May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
13 March 2012
PhonepayPlus today issued a Compliance Update for providers of premium rate services which provide the contact numbers of, or reproduce information from, or provide a direct connection at a higher rate to, a public information service or commercial enterprise.
08 March 2012
Following consultation with industry and approval from Ofcom, PhonepayPlus has confirmed its budget for 2012/13. We expect the total cost of PRS regulation in 2012/13, covering PhonepayPlus’ core activity and the Registration Scheme, to be approximately £4,087,000.
The proposed PhonepayPlus budget for levy-funded activity in 2012/13 is £3,742,183. In cash terms, the budget is 1.5% lower than the current year. Following significant budget reductions this financial year, the budget for 2012/13 means that PhonepayPlus will have reduced its like-for-like costs by nearly 20% in real terms over two years.
With the budget now confirmed, PhonepayPlus today announces the adjusted levy for 2012/13 together with a new Registration Scheme fee structure for the coming financial year.
The revised levy and registration fee will apply from 1 April 2012.
February 2012
16 February 2012
Two firms who misled consumers by allowing their competitions to be promoted on websites with very similar web addresses to popular sites have been fined £100,000 each by PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS).
07 February 2012
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator for premium rate telephone services, has launched an Emergency procedure investigation under paragraph 4.5 of its Code of Practice (12th Edition), following over 250 complaints from members of the public about ‘Adult WAP pay-per-view’ services which operate on various mobile text shortcodes, including 89911 and 69001.
January 2012
23 January 2012
A national competition that challenges young people to use their mobiles for good in their community saw a 330% increase on entries in 2011 – this massive increase questioning the more negative stories about young people and mobile phones.
December 2011
27 December 2011
2012 is set to see a boom in charitable giving and volunteering using mobile phones, with young people leading innovation in giving, predicts PhonepayPlus, the watchdog that oversees charity text donation in the UK.
22 December 2011
PhonepayPlus investigated the operation of services by SMS Digital Future in 2008-09 and three cases went to Tribunal for adjudication on 28 August 2008 and 30 April 2009.
02 December 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate services (PRS), today issued a public consultation on its Business Plan & Budget for the financial year 2012/13.
November 2011
02 November 2011
PhonepayPlus, the body that regulates premium rate services (PRS) in the UK, is working with the City of London Police and IFPI, which represents the recording industry worldwide, to proactively prevent online copyright infringement.
October 2011
24 October 2011
PhonepayPlus’ new industry-wide Registration Scheme now has more than 3,000 premium rate telephone services (PRS) providers signed up.
19 October 2011
Statement from PhonepayPlus about the chain email about an alleged postal scam which is being circulated on the internet.
10 October 2011
PhonepayPlus will celebrate 25 years as the regulator of premium rate services (PRS) in the UK, with an afternoon Forum and evening reception on 22 November 2011.
06 October 2011
Ofcom, the lead communications regulator, has extended the deadline for its review of premium rate services (PRS) by one week, following stakeholder feedback.
06 October 2011
PhonepayPlus, UK the premium rate services (PRS) regulator, today announced that Patrick Guthrie has been appointed Director of Strategy & Communications, following a comprehensive recruitment process. Patrick replaces Bradley Brady and has responsibility for the regulatory development, research and market intelligence, and communications functions at PhonepayPlus.
September 2011
26 September 2011
PhonepayPlus today published
a public consultation
on its proposed Guidance for app-based mobile payments.
01 September 2011
A new Registration Scheme for premium rate telephone services (PRS) providers has revealed a diverse market and industry, attractive to international business and ranging from charities to cutting-edge creative companies.
August 2011
23 August 2011
PhonepayPlus has today published a Notice to Industry, setting out changes to its prior permission regime in line with the new Code of Practice that comes into effect on 1 September.
22 August 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS), today urged all PRS providers to register their organisation as soon as possible with the regulator if they have not already done so.
17 August 2011
Following a recent review of its approach to setting administrative charges, PhonepayPlus has concluded that the method for setting the charges will remain as they are under the current Code of Practice (11th Edition, Amended April 2008). They have however been updated to reflected the latest budget and cost allocation arrangements. These charges will apply to cases opened on, or after, 1 September and will be in line with our
Notice of 1 April 2011
, which set out details as to how cases would be handled during the transition from the 11th to the 12th Edition of the Code of Practice (‘the Code’).
08 August 2011
Complaints about premium rate telephone services (PRS) have declined by 77% over two years, according to recent figures issued by the UK PRS regulator, PhonepayPlus, in its Annual Report.
01 August 2011
PhonepayPlus’ Investigations Team has recently carried out a review of the process used to obtain revenue figures in relation to services under investigation following an increasing number of recent cases being adjourned by Tribunals.
July 2011
29 July 2011
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of April to June 2011.
28 July 2011
The earlybird reduced Registration Scheme fee of £50 + VAT ends on 31 July 2011.
18 July 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate services (PRS), today launched the Number Checker and Due Diligence functionalities on its industry-wide Registration Scheme.
18 July 2011
PhonepayPlus today reissued its Notice to Industry on the launch of the Registration Scheme in support of the 12th Edition of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice.
