[Linux-aus] Changes to the Telecommunications (Types of Cabling Work) Declarations

[Ian Wienand]

I was wondering if the linux-aus community had any sort of opinion on
the proposals to the AMCA around changes to the Telecommunications
(Types of Cabling Work) Declarations [1]?

To summarise, and please correct me if I'm wrong; to do any sort of
domestic permanent cabling work (through walls, etc) that will connect
to an external network -- even through a ADSL, cable or NBN modem --
requires a AMCA "restricted" license [2]; something quite non-trivial
to get.  It basically means you can not DIY an internet-connected
wired-network within your house without the services of a licensed
contractor.

Now that every blu-ray, TV, media streamer and HDMI cable has
ethernet, plugging these in and connecting them to the internet falls
under the regulations.  This means hi-fi installers now technically
need to be registered cablers.  The proposal at [1] discusses this
issue and suggests that media equipment be made exempt.

Again, as I understand it, it's perfectly legal to run as much speaker
wire, twisted pair copper, fibre, string-with-tin-cans or anything
else not related to mains power through your walls however you want.
The problem comes when you plug that into the public network -- via
the modem even -- it all becomes covered.

With NBN rolling out 1GB speeds, there is real reason for people to be
wiring up their homes with internal LANs.  There is much discussion of
this elsewhere [3].  My personal feeling is that the rules are
overreaching somewhat, but I could certainly be swayed by evidence
that DIY data cable installations have a poor safety record.

The ACMA has a call for submissions on changes to the exemptions until
Friday, 24th May [1].

-i

[1] http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/_assets/main/lib550093/ifc16_213-review_tcomms_cabling_work_declaration.pdf
[2] http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2022429
[3] http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1637663