Check if you need permission to set up a premium rate service
You need our permission to set up some services, generally where there is a risk of harm to the consumer.
You can read our prior permission FAQs here (updated for 2012).
Services needing our permission
You need our permission if you want to run one of the following services:
Anonymous SMS (PDF 64 KB)
Broadcast premium rate services (PDF 99 KB)
Call TV quiz (PDF 66 KB)
Consumer credit (PDF 110 KB)
Counselling (PDF 57 KB)
International call routing (PDF 57 KB)
Internet dialler software (PDF 57 KB)
Live entertainment (PDF 73 KB)
Multi-party chat (PDF 94 KB)
Pay-per-page (PDF 56 KB)
Professional advice (PDF 60 KB)
Remote gambling (PDF 117 KB)
Services over £1.28 + VAT per minute (PDF 93 KB)
Services over 85p + VAT per minute where total cost exceeds £25.54 (ex VAT) (PDF 117 KB)
Subscriptions over £4.50 in any given seven-day period (PDF 76 KB)
Voice-based, text-charged (PDF 59 KB)
The PDF documents explain the conditions you must meet to get permission for a service.
Services not needing our permission
You don’t need our permission to set up some live services, including:
- customer support services, such as technical support services
- direct enquiry services
- classified advertisement services, which capture data
- alarm services, which alarm companies and/or call the police
- racing tipster services
The live service must not cost more than:
- 85p plus VAT per minute where the total cost of the call can exceed £25.54 plus VAT
- £1.28 plus VAT per minute
Services not needing our permission (PDF 72 KB)
How to apply
Email the PhonepayPlus Compliance Team with:
- a description of the service
- examples of promotional material
- how your service meets the conditions listed in the relevant PDF
Getting permission costs £300 plus VAT for each service.
Email: compliance@phonepayplus.org.uk
Tel: 0845 026 1060*
*Calls provided by BT will be charged at up to 5p per minute. Mobile and other providers' charges may vary and are likely to cost more.