04 July 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate services, today published the decision of the Independent Appeals Body (IAB) that met on 16 May 2011 to consider an appeal from Transact Group (Holdings) Ltd against the decision of the Oral Tribunal Hearing dated 16 July 2010.
June 2011
30 June 2011
PhonepayPlus, the premium rate services (PRS) regulator, today (30 June) published a joint letter with representatives of the PRS industry calling on the Government to carry out a review of the UK’s micropayments sector.
28 June 2011
Robin Callender Smith has been appointed Chair of the Independent Appeals Body (IAB), with effect from 1 July 2011.
16 June 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator for premium rates services, today published its Strategic Plan for 2011/14.
08 June 2011
PhonepayPlus today reissued its Notice to Industry on the launch of the Registration Scheme in support of the 12th Edition of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice.
May 2011
31 May 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate services (PRS), today launched a facility to allow PRS providers to submit a spreadsheet of 50 or more clients and have them uploaded to its new Registration Scheme.
11 May 2011
Ofcom today published its consultation on amending the PRS Condition, which defines the providers who must comply with directions made by PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS).
09 May 2011
Following a recent adjudication concerning sexual entertainment services that use ‘underage fantasy’ subject matter, this Notice is issued in order to clarify PhonepayPlus’ position pertaining to the provision of such content via premium rate.
April 2011
27 April 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS), today opened its new industry Registration Scheme.
21 April 2011
As Royal Wedding fever hots up, romance is calling for a new generation of romantics who flirt by mobile phone.
20 April 2011
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of January to March 2011. The report details the number and type of complaints PhonepayPlus received, as well as other information relating to the way the regulator interacts with consumers and businesses.
01 April 2011
PhonepayPlus has reviewed the administrative charges invoiced to companies found to be in breach of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice, Eleventh Edition, Amended April 2008 (‘Code'). PhonepayPlus has decided to hold charges at their current levels, pending a review of administrative charges to tie-in with the Twelfth Edition of the Code of Practice, coming into force on 1 September 2011.
March 2011
30 March 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS), today published its new Code of Practice for the PRS industry. The new Code, widely consulted on with industry and other stakeholders, marks a significant departure from previous Codes and is designed for the digital age.
30 March 2011
FOR THE ATTENTION OF ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN PROVIDING PREMIUM RATE SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTION 120 OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT 2003
29 March 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rates telephone services (PRS), today published its annual market report and a statement following consultation on its Business Plan & Budget for 2011/12.
29 March 2011
Consumers spent over 400% more in 2010 on virtual goods bought on their mobiles than in the previous year. The market size for virtual goods purchased using premium rate numbers increased more than fivefold from £1.5 million in 2009 to £8.1 million in 2010.
29 March 2011
Figures published today in a report from PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate services (PRS), reveal that in 2010 the UK PRS market grew slightly, up by 0.8% from £810.1 million in 2009 to £816.2 million in 2010.
17 March 2011
PhonepayPlus, the premium rate services (PRS) regulator, today issued a third update on development of the industry-wide Registration Scheme. We plan to open the Scheme with a ‘pre-registration’ phase, planned for April. The Scheme sits alongside the new PhonepayPlus Code of Practice which will be published on 30 March.
14 March 2011
PhonepayPlus, the UK national regulator for premium rate services, today warned that consumers using search engines (such as Google) to find contact numbers for organisations should check returned results carefully before dialling any numbers.
14 March 2011
PhonepayPlus has responded to Ofcom’s consultation
‘Simplifying Non-Geographic Numbers’
. PhonepayPlus welcomes Ofcom's review, as its own consumer research and industry engagement shows pricing transparency is a major issue for the premium rate services (PRS) market. The difficulty consumers face in being able to accurately determine the charges they will incur for calling 09 numbers and 0871/2/3 numbers from mobile networks and some fixed-line networks is a major barrier to consumer confidence and industry growth in the PRS sector.
11 March 2011
An award-winning education programme is targeting young entrepreneurs in youth clubs and schools nationwide.
PhoneBrain 2011 will encourage potential young business leaders in low-income areas to come up with business models that use mobiles for the benefit of the local community.
11 March 2011
PhonepayPlus, the regulator for premium rate telephone services, today announced that consumer complaints fell by 75% over two years, from 23,624 complaints in 2008 to 6,058 complaints in 2010. However, complaints about premium rate services on mobile phones remain the number one source of consumer complaints to the regulator, accounting for 88% of complaints between 2008 and 2010. PhonepayPlus cautioned that the regulator, industry and consumers still all needed to be vigilant in the fast-moving world of mobile technology. Smartphones, the mobile internet and the rise of micropayments all open up new opportunities for business innovation and consumers but also come with potential pitfalls, particularly for young consumers.
09 March 2011
PhonepayPlus has been reviewing its approach to investigations and the setting of sanctions. We will shortly be issuing new procedures for how investigations and sanctions will be managed under the new Code of Practice.
02 March 2011
Following consultation with industry and approval from Ofcom, PhonepayPlus has confirmed its core budget for 2011/12 will reduce by 13.2% in real terms on a like-for-like basis.
February 2011
10 February 2011
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of October to December 2010.
10 February 2011
As announced on 22 May 2009, the Fund is in the process of being wound up and monies being returned to eligible contributors as at that date.
