communications Alliance Ltd that amends that standard.\n\nanalogue switched telephone network two-wire service means an analogue service that is delivered over a switched telephone network by means of a circuit based on two metal wires.\n\n> applicable AS/CA Standard, in relation to an item, has the meaning given by section 8.\n\nAS/CA S041.1 means the Australian Standard AS/CA S041.1:2015 – Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for connection to the PSTN – Part 1: General published by Communications Alliance on 25 February 2015.\n\nNote: AS/CA S041.1 can be accessed free of charge on Communications Alliance Ltd’s website at www.commsalliance.com.au.\n\nAS/CA S041.2 means the Australian Standard AS/CA S041.2:2015 – Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – Part 2: Modems for use in connection with all DSL services published by Communications Alliance on 25 February 2015.\n\nNote: AS/CA S041.2 can be accessed free of charge on Communications Alliance Ltd’s website at www.commsalliance.com.au.\n\nAS/CA S041.3 means the Australian Standard AS/CA S041.3:2015 – Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – Part 3: Filters for use in connection with all xDSL services published by Communications Alliance on 25 February 2015.\n\nNote: AS/CA S041.3 can be accessed free of charge on Communications Alliance Ltd’s website at www.commsalliance.com.au.\n\nAS/CA transition period has the meaning given by section 10.\n\ndate a modified item is made has the meaning given by section 12.\n\n> DSL item means an item of customer equipment that is a DSL modem, or part of a DSL modem, that is used, or is to be used, for connection to a DSL service that shares the metallic local loop with an analogue switched telephone network two-wire service.\n\n> Note: “DSL” stands for Digital Subscriber Line and describes all types of DSL including ADSL.\n\nincluded in a class of items has the meaning given by section 11.\n\nitem means a thing that is customer equipment to which this technical standard applies, as provided by section 13, and includes a modified item.\n\nmetallic local loop means a metallic twisted pair communications wire in a carrier’s telecommunications network which provides connectivity between a customer’s premises and equipment in the telecommunications network.\n\nmodified item means an item that has been modified, by or on behalf of the manufacturer or importer of the item, after the item was manufactured or imported and, for the avoidance of doubt, is the item as modified.\n\n    original item has the meaning given by subsection 11(1).\n    original modified item has the meaning given by subsection 11(2).\n    replacement standard, in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard, means a standard published by Communications Alliance Ltd that replaces the applicable AS/CA standard.\n    switched telephone network means a telecommunications network which enables a customer to establish a connection for voice frequency communication with another customer, either automatically or with operator assistance.\n\n> Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument have the same meaning as in the Act, including:\n\n> Note: carrier (see section 7);\n\n> Note: customer equipment (see sections 7 and 21);\n\n> Note: emergency call service (see section 7);\n\n> Note: facility (see section 7 and subsection 374(2));\n\n> Note: import (see section 7);\n\n> Note: manufacturer or importer of customer equipment or customer cabling (see section 406A);\n\n> Note: standard telephone service (see section 7);\n\n> Note: telecommunications network (see section 7 and subsection 374(1)).\n\n7 References to other legislative instruments\n\n  In this technical standard, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time.\n\n> Note: 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. All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The Federal Register of Legislation may be accessed free of charge at www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n8 Applicable AS/CA Standard\n\nIn this technical standard, each of the following is an applicable AS/CA Standard in relation to an item:\n\n1.  in all cases – AS/CA S041.1;\n2.  if the item is a DSL item – AS/CA S041.2;\n3.  if the item is an ADSL item – AS/CA S041.3.\n\nNote: If, for example, an item is a DSL item, AS/CA S041.1 and AS/CA S041.2 are applicable AS/CA Standards in relation to the item.\n\n9 ACMA transition period\n\nIn this technical standard, if an applicable AS/CA Standard is amended or replaced, there is an ACMA transition period in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard, being:\n\n(a) in a case where there is an AS/CA transition period for the amendment or replacement of the applicable AS/CA Standard – a period that is the same as the AS/CA transition period; or\n\n(b) in any other case – a period of two years commencing on the day the applicable AS/CA Standard is amended or replaced.