The new PhonePayPlus Code of Practice comes into effect on 1st September 2011. Are you ready?
PhonepayPlus (previously known as ICSTIS) regulates phone-paid services in the UK. These are the premium rate goods and services that can be bought by charging the cost to a phone bill or pre-pay account.
These services are regulated using the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice, which sets out the rules with which all providers of phone-paid services must comply. To operate premium rate phone services in the UK PhonepayPlus requires:
- Clear and accurate pricing information
- Honest advertising and service content
- Appropriate and targeted promotions
From 1 September 2011, PhonepayPlus’ new (12th edition) Code of Practice and mandatory, industry-wide Registration Scheme will come into effect
Why is there a new code of practice?
The new Code follows wide consultation with industry and other stakeholders and PhonepayPlus says it has designed the new code to take advantage of digital technology, including social networking and smartphone apps.
The new Code of Practice focuses on pricing transparency, good customer service, and protecting consumers’ privacy.
For the first time, PhonepayPlus will directly regulate every part of the Premium Rate Services (PRS) value-chain, ensuring that all providers share responsibility for delivering good consumer outcomes, while allowing the regulator to better target that minority of providers who cause consumer harm, says PhonepayPlus.
Key Milestones & Information resources
The current (11th edition) Code of Practice is in effect until 31 August 2011.
From 1 September 2011, anyone operating a Premium Rate Service will need to comply with the new (12th edition) Code of Practice, which is also supported by new Guidance that replaces the current Help Notes.
The new Code and Guidance are also available in an interactive version – this allows you to choose the service type(s) that you would like to set up/run and provides you with a comprehensive list of advice based on the service type(s) that you choose.
Register. The new Code of Practice will be accompanied by a new Registration Scheme. From 1 September 2011, ALL companies involved in providing premium rate services to consumers will be required to register (or re-register if they had previously registered for a SPN under the 11th edition of the Code) with PhonepayPlus and to pay a registration fee (although there are a few exemptions from these requirements). Click here to get registered now.
Prior permission. Find out whether you need to get permission to run your service. This is necessary where you or your customers face additional risks associated with your service; a service or game that involves gambling is a good example. NB there’s a charge from PhonepayPlus for getting written permission to set up these services. Click here for more detailed information on setting up premium rate services.
To find out more about setting up Premium Rate Services through Core Telecom, please contact our Commercial Team on 0844 504 0000.
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