January 2011
07 January 2011
PhonepayPlus, the premium rate services (PRS) regulator, today issued a second update on development of the industry-wide Registration Scheme that will be launched later in 2011, alongside the new PhonepayPlus Code of Practice.
December 2010
14 December 2010
PhonepayPlus today published a schematic that illustrates how we deal with complaints about services.
08 December 2010
This Notice applies to those operating premium rate services (PRS) on the number ranges beginning 0871/2/3 and 09
03 December 2010
PhonepayPlus today launches its consultation on its draft Business Plan & Budget for the financial year 2011/12.
November 2010
22 November 2010
PhonepayPlus, the regulator of premium rate services (PRS), today published an overview of its consumer research over the last three years, together with five previously unpublished consumer reports.
17 November 2010
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of July to September 2010.
17 November 2010
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, is aware that a chain e-mail about an alleged postal scam is being circulated on the internet. The email refers to the Royal Mail, Trading Standards and ICSTIS (PhonepayPlus' former name).
October 2010
27 October 2010
PhonepayPlus today issued a public consultation on the Guidance for networks and premium rate service (PRS) providers that will support compliance with the regulator’s new Code of Practice when it comes into force in 2011.
07 October 2010
PhonepayPlus today published a memorandum of understanding with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
September 2010
06 September 2010
Following the PRS Scope review, Ofcom has announced that it will be using the Analytical Framework developed as part of the review to evaluate whether premium rate regulation is appropriate for certain services. One of the services under consideration is Payforit.
03 September 2010
PhonepayPlus has today published a consultation on its new Strategic Plan for 2011/14. The document sets out the key elements of the Plan for consultation with stakeholders, before the final Plan is published later in 2010.
August 2010
23 August 2010
PhonepayPlus, the premium rate services regulator, today announced that Joanne Prowse has been appointed Director of Operations following a comprehensive recruitment process. Joanne will begin on 1 September and will have overall responsibility for consumer services and support, investigations and the recently-created Complaint Resolution Team.
23 August 2010
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of April to June 2010.
19 August 2010
PhonepayPlus today issued a supplementary Notice to Industry detailing changes to Prior Permission for Premium Rate Services (PRS) used in television broadcasting.
July 2010
30 July 2010
PhonepayPlus has today issued a statement in response to its Multi-Party Chat (Chatline) consultation, as well as published a Multi-Party Chat (MPC) Prior Permission Notice.
23 July 2010
An Oral Hearing Tribunal considered on 2 and 3 June 2010 a case about unsolicited text messages received by consumers between January and October 2009. The case was originally adjudicated on 29 October 2009.
22 July 2010
Research released today shows that consumers back PhonepayPlus’ proposed new Code of Practice for the regulation of premium rate telephony services (PRS).
20 July 2010
PhonepayPlus today published its Annual Report for 2009/10.
06 July 2010
PhonepayPlus today announced that it is extending the deadline for responses to the consultation on its proposed Code of Practice by one week.
01 July 2010
PhonepayPlus today announced a formal policy and process to deal with complaints about the organisation and its conduct. We have appointed Hilary Bainbridge as the Lay Assessor who will independently review such complaints.
June 2010
03 June 2010
Charitable giving via mobile is becoming an increasingly popular way to donate to good causes.
02 June 2010
PhonepayPlus is currently consulting on its new Code of Practice, which represents a significant development in the regulation of premium rate phone-paid services (PRS). The new Code seeks to extend regulatory responsibility throughout the PRS value chain, introduce a new mandatory industry Registration Scheme and base regulation around a set of outcomes designed to ensure consumers can use phone-paid services safely and with confidence.
01 June 2010
PhonepayPlus has submitted evidence to the call for inputs by Ofcom for its review of non-geographic calls services.
May 2010
28 May 2010
PhonepayPlus, the regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS), today issued an invitation to tender to build a Registration System. This follows a recent consultation in which a majority of respondents agreed that PhonepayPlus should go ahead with the implementation of a Registration Scheme while it consults more broadly on how registration will support its proposed new Code of Practice.
27 May 2010
PhonepayPlus today announced the creation of a new Complaint Resolution team, led by Jodie Isaac, an experienced PhonepayPlus Executive. This new team will work in collaboration with premium rate service providers to tackle minor instances of non-compliance and help increase the overall level of compliance in the industry.
05 May 2010
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, has requested that the premium rate number 09066641142 be switched off, following two complaints from members of the public that live in the West Yorkshire area.
April 2010
29 April 2010
PhonepayPlus today launches a new approach to the regulation of premium rate telephone services (PRS). Today the regulator begins consultation on a new stripped-down and simplified outcomes-based Code with consumers at its heart. Central to the proposed new regime is a Registration Scheme that will shine a light on rogue providers and provide consumers with helpful information on services they may have bought, or are thinking of buying.
22 April 2010
PhonepayPlus today published its quarterly report, covering January to March 2010.
13 April 2010
An interim update and short consultation on PhonepayPlus' proposed Registration Scheme for premium rate service providers.
March 2010
31 March 2010
PhonepayPlus today launched a 10-week consultation on proposals to amend the prior permission regime currently in operation for Multi-Party Chat services.
