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Telecommunications (Fees and Charges) Regulation

Commencement: 1 July 1983

TELECOMMUNICATIONS (FEES AND CHARGES) REGULATION

Order 19 of 1983
Order 65 of 1983
Order 11 of 1985
Order 14 of 1988

To prescribe fees and charges for certain telecommunications services.

1. Prescribed fees and charges

In respect of the several matters contained in Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, there shall be paid to the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu the several sums for the fees and charges specified in those Schedules.

SCHEDULE 1

TELEPHONE FEES AND CHARGES

PART A

SERVICE CONNECTION FEES

Vatu

1. For each exchange line, external extension, tie line or private line (leased circuit) installed in premises within a radial distance from the exchange of 2 km −

(a) where a connection and the associated installation already exist and

are taken over from the previous subscriber and without alteration

or removal of telephone apparatus. ................................................... 2,200

(b) where a connection and the associated installation including the

external wiring already exist but the telephone apparatus has to be

installed or removed to another position. ........................................... 4,000

(c) In all other cases to premises situated within 30 metres of existing

cable distribution. ........................................................................... 14,000

2. For each exchange line, external extension or private line (leased circuit) installed in premises beyond a radial distance from the exchange of 2 km where there has been no previous connection the fee prescribed in paragraph (1)(c) plus VT 1,000 for each 100 metres or part thereof of the route distance measured from the perimeter of the said standard to the said premises.

3. For a private radio circuit between any two points within the country, terminal
to terminal. ................................................................................................... 14,000

4. For private line (leased circuit) between two or more exchange areas the fee shall be the cumulative amount due from each exchange area plus the radio fee.

5. For telex lines to all locations within the country not exceeding 2 km from
a telephone exchange ................................................................................... 14,000

6. (a) For parallel extension instrument. ......... ......................................... 2,200

(b) For plug and socket comprising I bell 1 plug and 2 sockets. .......... 2,400

(c) For each extra socket. .................................................................... 2,000

(d) For each plan set instrument including the main or other instrument

with intercommunication. ................................................................... 3,600

7. For each private manual branch exchange or house exchange system including power supply and distribution box with −

(a) up to 6 extensions. .......................................................................... 5,500

(b) up to 12 extensions. ........................................................................ 8,200

(c) up to 25 extensions. ........................................................................ 11,000

(d) up to 50 extensions. ........................................................................ 13,800

(e) more than 50 extensions, by special negotiation.

8. For each private automatic branch exchange including power supply and distribution box or frame with −

(a) up to 10 m extensions. .................................................................... 8,200

(b) up to 25 extensions. ....................................................................... 13,800

(c) 26 to 60 extensions. ....................................................................... 22,000

9. (a) For each temporary exchange line connection where service can
be provided by means of an existing line or where not more than
100 metres of line and no new poles are required. .................................. 3,850

(b) For each temporary radio leased circuit. ......................................... 2,000

(c) For a temporary leased circuit between two or more exchange areas the fee shall be the cumulative amount due from each exchange area plus radio charges.

10. For VHF subscriber radio telephone. .......................................................... 14,000

PART B

ANNUAL RENTALS Vatu

1. For each exchange line connection including a standard telephone
instrument, where fitted. .................................................................................... 12,000

2. For each internal extension or parallel extension without
intercommunication. ......................................................................................... 3,600

3. For each socket connection. ....................................................................... 1,200

4. For each plan set extension or house exchange system extension or other
extension with intercommunication facilities and for each extension other
than a parallel extension, connected to a private manual branch exchange. ......... 6,000

5. For each private automatic branch exchange extension other than a
parallel extension. ....................................................................................... 8,400

6. For each external extension, the charge prescribed for the extension instrument plus a line rental of −

(a) for the first 100 metres of line or part thereof within a standard area 1,000

(b) for each additional 500 metres or part thereof within a standard area. 2,000

(c) in all other cases, for each 100 metres or part thereof of the route

distance measured from the perimeter of the said standard area to

the said premises .................................................................................. 1,000