\n\n> Note 1: See subsections 15(3) and 16(5) in relation to an ACMA transition period.\n\n> Note 2: If the applicable AS/CA Standard is amended or replaced during an ACMA transition period, there is another ACMA transition period which overlaps with the first-mentioned transition period. See subsections 15(4) and 16(6) in relation to overlapping ACMA transition periods.\n\n10 AS/CA transition period\n\n(1) If:\n\n1.  an amendment instrument or a replacement standard, in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard, determines arrangements to deal with any issues of a transitional nature that may arise as a result of the amendment or replacement of the applicable AS/CA Standard;\n2.  the arrangements are for a specified period commencing on the day the applicable AS/CA Standard is amended or replaced; and\n3.  the arrangements have the effect of allowing a relevant item to comply with:\n\n> (i) the applicable AS/CA Standard as in force immediately before the commencement of the specified period; or\n\n> (ii) the applicable AS/CA Standard, or the replacement standard, as in force at the commencement of the specified period;\n\n> the specified period is an AS/CA transition period for the amendment or replacement of the applicable AS/CA Standard, for the purposes of section 9.\n\n(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), each of the following is a relevant item:\n\n(a) an item that is manufactured in Australia or imported during the specified period;\n\n(b) a modified item that is made in Australia or imported during the specified period.\n\n11 Class of items\n\n(1) In this technical standard:\n\n> (a) an item (other than a modified item) is included in a class of items if the item:\n\n> (i) is identical to each other item of the class (irrespective of when the items were manufactured or imported); and\n\n> (ii) has the same manufacturer or importer as each other item; and\n\n> (b) the original item, in relation to the class of items, is the item of the class that was the first to be manufactured in Australia or imported.\n\n(2) In this technical standard:\n\n> (a) a modified item is included in a class of items if:\n\n> (i) the modification which resulted in that item is identical to the modification which resulted in each other item of the class (irrespective of when the items were so modified);\n\n> (ii) the modified item is, in all other respects, identical to each other item (irrespective of when the items were manufactured or imported); and\n\n> (iii) the modified item has the same manufacturer or importer as each other item; and\n\n> (b) the original modified item, in relation to the class of items, is the item of the class that was the first to be so modified in Australia.\n\n12 Date a modified item is made\n\nIn this technical standard, a reference to the date a modified item is made is a reference to the date of making of the modification which results in that item.\n\nPart 3 – Application and requirements\n\n13 Application\n\n1.  This technical standard applies to a thing that is customer equipment, or a part of customer equipment, that connects with a DSL service that shares the metallic local loop with an analogue switched telephone network two-wire service.\n\n> Note: Example 1: A DSL modem is an example of customer equipment used or to be used for connection to a DSL service operating over a shared metallic local loop with an analogue switched telephone network two-wire service.\n\n> Note: Example 2: An ADSL filter is an example of customer equipment used or to be used for connection to an ADSL service operating over a shared metallic local loop with an analogue switched telephone network two-wire service.\n\n> Note 1: Customer equipment is not excluded from the application of this technical standard by reason only that it is capable of performing functions that are additional to the functions of connecting to a DSL service that shares the metallic local loop with an analogue switched telephone network two-wire service.\n\nNote 2: In this technical standard, a reference to a telecommunications network is a reference to a telecommunications network in Australia that is operated by a carrier or carriage service provider (see section 7 and subsection 374(1) of the Act).\n\n1.  However, this technical standard does not apply to a thing that is customer equipment, or a part of customer equipment that is used, or is to be used:\n    1.  for connection only to an analogue switched telephone network two-wire service; or\n    2.  to operate in an all-digital mode.\n\n14 Requirements\n\n(1) An item (other than a modified item) must meet the requirements of subsection 15(1), (2), (3) or (4) in relation to each applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n(2) A modified item must meet the requirements of subsection 16(1), (2), (3), (5) or (6) in relation to each applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n15 Standard for items (other than modified items)\n\n1.  