LAW7322 - Communications law and regulation

Leader(s): Mr David Lindsay

Offered

City (Melbourne) Trimester 2 2009 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to legal and policy issues relating to the regulation of electronic communications in Australia. The unit deals with three separate areas of regulation: regulation of broadcasting services; regulation of telecommunications networks and services; and regulation of the radio frequency spectrum. A general understanding of each of these areas, and their inter-relationship, is necessary for anyone providing advice to communications enterprises in Australia, including telecommunications carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), broadcasters, Pay TV operators and content providers.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students should have:

1. An understanding of the objectives of broadcasting, telecommunications and radio communications law and regulation;

2. A detailed understanding of the legislation governing electronic communications in Australia, including the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth), Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth), Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) (Parts XIB and XIC), and Radio communications Act 1992 (Cth);

3. A detailed understanding of the institutional framework for regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and the radio frequency spectrum in Australia;

4. A good understanding of the challenges posed by technological change for regulatory policies and frameworks;

5. An ability to place Australian regulatory and policy developments within the context of international and comparative developments;

6. Proficiency in analysing communications law issues and advising communications enterprises in relation to the legal and policy issues that apply to the regulation of electronic communications in Australia.

Assessment

Research paper (3750 words): 50%

Take-home exam (3000 words): 40%

Class participation: 10%

Contact hours

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)