Telepermit Requirements for Telepermits The Telepermit label Cordless phones Frequently asked questions Return to Access Standards main Index Telepermit New Zealand law states that "a person may only connect equipment to a network, or to anything connected to a network, that is owned or operated by an operator who has agreed to the connection" (S.106, Telecommunications Act, 2001). Telecom's agreement to the connection of any device is shown by its Telepermit label. In general, NO label means NO agreement. Telepermits are granted only to designs that meet Telecom's transmission and signalling performance requirements and which can be expected not to interfere with other services or users. In addition all products must meet New Zealand electrical safety requirements Requirements for Telepermits: TELEPERMIT REQUIREMENT LIKELY EFFECTS OF NOT MEETING TELEPERMIT REQUIREMENTS TRANSMISSION phone calls too loud/too quiet, distorted, too much echo, interference from other lines; high error rate on faxes or modems (Internet connections) SIGNALLING/SUPERVISORY incorrect numbers dialled, no response to incoming ringing, cannot answer or initiate calls, incorrect operation with special services such as FaxAbility or Caller Display AVOIDING NUISANCE TO OTHER CUSTOMERS Incorrect calling and answering procedures from automatic equipment can lead to annoyance of other customers ELECTRICAL SAFETY danger of electric shock to user from mains or network, danger of electric shock to network staff, damage to user and/or network equipment Products sold in New Zealand are often specially adapted to meet local requirements. The fact that the same "make and model" is available overseas is NO assurance that the overseas model is identical to the local version. The Telepermit label The following picture is a typical Telepermit Label. The actual size may vary depending upon the product it is affixed to. All Telepermitted product must have one of these labels affixed to it. The Labels are usually found on the back or the bottom of most products. The RAL or RN number on the right hand side of the label gives an indication of the ringing performance. For all phones to ring (and faxes to answer), the total of the RN or RAL numbers of all devices on one line should add up to 5 or less. The RN number replaced the RAL number in 1997 as a more reliable indication. In summary: - The Telepermit Label gives a clear indication that a product may be connected to the Telecom Network - It does not represent an endorsement or warranty of the product by Telecom. It only shows that the product design has been checked and confirmed suitable to be connected to the Telecom Network. - By connecting only "Telepermitted" equipment customers comply with the conditions of their Service Contracts. - Retailers who supply Telepermited equipment protect themselves under the Consumer Guarantees Act - One Off Telepermits: This is not feasible as testing can cost several thousand dollars thus making this only practical for an importer or supplier. Cordless phones For legal operation in New Zealand, the radio frequencies used by cordless telephones must comply with the Radiocommunications (Radio) Regulations. These ensure that the level of interference to other users and services is minimised. In addition, for connection to the Telecom Network, all such devices must bear a Telepermit label. This shows that they have met all the relevant New Zealand radio, safety and network requirements. Few, if any, cordless telephones offered for sale overseas comply with New Zealand Regulations. As such, their use in this country is illegal, they are likely to cause radio and TV interference and, if so, they may be seized by Radio Inspectors. Mainly for this reason, Telecom strongly advises its customers against purchasing cordless telephones overseas or having friends send them to NZ as gifts. Cordless telephones are available at very competitive prices in this country. By purchasing one here, the customer has the reassurance that it meets local regulations. The customer also has the protection of the Consumer Guarantees Act, should it suffer any service problems. Frequently asked questions Q.1 "I'm coming from overseas and want to bring a "xx" with me" - are there any rules?; Answer: Yes. Products sold on overseas markets do NOT have Telepermits and may not suit either the Telecom network or New Zealand regulations. At least some problems are likely, but local suppliers probably don't have the necessary spare parts or product information to service or modify the product. We recommend you sell the item in its home country, where it has some commercial value. Q.2 "I've arrived from overseas and have a "xx" with me - what do I have to do to connect it". Answer: Overseas products should NOT be connect to our lines. To do so is in breach of your contract with us. If you do decide to connect overseas products and trouble results, not only will we be unable to repair them, but we will charge you a service fee to cover any work we do in finding that your non-Telepermitted equipment caused the fault. If harm to our network or services is caused by your equipment, we have the right to charge you for any remedial action we take. Overseas standards and products may differ from our own in many respects. Testing and modification costs far outweigh the local costs of replacing the item with a local equivalent. Q.3 "I'm going overseas and want to buy a "xx" - are there any catches?" Answer: Yes. We strongly advise you NOT to buy telecommunications products overseas. There are safety, regulatory and operational requirements in New Zealand that may not be met by overseas products. There is usually not much saving and, above all, you will not have protection under New Zealand law for any unsuitable or faulty products you buy overseas. Cordless telephones are a special case where non-compliance with local regulations can result in seizure! Q.4 "The retailer told me I don't need a Telepermit. Is this true?" Answer: Almost all products intended for connection to our network need a telepermit. The only exceptions for residential customers are accessories such as double adaptors and cord caddies, which do not form part of the wiring and do not take any active part in the service. All types of telephones, fax machines, modems, answering machines and fax switches are required to have Telepermit labels unless they were already connected to the Telecom network in 1988. Q.5 "Can I take Telepermitted equipment overseas?" Answer: The answer is usually no. Most countries run an approval system similar to the Telepermit system but of course their requirements are tailored around their own particular networks which are often quite different from the New Zealand network. Return to Access Standards main index