If an item complies with an applicable AS/CA Standard as in force on the date the item is manufactured in Australia or imported, the item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n2.  If an item:\n\n1.  is included in a class of items; and\n2.  complies with an applicable AS/CA Standard as in force on the date the original item of the class was manufactured in Australia;\n\nthe first-mentioned item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n1.  If:\n\n1.  there is an ACMA transition period in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard;\n2.  an item is manufactured in Australia or imported during the transition period; and\n3.  the item complies with:\n\n1.  the applicable AS/CA Standard as in force immediately before the commencement of the transition period; or\n\n1.  the applicable AS/CA Standard, or a replacement standard, as in force at the commencement of the transition period;\n\nthe item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n1.  If:\n\n1.  an ACMA transition period overlaps with another ACMA transition period in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard;\n2.  an item is manufactured in Australia or imported during the period of overlap; and\n3.  the item complies with:\n\n1.  the applicable AS/CA Standard as in force immediately before the commencement of the earliest of those transition periods; or\n2.  the applicable AS/CA Standard, or a replacement standard, as in force at the commencement of any one of those transition periods;\n\nthe item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n16 Standard for modified items\n\n1.  If a modified item complies with an applicable AS/CA Standard as in force on the date the modified item is made in Australia, the modified item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n2.  If a modified item:\n\n1.  is included in a class of items; and\n2.  complies with an applicable AS/CA Standard as in force on the date the original modified item of the class was made in Australia;\n\nthe first-mentioned item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n(3) If:\n\n(a) a modified item would have been included in a class of items but for the making of the modification which resulted in that item; and\n\n(b) the modification is not material and, in particular, the modified item complies with the applicable AS/CA Standard as in force on the date the original item of the class was made in Australia or imported;\n\nthe first-mentioned item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the modification is material if the modification would or could reasonably be expected to affect whether the modified item complies with the AS/CA Standard as in force on the date the original item of the class was made in Australia or imported.\n\n(5) If:\n\n1.  there is an ACMA transition period in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard;\n2.  a modified item is made in Australia during the transition period; and\n3.  the modified item complies with:\n\n1.  the applicable AS/CA Standard as in force immediately before the commencement of the transition period; or\n2.  the applicable AS/CA Standard, or a replacement standard, as in force at the commencement of the transition period;\n\nthe modified item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\n(6) If:\n\n1.  an ACMA transition period overlaps with another ACMA transition period in relation to an applicable AS/CA Standard;\n2.  a modified item is made in Australia during the period of overlap; and\n3.  the modified item complies with:\n\n1.  the applicable AS/CA Standard as in force immediately before the commencement of the earliest of those transition periods; or\n2.  the applicable AS/CA Standard, or a replacement standard, as in force at the commencement of any one of those transition periods;\n\nthe modified item meets the requirements of this subsection in relation to the applicable AS/CA Standard.\n\nPart 4 – Savings and transitional arrangements\n\n17 Items manufactured, imported or modified before commencement\n\n(1) If an item (other than a modified item):\n\n    was manufactured in Australia or imported before the commencement of this technical standard; and\n    complies with the Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/ACIF S041) 2015 as in force immediately before the commencement of this technical standard;\n\nthe item is taken to comply with this technical standard.\n\n(2) If a modified item:\n\n1.  was made in Australia before the commencement of this technical standard; and\n2.  complies with the Telecommunications Technical Standard (Requirements for DSL Customer Equipment for connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network – AS/ACIF S041) 2015 as in force immediately before the commencement of this technical standard;\n\nthe modified item is taken to comply with this technical standard.