30 March 2010
PhonepayPlus today confirmed its annual Business Plan and Budget for 2010/11 following its consultation published on 2 December 2009. The regulator also announced its Administrative Charges for 2010/11, which will apply from 1 April 2010. Earlier this month, PhonepayPlus confirmed its budget for 2010/11 will reduce by 3% to £4,221,850, with the resulting industry levy reduced to 0.21%.
30 March 2010
PhonepayPlus has reviewed and updated the administrative charges invoiced to companies found to be in breach of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice, eleventh edition amended April 2008 (‘Code'). The amended administrative charges, detailed below, take effect from 1 April 2010.
10 March 2010
PhonepayPlus’ PhoneBrain schools project scoops top prize in the Education Sponsorship category at last night’s Hollis Sponsorship Awards
05 March 2010
Following consultation with industry and approval from Ofcom, PhonepayPlus has confirmed its budget for 2010/11 will reduce by 3%.
04 March 2010
PhoneBrain – the schools programme set up by industry regulator PhonepayPlus that helps students create a mobile ringtone or business plan in the classroom – is back for its second year, with backing from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
01 March 2010
PhonepayPlus today warned that it will take swift action against the misuse of 076 numbers, especially when they are used to mislead consumers as part of a “missed call” scam.
February 2010
24 February 2010
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of October to December 2009.
09 February 2010
Following publication of this Help Note in December 2009, PhonepayPlus received a number of representations from industry stakeholders seeking clarity on the provisions in the Help Note. We have therefore decided to revise and reissue the Help Note to clarify certain points.
January 2010
26 January 2010
As announced on 22 May 2009, the Fund is in the process of being wound up and monies being returned to eligible contributors as at that date.
December 2009
22 December 2009
PhonepayPlus has launched an emergency procedure investigation under paragraph 8.6.1 of its Code, following in-house monitoring of a virtual chat service called ‘Sms Chat With Just Legal Babes’.
17 December 2009
PhonepayPlus has launched an emergency procedure investigation following complaints from members of the public and users of the website Gumtree.com about a £10 reverse-billed text message that was sent to them.
10 December 2009
PhonepayPlus today published a further guidance on virtual chat services in the form of a new Help Note. The Help Note is designed to provide Service Providers and Information Providers with a greater degree of clarity with regard to the interpretation of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (11th Edition, amended 28 April 2008). It gives specific information on: wording and promotion; cost reminders; and the use of mobile long numbers.
04 December 2009
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, has appointed Howard Webber and Hugh Griffiths to its Board to add to both its consumer and industry expertise. The two new members will join effective of 1 January 2010.
02 December 2009
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, has released its 2010/11 business plan and budget for consultation. The plan outlines new initiatives to create a more robust, targeted and efficient regulatory regime for premium rate services (PRS) whilst, at the same time, reducing its costs by 3.0% - a real-term decrease of 8.7% over two years.
November 2009
23 November 2009
PhonepayPlus has launched an emergency procedure investigation under paragraph 8.6.1 of its Code of Practice, following complaints from members of the public about a Virtual Chat Service called ‘Local Sex Buddies’.
19 November 2009
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of July to September 2009.
17 November 2009
PhonepayPlus announces 62% decrease in complaints, on the same day that the EU publishes an update on the success of its 2008 Europe-wide clampdown on misleading websites.
October 2009
28 October 2009
PhonepayPlus today welcomed the publication of Ofcom’s statement on the regulation of premium rate services (PRS).
23 October 2009
PhonepayPlus has launched an emergency procedure investigation following complaints from members of the public about a Virtual Chat Service called ‘Adult Sex Exchange’.
22 October 2009
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, is aware that a chain e-mail about an alleged postal scam is being circulated on the internet. The email refers to the Royal Mail, Trading Standards and ICSTIS (PhonepayPlus' former name).
September 2009
30 September 2009
PhonepayPlus has launched an investigation following six complaints from members of the public about a service called ‘SMSWinner’.
16 September 2009
Industry notice about Public Information Services.
01 September 2009
One month to the day since PhonepayPlus took over regulation of 0871/2/3 numbers, it is reminding 087 network operators to remain vigilant about the threat of consumer harm from services operating on their 087 number ranges.
August 2009
25 August 2009
PhonepayPlus is giving notice that with immediate effect it will direct network operators to withhold specified sums payable by them to a service provider using powers available to it under paragraphs 8.5f and 2.5.2d of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (11th Edition, Amended April 2008) at the start of a Standard Procedure investigation and, where appropriate, following adjudication, in the certain circumstances.
20 August 2009
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of April to June 2009.
06 August 2009
PhonepayPlus has fined Abstract Games Limited (trading as Mediaprom) £100,000 and barred it from providing or operating any scratchcard services for six months, except those for which compliance advice has been sought and implemented to PhonepayPlus’ satisfaction.
03 August 2009
Research undertaken by PhonepayPlus shows that millions of consumers are happily using services on the 087 number range (which includes numbers beginning 0871, 2, and 3 but excludes 0870). However, it also highlights some significant concerns around price transparency and the time some consumers are having to wait on the line before being connected to a service.