7. For each private line leased for private telephone, data or other telecommunication purposes where both premises are within the same exchange area and not connected to the public telephone system −

(a) Up to 2,000 metres of local wiring or up to 2,000 metres of each main cable pair as measured from an exchange distribution frame. .................................. 36,000

(b) For each additional 500 metres or part thereof. .................................... 10,000

(c) For a private telegraph or data circuit up to 50 Baud between 2 or more exchange areas the rental shall be the amount due from each exchange area plus radio circuit charges as follows –

Santo VT30,000

Malekula VT24,000

Tanna VT12,000

Erromango VT 6,000

(d) For telex line to all locations. .................................................................. 36,000

(e) For a private voice or data circuit over 50 Baud between 2 or more exchange areas the rental for the radio portion of the circuit shall be a terminal charge for every terminal of VT36,000 and a further radial distance charge for every kilometre measured between terminals at VT1,000 per kilometre.

8. Private manual branch exchanges (hereinafter referred to as PMBXs) −

(a) for Government owned PMBXs the hiring and maintenance charges shall be included in the rental prescribed herein for extensions;

(b) for subscribers owned PMBXS, maintenance charges for PMBXs with capacity for −

(i) up to 6 extensions. .................................................... 6,000

(ii) 7 to 12 extensions . ....................................................... 12,000

(iii) 13 to 25 extensions. ....................................................... 24,000

(iv) 26 to 60 extensions. ........................................................ 60,000

(v) more than 60 extensions, by special negotiation:

Provided that additional charges based on installed cost shall be payable for any spare parts or apparatus required for repairs or replacements.

9. Private automatic branch exchanges (hereinafter referred to as PA-BXs

(a) for Government owned PABXs the hiring and maintenance charges shall be included in the rental prescribed herein for extensions;

(b) for subscriber owned PABXS, maintenance charges for PABXs with capacity for −

(i) up to 10 extensions. .......................................................... 18,000

(ii) 11 to 25 extensions. .......................................................... 48,000

(iii) 26 to 60 extensions. .................................................... 120,000

(iv) more than 60 extensions, by special negotiation:

Provided that additional charges based on installed cost shall be payable for any spare parts or apparatus required for repairs or replacements.

10. For subscriber owned extension instruments connected to a PMBX or PABX, maintenance charges for −

(a) each 4 wire telephone or telephone with recall button. ..................... 3,000

(b) each standard telephone instrument. .............................................. 2,400

11. Subscriber owned plan sets, house exchange or inter-communications systems,

maintenance charge for each instrument, including associated power supply. 3,600

12. For a telephone instrument fitted with a key pad in lieu of a circular dial the
rental prescribed herein for a standard exchange line or extension instrument
as the case may be plus an additional annual charge of ....................... 2,000

13. For VHF subscriber radio connected to a telephone exchange. .................... 15,000

14. For solar panel for VHF installation. ..................................................... 5,000
    
15. VBF Subscribers are required to provide their own power source of approved design.
    

16. Temporary service under paragraph 9 of Part A −

(a) for a temporary exchange line for a period not exceeding 4 weeks: . 2,400 Provided that a temporary connection required or retained for a period exceeding 4 weeks shall be deemed to be a standard connection for which the standard connection fees and annual rental charges shall be payable;

(b) a temporary leased radio circuit will be charged for the actual period used as a proportion of the annual charge, with a minimum of 2 days;

(c) for a temporary leased circuit between 2 exchange areas the rental shall be the cumulative amount due from each exchange area plus radio charges.

