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PART I²3UHOLPLQDU\
This Act may be cited as the Telecommunications Act, 1996, and Short due and shall
come into operation on such date as the Minister may, by Notice in the Gazette, appoint
Short title and
Commencement
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires ²Authority means the
Telecommunications Authority established by section 3;
Interpretation
"Board" means the Board of the Authority established by section 4;
"Minister" means the Minister responsible for communications;
"network interconnection" means the linking of a telecommunication system or any
telecommunication equipment which can be used to connect WRa telecommunication
network, (except for terminal equipment) to another telecommunication system;
"numbering system" means a system using distinguishing numbers or letters by which
connection between different terminal telecommunication equipment points can be
established through the use of a telecommunication system;
"radio equipment" means telecommunication equipment which is designed or used for
receiving or transmitting messages by means of radio waves;
"service licence" means a licence to provide telecommunication services issued under
section 27;
"service provider" means any person who provides a telecommunication service;
"telecommunication equipment" means any equipment which is used for conveying,
transmitting or receiving, through the agency of electric, magnetic, electro-magnetic,
electro-chemical or electro-mechanical energy, or through the agency of radio waves,
of—
(a) speech, music or other sounds;
(b) visual images;
(c) signals capable of being interpreted as, or capable of being converted to,
sounds, images or other data; and
(d) signals serving for the actuation or control of machinery or apparatus;
"telecommunication service" means a service, delivered by means of a telecommunication
system whereby any person using the service is able to convey, receive or transmit
speech, music, sound, signals or images or anything referred to in paragraphs (a) to (a,
above, and includes any service ancillary thereto, such as (a) the installation, maintenance, adjustment, repair, alteration, removal, relocation
or replacement of telecommunication equipment related to a
telecommunication system; and
(b) any directory information service;
"telecommunication system" means a network of telecommunication equipment which is
used or capable of being used WRprovide a telecommunication service; and for the
purposes of this Act, a communication system shall include a radio communication
system;