July 2009
21 July 2009
PhonepayPlus has today announced that Bradley Brady has been appointed Director of Strategy & Stakeholder Relations following an extensive recruitment process.
01 July 2009
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, today announces that complaint figures concerning mobile services are down by half one year on from the introduction of new rules that came about following its 2008 Mobile Review. The new regulation was introduced in response to a worrying rise in consumer complaints regarding mobile services which, on average, account for some 90% of all calls to PhonepayPlus’ Contact Centre.
June 2009
23 June 2009
PhonepayPlus, the regulator for the phone-paid services industry, has today launched a wide-ranging discussion paper on the development of its 12th Code of Practice. PhonepayPlus is inviting response from industry, consumers and all other stakeholders in order to properly inform thinking as it develops its full Code consultation for later in 2009.
16 June 2009
Recent PhonepayPlus investigations into web promoted subscription services have resulted in breaches of the Phonepayplus Code of Practice (11th Edition, amended April 2008) being upheld by its Tribunals for several reasons. This Notice aims to clarify, in light of PhonepayPlus’ investigations and decisions, what activities or actions may constitute a breach of the Code. The areas of concern are divided into a number of subject areas, as set out in this release.
04 June 2009
Research released today by PhonepayPlus reveals a lack of understanding around charges for 087 numbers amongst consumers, and supports the need for introduction of new regulation to boost consumer confidence. From 1 August, providers of 087 services (numbers beginning 0871, 2, and 3, but excluding 0870) must comply with new rules set out by PhonepayPlus.
03 June 2009
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, has launched an investigation following correspondence received from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council regarding nine complaints it has received from members of the public. Having contacted the Network Operator through whose network the service operates, PhonepayPlus considers the Service Provider responsible under the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice to be ‘Digital Select Limited.'
02 June 2009
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, has launched an investigation following complaints from members of the public regarding a mobile virtual chat service operating on a number of text shortcodes. PhonepayPlus considers the Information Providers responsible under the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice to be MYTXT.CO.UK LIMITED, MOBVISTA LTD and K2Media Limited.
May 2009
27 May 2009
PhonepayPlus today published its operations report for the months of January to March 2009
22 May 2009
The Trustees are pleased to announce that they have resolved to commence the winding up of the Fund and that the effective date of such commencement is Friday 22 May 2009 (the “Cut-Off Date”).
15 May 2009
Ofcom has today published the PRS Scope Review
14 May 2009
PhonepayPlus has issued a Help Note for companies affected by its forthcoming regulation of numbers in the 087 number range (0871, 0872 and 0873 but not 0870), which it will take over from Ofcom on 1st August 2009.
April 2009
24 April 2009
PhonepayPlus has launched a new website that will better protect consumers from harm while lowering the cost of regulation for reputable businesses.
09 April 2009
PhonepayPlus today issued a Supplementary Prior Permissions Notice in respect of Notice issued on 22 January 2009 regarding Subscription Services.
02 April 2009
Simon Bates appointed Director of Standards and Communications at PhonepayPlus.
01 April 2009
Administrative charges from 1 April 2009.
01 April 2009
Annual Business Plan, Budget and Administrative Charges
March 2009
11 March 2009
Following consultation with industry, PhonepayPlus reduced its proposed 2009/10 budget to 0.0% on 2008/9 and announced that its levy for 2009/10 will be 0.48%.
03 March 2009
The Board of PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, today announced the appointment of Paul Whiteing as Chief Executive, effective immediately. Paul, who has been performing the role on an acting basis since the resignation of George Kidd in December 2008, will also assume a seat on the PhonepayPlus Board.
February 2009
25 February 2009
PhonepayPlus would like to remind all service providers that 4 March 2009 is the deadline for submitting prior permission applications.
05 February 2009
Following today's Ofcom announcement that PhonepayPlus will take over day-to-day regulation of 0871 numbers on 1 August 2009, PhonepayPlus has outlined its transition strategy and implementation plan.
05 February 2009
PhonepayPlus today published a revised Help Note which is designed to provide service providers (such as mobile aggregators) and their information providers with a greater degree of clarity with regard to the criteria, procedure and factors considered by PhonepayPlus when dealing with a request under paragraph 8.7 of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (11th Edition, amended 28 April 2008) to deal directly with an information provider.
January 2009
30 January 2009
PhonepayPlus today issued a Notice to Industry, clarifying that Virtual Chat and Date Services (regardless of delivery platform or number range) should not imply that users are exchanging messages with other members of the public, or that users will be able to meet others by using the service, unless that is in fact the case.
22 January 2009
Find out about PhonepayPlus' new rules to protect you!
22 January 2009
PhonepayPlus has today issued a final statement on mobile phone-paid services and their marketing setting out new measures to protect the public from a range of practices in the mobile premium content market which are causing complaints and undermining consumers' trust.
14 January 2009
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, has prohibited Nick Cracknell, of Burston, Staffordshire, from involvement in or contracting for the provision of any phone-paid services for a period of two years, effective from 4 December 2008.
12 January 2009
PhonepayPlus today announced a second set of companies to be granted permission to provide phone-paid interactive broadcast services.
December 2008
24 December 2008
Phone-paid services regulator warns consumers to be extra watchful of scams during the festive season.