PART C Vatu

TRANSFER FEES AND MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES

1. Transferring an exchange line, VHF telephone, external extension, tie line or
private line to another building, which must have existing cable distribution,
including the cost of shifting the telephone instrument or main instrument
if any. ............................................................................................... 4,200

2. Transferring any telephone instrument, extension bell or socket connection
from one room to another within the same building. .................................... 2,400

3. Transferring any telephone instrument, extension bell or socket connection
from one place to another within the same room. ............................................ 1,000

4. For testing or fitting subscriber's telephone instrument of approved design and
recovering Government owned telephone instrument. ................................ 1,000

5. Change of telephone number at subscribers request. ................................. 1,500

6. For a temporary disconnection and restoration of a disconnected
exchange line. .............................................................................................. 1,500

7. (a) For each additional entry after the first in the Telephone Directory,
per line, per issue. ........................................................................... 1,000

(b) For each entry in the Telephone Directory in bold type, per issue: .... 1,000

Provided that each subscriber shall be provided with one standard entry consisting of one line in the Directory for each exchange line rented.

(c) Subscribers who do not wish to have their numbers published

in the Telephone Directory shall pay an ex-directory (silent number)

charge, per issue of. .............................................................................. 2,500

PART D

CALL CHARGES

1. (a) Local calls between subscribers connected to the same
automatic exchange. ....................................................................... 12

(b) Calls between subscribers in Port Vila and subscribers in Luganville

per 24 seconds. ............................................................................... 12

(c) Calls from radio subscribers: the above fees multiplied by 2.

2. Calls connected by an operator to and from ship and teleradio stations including VHF teleradio stations -

(a) for the first 3 minutes or part thereof. .............................................. 120

(b) for each additional minute or part thereof . ....................................... 40

3. For a telephone subscriber outside the urban areas of Port Vila and Luganville municipalities, or users of his telephone service, the maximum fee chargeable shall be -

(a) where calls are made to another subscriber connected to the same exchange

(i) for the first 3 minutes or part thereof. ........................................ 120

(ii) for each additional minute or part thereof. ................................. 40

(b) where calls are made to a subscriber connected to another exchange within Vanuatu−

(i) for the first 3 minutes or part thereof. ....................................... 300

(ii) for each additional minute or part thereof: ............................... 100

Provided that where incoming calls are made and intended for receipt by another person via the subscribers telephone service no fees or charges shall be made against the subscriber in respect thereof.

3. Internal trunk calls connected by an operator –
   
   • (a) for the first 3 minutes or part thereof. .............................................. 120
     

(b) for each additional minute or part thereof. ....................................... 40

5. International calls-such charges as shall be authorised by the Minister from time to time in accordance with any agreement entered into by or on behalf of the Vanuatu Government.

6. Advice of duration and call charge-for advice of the charge of an operator
connected call, in addition to any other charges payable for the call. ............. 20

7. Personal collect and fixed time calls connected by an operator −

an additional charge equivalent to I minute of the appropriate call charge:

Provided that the personal call fee is payable whether or not the called person is available.

8. Verification of call charges −

(a) for checking call metering equipment. ............................................. 200

(b) for providing daily meter readings at subscribers request (per day). ...... 50

(c) for providing a printed record of metered calls at subscribers request

for a period not exceeding 2 weeks. ...................................................... 500

and in addition, per day: ...................................................................... 50

Provided that the fees prescribed in this paragraph shall be remitted if the records or equipment of the Posts and Telecommunications Department are found to be faulty or in error.

6. For calls from post offices over RSS circuits per minute –
   
   • (a) to Port Vila numbers. .......................................................................... 24
     

(b) to Santo numbers ................................................................................ 48

SCHEDULE 2

RADIO LICENCE FEES

Vatu

(a) Licence for all stations using high frequency (HF) teleradios which operate

into the Posts and Telecommunications network. ........................................ 10,000

(b) Licence for all stations using very high frequency (VH) teleradios
(manual service) which operate into the Posts and Telecommunications network. 5,000

(c) Licence to establish and use stations for radiocommunication using
commercial frequencies, per station. ................................................................. 11,000

(d) Licence to establish a station in a network of Government stations for
radiocommunication using a dedicated assigned frequency. ......................... 3,000

(e) Licence to establish and use a station for radiocommunication on, board a ship using maritime service frequencies −

(i) commercial trading vessels over 25 metres registered length ......... 20,000

under 25 metres registered length .................................................. 10,000

“commercial trading vessel" means any vessel, motorised or otherwise, engaged in transporting merchandise or passengers in the territorial waters of Vanuatu at a charged fare, and includes Government vessels.