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument repeals the 2015 technical standard and re‑issues requirements but retains the same focused scope: customer equipment used to connect DSL services that share the metallic local loop with analogue two‑wire switched telephone services (see s4 and s13). Transitional and savings clauses preserve continuing compliance for items manufactured, imported or modified before commencement (see s17). The text does not introduce broader exclusions or materially widen the set of covered equipment."},"complexity_factors":["Dependence on external technical standards published by Communications Alliance (AS/CA S041.1, .2, .3) and on later amendment or replacement instruments (see s6 definitions and s8).","Two layered transition regimes: an ACMA transition period and an AS/CA transition period with rules for overlaps and differing durations (see ss9–10 and notes to ss15(3) and 16(5)).","Separate, detailed compliance pathways and proof points for ordinary items, items in a class, modified items and original items (see ss11, 15–16).","Precise timing triggers that depend on dates of manufacture, import or modification, creating administrative tracking obligations for suppliers (see ss12, 15(1), 16(1), 17).","Narrow technical scope and exclusions that require careful product classification (applies only to customer equipment for DSL sharing a metallic local loop with analogue two‑wire services; excludes pure analogue‑only or all‑digital equipment) (see s13).","Repeal and replacement mechanics that preserve pre‑commencement compliance for earlier‑manufactured/imported items and modified items (see s4 and s17).","Cross‑references to defined terms and the Telecommunications Act 1997, requiring legal interpretation in context (see s6 and note references to the Act)."],"plain_english_summary":"This standard replaces the 2015 instrument and sets mandatory technical rules for DSL customer equipment that shares the metallic local loop with analogue two‑wire telephone services. It requires manufacturers, importers and modifiers to meet specified AS/CA standards (AS/CA S041.1–.3), preserves transitional arrangements and is aimed at protecting network integrity, safety, emergency‑call access and interoperability."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a straightforward reissue and update of the 2015 technical standard. It maintains the same scope (DSL customer equipment connecting to switched telephone networks) and the same fundamental structure of incorporating external industry standards by reference. The changes appear to be administrative (updating authority references from ACIF to Communications Alliance, updating the ACMA's governance structure) rather than an expansion of regulatory scope."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested conditional pathways for compliance depending on whether items are manufactured, imported, or modified (Part 3)","Parallel but slightly different compliance pathways for 'items' versus 'modified items' (sections 15 and 16)","Complex transition period mechanics with potential for overlapping periods (sections 9, 15(3)-(4), 16(5)-(6))","14 defined terms in section 6, several with their own definitional sections (sections 8-12)","Cross-references to three separate external industry standards (AS/CA S041.1, S041.2, S041.3) that are not reproduced in the instrument","Class-based compliance rules requiring tracking of 'original items' and 'original modified items' across manufacturing batches (section 11)","Materiality test for modifications with a negative definition ('not material' defined by what it doesn't affect) (section 16(3)-(4))"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets mandatory safety and technical rules for DSL modems and ADSL filters that share copper phone lines, applying to manufacturers, importers and anyone who modifies the equipment in Australia. Devices must meet Communications Alliance standards (AS/CA S041.1, .2, .3) so they won’t harm the phone network, endanger users or block emergency calls.\n\nEquipment made or imported before 30 March 2025 under the 2015 rules is grandfathered; standard updates carry a two‑year compliance grace period."},"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"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/telecommunications-requirements-for-dsl-customer-equipment-for-connection-to-a-switched-telephone-ne","history":"/api/acts/telecommunications-requirements-for-dsl-customer-equipment-for-connection-to-a-switched-telephone-ne/history","analysis":"/api/acts/telecommunications-requirements-for-dsl-customer-equipment-for-connection-to-a-switched-telephone-ne/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/telecommunications-requirements-for-dsl-customer-equipment-for-connection-to-a-switched-telephone-ne/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/telecommunications-requirements-for-dsl-customer-equipment-for-connection-to-a-switched-telephone-ne/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/telecommunications-requirements-for-dsl-customer-equipment-for-connection-to-a-switched-telephone-ne/documents"}}