19 December 2008
PhonepayPlus today published a Notice to Industry reminding all network operators involved in the provision of premium rate services of their due diligence responsibilties. This follows complaints to PhonepayPlus indicating concern among consumers over the increased abuse of 070 prefixed numbers.
18 December 2008
PhonepayPlus today published its 2009/10 Business Plan & Budget consultation. All responses must be received by 29 January 2009.
11 December 2008
Following complaints from members of the public relating to missed calls to both landlines and mobiles from 070 prefixed numbers, PhonepayPlus has invoked its emergency procedure against four separate service providers.
01 December 2008
This week's announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of a cut in the rate of VAT from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent on December 1 has prompted a number of questions to PhonepayPlus. These centre upon two main issues; pricing information and the split of revenue between Networks and contracted parties.
November 2008
26 November 2008
PhonepayPlus has invoked its emergency procedure to investigate complaints relating to a parcel delivery mailing which encourages recipients to call a premium rate number to re-arrange what the promotion states was a ‘missed delivery.'
18 November 2008
Industry regulator joins forces with Ministry of Sound, the Peter Jones Foundation and Make Your Mark to launch PhoneBrain - an innovative new schools programme.
October 2008
16 October 2008
The PhonepayPlus Board today accepted George Kidd's resignation from his post as Chief Executive, effective 31 October. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Paul Whiteing, currently Director of Policy and Innovation.
15 October 2008
PhonepayPlus today announced the beginning of a consultation exercise to develop the next edition of its Code of Practice.
09 October 2008
PhonepayPlus today announced the first companies to be granted permission to provide phone-paid interactive broadcast services.
September 2008
19 September 2008
PhonepayPlus has today published a statement on its decision to use an emergency procedure to investigate an email which resembles an invoice for computer equipment. The email encourages recipients to call ‘070' prefixed numbers.
04 September 2008
Andrew Bud's resignation from the Board of PhonepayPlus.
03 September 2008
Following a recent investigation into the use of Automated Calling Equipment to promote a premium rate service operating on a 070 number, PhonepayPlus today published a Notice to Industry stating that PhonepayPlus will, as a matter of course, use its Emergency Procedure to shut down such services pending a full investigation.
July 2008
30 July 2008
PhonepayPlus has today submitted a response to the Consumer Law Review: Call for Evidence issued by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) in May 2008.
17 July 2008
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator, today proposed a series of measures to protect the public from harm in the mobile premium content market. With immediate effect, any subscription service that does not allow customers to stop it easily and quickly will be barred from operation.
June 2008
18 June 2008
PhonepayPlus has recently written to all service providers operating live 1-2-1 chat services and virtual chat / chat & dating services.
05 June 2008
PhonepayPlus today published a memorandum of understanding with the Gambling Commission. It provides a framework for the adoption of a common approach to resolving certain issues related to gambling and premium rate services (PRS) that might result in consumer harm.
03 June 2008
PhonepayPlus has today published a statement on its decision to use an emergency procedure to investigate the use of automated calling equipment to promote, and encourage calls to, 070 prefixed numbers.
May 2008
28 May 2008
PhonepayPlus has today announced the appointments of Matti Alderson, Ruth Evans, Andrew Flanagan and Jeremy Hallsworth as non-executive Board members, effective 1 September 2008. George Kidd, Chief Executive of PhonepayPlus, also joins as an executive member, effective immediately.
01 May 2008
PhonepayPlus has today announced a review of mobile premium services which in the UK are worth around £350 million annually, and include digital content such as music ringtones, games and other downloads. The review will provide an overview of mobile phone-paid services, and identify issues affecting UK consumers. Of particular interest are unsolicited promotions, especially text messages; price transparency and subscription services.
April 2008
28 April 2008
PhonepayPlus today announced a streamlined approach to enforcement with the creation of a new Code Compliance Panel. An updated Sanctions Guide, also published today, explains the approach the Panel will take when setting fines and other sanctions.
Taken together, these represent a more transparent, proportionate and accountable approach to the regulation of phone-paid services.
22 April 2008
PhonepayPlus today published a Fact Sheet to assist service providers and others in understanding the key implications arising from the implementation on 26 May 2008 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.
09 April 2008
PhonepayPlus today reminded all network operators involved in the provision of premium rate services that they are bound by the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice. It urges any network operator that is unsure of its responsibilities to contact the PhonepayPlus Compliance Team for advice and help.
March 2008
06 March 2008
PhonepayPlus has today reminded providers of phone-paid services that the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice covers the promotion of the service as well as the content promoted. Because of the variety of marketing tools now available, PhonepayPlus urges any provider in any doubt about the compliance of their marketing campaigns, particularly when this involves the creation of meta tags in online marketing activity, to contact the PhonepayPlus Executive for compliance advice.
05 March 2008
PhonepayPlus has today announced that its levy for 2008/09 will be 0.39%. The levy, which applies to all outpayments to service providers, has been set following extensive consultation with the industry and other stakeholders.
05 March 2008
PhonepayPlus has today published a Notice to the Industry informing it of Administrative Charges from 1 April 2008.
February 2008
21 February 2008
PhonepayPlus (previously known as ICSTIS) today published research that shows the effect of new technology and changing consumer demand on the UK phone-paid services industry - a mature, sophisticated market which generated £1.08 billion in revenues in 2007.