(ii) tourist passenger vessel ................................................................ 10,000

(iii) small inter-island water-taxis and small fully locally owned fishing craft 2,000

(iv) private pleasure craft not engaged in any commercial operation

whatsoever ..................................................................................... 5,000

(v) government ship station ............................................................... 3,000

(f) Amateur licence −

(i) full licence unrestricted ................................................................ 1,500

(ii) novice restricted .......................................................................... 1,000

(iii) VBF only restricted ..................................................................... 1,000

(iv) visitors permit (all classes) ............................................................ 500

(v) operators certificate (all classes) .................................................... 500

(g) Citizens band stations (per station). ......................................................... 1,000

(h) Land mobile stations –

(i) land mobile base including control station for repeaters ................... 5,000

(ii) land mobile repeater ................................................................... 5,000

(iii) mobile stations (per vehicle) ......................................................... 3,000

(iv) portable and hand held unit (per unit) ............................................. 2,000

(v) all VHF mobile, portable and hand held units using Department

of Posts and Telecommunications repeater ..................................... 8,000

(i) Aeronautical stations (per station). ....................................................... 10,000

(j) Licence for use of coast stations using marine frequencies in −

(i) HF stations ................................................................................... 5,000

(ii) VBF stations ............................................................................. 2,000

(iii) both HF and VHF stations ........................................................... 7,000

(k) Commercial aircraft stations (per station). .............................................. 10,000

(1) Private aircraft stations (per station). ........................................................ 3,000

(m) Telemetry and link stations (per transmitter) ......................................... 3,000

(n) Broadcast stations per frequency in use −

(i) less than 100 watts ...................................................................... 5,000

(ii) more than 100 watts .................................................................... 10,000

(o) Private HF networks using frequencies other than those assigned to Posts and Telecommunications networks −

(i) bases used exclusively to communicate with other stations in

rural areas where automatic telephone services are not available ......... 10,000

(ii) bases used to communicate with other stations located where

automatic telephone services are available .............................................. 25,000

SCHEDULE 3

FEES PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES

Vatu

1. Examinations for 1^st Class and 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate -

technical test (sections a, b and c) ............................................................ 500

morse and telephone operating (sections d and e) ..................................... 500

regulations, etc. (sections f, g and h) ........................................................ 500

2. Examinations for Radiotelegraph Operator's Special Certificate –
   

morse and telephone operating (sections a and e) .................................... 500

practical and technical test (sections b, d and f) ........................................ 500

regulations (section c) ............................................................................. 500

3. Examinations for Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate –
   

technical (section a) .............................................................................. 500

operating and practical (sections b and c) ............................................... 500

regulations (section d) ........................................................................... 500

4. Examinations for restricted Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate –
   

operating and practical (sections a and b) ............................................... 500

regulations (section c) ............................................................................ 500

5. Amateur and Novice Amateur Operator's Certificate –
   

morse operating (section a) .................................................................... 500

technical (section b) .............................................................................. 500

regulations (section c) ............................................................................ 500

SCHEDULE 4

RATES FOR INLAND TELEGRAMS

Vatu

Telegrams - per ordinary word 5

per urgent word 10

Ship and inland telegrams via Radio Malapoa per word 25.5

SCHEDULE 5

HOURLY RATES FOR WORK DONE FOR OUTSIDE PARTIES\

Vatu

Staff Level 6 1,100

5 825

4 550

3 385

2 275

1 155

With a minimum charge of Vatu 500