• This Part establishes a universal service regime.
• The main object of the universal service regime is to ensure that all people in Australia, wherever they reside or carry on business, should have reasonable access, on an equitable basis, to:
(a) standard telephone services; and
(b) payphones.
• The universal service regime is to be phased out and replaced by alternative contractual arrangements.
• The Secretary is responsible for entering into contracts, and making grants, to support the provision of public interest telecommunications services.
• Public interest telecommunication services include:
(a) standard telephone services; and
(b) payphones; and
(c) emergency call services; and
(d) the National Relay Service.
• The Secretary will monitor the performance of contractors and grant recipients.
• The ACMA will assess and collect the levy imposed on carriers by the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Act 2012 .
• The proceeds of the levy will be used to:
(a) pay contractors and grant recipients; and
(b) pay eligible administrative costs.