19 February 2008
PhonepayPlus (previously known as ICSTIS) today announced that service providers looking to provide premium rate services (PRS) to broadcasters must first seek its permission.
18 February 2008
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator (formerly ICSTIS), today launched its new look website, www.phonepayplus.org.uk, designed specifically with consumers in mind.
08 February 2008
PhonepayPlus has today published a statement on its decision to use its emergency procedure to investigate the premium rate service used to access the website ‘Raw-Contacts.com.
05 February 2008
PhonepayPlus has today issued a notice to the industry advising that, with immediate effect, no voice-based, text-charged service may be provided unless prior permission in writing has been given by PhonepayPlus for the operation of that service.
January 2008
31 January 2008
PhonepayPlus launches text message-based number-checking service.
23 January 2008
PhonepayPlus has today issued a notice to the industry outlining the success and benefits of the PhonepayPlus Compliance Team.
December 2007
19 December 2007
As the snowman brings the snow this Christmas, Santa may well be bringing new mobile phones, TVs and computers for the kids. While the excitement of having their first PC or mobile phone may provide mums and dads with some much-needed peace and quiet, if you're not careful, there may also be an unexpected gift in the form of some extra-large bills.
13 December 2007
PhonepayPlus has today published a statement on its decision to use an emergency procedure to investigate the ‘Call 4 Cash Unclaimed Prize Draw'.
12 December 2007
PhonepayPlus has today published a notice to the industry on changes to the way in which administrative charges will be applied to service providers, information providers (where a case has proceeded against an information provider) and networks found in breach of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice (Eleventh Edition). The new charges will apply to cases that are opened on or after 1 January 2008.
05 December 2007
PhonepayPlus has today welcomed the publication of a new framework for regulation agreed by Ofcom and PhonepayPlus.
November 2007
29 November 2007
PhonepayPlus has today published its half-year summary covering April to September 2007.
22 November 2007
PhonepayPlus has today written to all service providers operating live 1-2-1 chat services (including services operating on ‘Babe TV' channels), recorded sexual entertainment services, and virtual chat/chat & dating services. In an open letter, PhonepayPlus Chief Executive George Kidd expresses serious concerns about services that do not comply with the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice, and sets out the regulator's expectations and the steps it will take to ensure compliance.
20 November 2007
Following an Oral Hearing in December 2006 which resulted in fines totalling £40,000 and a 12-month bar to the service being imposed, service provider Global Access SL appealed against the sanctions. The adjudicator's final decision is now available.
13 November 2007
PhonepayPlus has today published a Statement of Application setting out how it proposes to apply its Code of Practice to services offered on 0871 numbers, which it will assume regulatory responsibility for in 2008. PhonepayPlus believes that its proposals will boost consumer confidence in the use of 0871 numbers by setting clear rules governing price transparency.
07 November 2007
PhonepayPlus has today published its proposed 2008/9 annual plan and budget, highlighting a clear focus on pre-empting and preventing problems - the key, it believes, to effective long-term consumer protection and the development of a dynamic, growing industry.
October 2007
26 October 2007
PhonepayPlus has today issued a statement in response to its Anonymous SMS Consultation, as well as published a notice to the industry on Anonymous SMS Prior Permission.
16 October 2007
PhonepayPlus has today issued a notice to the industry reminding it that, as of 8 November 2007, all "controlled" sexual entertainment services (SES) are required only to operate on designated number ranges.
16 October 2007
PhonepayPlus has today published its response to a consultation document issued by Ofcom on Participation TV: Protecting Viewers And Consumers, And Keeping Advertising Separate From Editorial.
15 October 2007
ICSTIS, the phone-paid services regulator, has today become PhonepayPlus and has set itself the task of boosting public awareness about how to use services safely and how it can help people who encounter problems.
September 2007
24 September 2007
ICSTIS has today imposed its maximum fine of £250,000 on GMTV competition phone service provider Opera Telecom Ltd for selecting potential winners before the competition had closed.
19 September 2007
ICSTIS has today issued a notice to the industry reminding it of its obligation to provide customer service phone numbers in promotional material.
19 September 2007
In October 2007, PhonepayPlus directed its auditors, Mazars LLP, to conduct an audit of 15 networks to understand how all parties can work together more effectively in the future.
14 September 2007
ICSTIS has today issued a notice to the industry informing that it will publish details of all informal procedures from 15 October 2007.
August 2007
21 August 2007
ICSTIS has today issued a notice to the industry informing it that all investigations into participation TV services will be conducted using the standard procedure.
01 August 2007
ICSTIS welcomes today's announcement by Channel 4 as clear evidence of the broadcaster's commitment to continue working to improve procedures to safeguard the interests of viewers.
01 August 2007
Following stakeholder responses to its consultation on enhancing stakeholder engagement, icstis has published a final statement on its proposals.
ICSTIS has also published the responses received.
July 2007
30 July 2007
ICSTIS has today issued a consultation document relating to Anonymous SMS texting services.
20 July 2007
ICSTIS has today issued an Industry Notice as a reminder to all service providers involved in the operation of sexual entertainment services (SES), to ensure that the correct introductory messages are given on call connection. Service providers have until 31 August 2007 to ensure that the introductory messages comply with the contents of this Notice and with the ICSTIS Code of Practice.
11 July 2007
Sir Alistair Graham, speaking at the launch of ICSTIS' annual report 2006/7, today reiterated the regulator's commitment to proactively protecting consumers following the recent high-profile issues surrounding premium rate TV phone-in competitions and quiz shows.
06 July 2007
ICSTIS has today imposed its highest ever fine of £150,000 on 'You Say, We Pay' service provider Eckoh UK Ltd.
Contact the 'You Say, We Pay' refund line on 0800 666 805.
02 July 2007
The Westminster Media Forum keynote seminar on Participation Broadcasting took place on 27 June 2007. ICSTIS Chairman, Sir Alistair Graham, gave a speech on the keynote perspectives on how future regulation will seek to define participation media.
June 2007
29 June 2007
The Gambling Commission has today published its guidance on free draws and prize competitions. icstis will be working closely with the Commission over the coming months in the run up to the Gambling Act 2005 coming into force on 1 September 2007.
25 June 2007
Following stakeholder responses to its consultation on changes to governance and Code of Practice, icstis has published a final statement on its proposals.
19 June 2007
ICSTIS is reminding industry stakeholders that they have a limited period remaining in which to respond to the 0871 and the stakeholder engagement consultations.
05 June 2007
ICSTIS is reminding industry stakeholders that they have until 12 June in which to respond to the broadcast premium rate services consultation.
May 2007
15 May 2007
ICSTIS has today published a consultation document outlining its proposals to introduce prior permission for premium rate services used in television and radio programmes. Click here to view the full consultation. The consultation runs until 12 June 2007.
April 2007
25 April 2007
ICSTIS has published a consultation document outlining how it proposes to regulate 0871 numbers when it assumes responsibility for their regulation in early 2008.
23 April 2007
ICSTIS has issued a statement on the allegations made against GMTV that have been reported in today's press and are due to be featured in tonight's edition of Panorama on BBC 1.
19 April 2007
ICSTIS has issued a statement on articles that have appeared today in The Sun and Daily Star, regarding the You Say, We Pay quiz on Channel 4's Richard & Judy show. icstis wishes to make it absolutely clear that the reports printed are incorrect.
10 April 2007
ICSTIS has today issued a consultation document outlining its proposals to enhance its engagement with stakeholders. Responses should be submitted to Paul Whiteing, by no later than Tuesday 3 July 2007.
05 April 2007
ICSTIS has today issued a statement, following the Notice to the Industry issued on 8 March 2007, to remind the industry that, as of today, icstis regulates all controlled premium rate sexual entertainment services.
05 April 2007
The Statement sets out our priorities for the coming year, and our commitment to being transparent and accountable in all that we do. The Statement is a further demonstration of our commitment to understanding the market in a way that allows us to work with the industry and other partners to prevent problems by designing compliance into products and by providing a regulatory framework in anticipation of new services.
04 April 2007
ICSTIS has today issued tough new rules to boost consumer trust and confidence in Quiz TV shows. The new measures, which will come into force in four weeks' time, will give viewers a better understanding of their chances of getting through to programmes and clearer information on the cost of each call they make to participate.
March 2007
29 March 2007
ICSTIS and Ofcom have issued their joint response to the Culture Media and Sport Committee's report into Call TV Quiz shows.
14 March 2007
ICSTIS has issued a brief Statement in response to a BBC press release concerning problems with a Blue Peter competition in November 2006.
12 March 2007
ICSTIS has written to all broadcasters present at last weeks Participation TV summit to confirm the actions that were agreed in order for broadcasters to restore consumer trust and confidence in the sector.
08 March 2007
Ofcom has today issued a Statement in which it has extended the definition of a Controlled Premium Rate Service ("CPRS") to cover all Sexual Entertainment Services regardless of price. Such services are therefore, with immediate effect, regulated by icstis.
08 March 2007
ICSTIS has announced a number of immediate and future actions that will be taken to restore public trust in the premium rate participation TV sector.
05 March 2007
ICSTIS has welcomed an announcement by ITV that it is to conduct an independent review of all premium rate interactive services in its programmes.
02 March 2007
ICSTIS has issued a consultation document proposing changes to its governance arrangements, particularly in relation to its adjudicatory function, and proposed changes to the Code of Practice.
01 March 2007
ICSTIS has welcomed the release of a statement by ITV, detailing an error in red button payments during the last series of the X Factor programme. icstis will investigate this matter and take action if required.
February 2007
28 February 2007
ICSTIS is to hold an urgent meeting next week with leading broadcasters, programme makers and premium rate service providers in the wake of recent allegations against Channel 4's Richard & Judy show and the BBC's Saturday Kitchen programme.
27 February 2007
ICSTIS has today launched an investigation into the premium rate services used in the above programme following allegations of misleading practices.
22 February 2007
In the last 12 months there has been a sharp rise in service provider requests for reviews of adjudications. To ensure that these requests are submitted correctly and are handled efficiently, icstis has issued a notice to the industry to clarify the process for requesting reviews.
20 February 2007
ICSTIS has announced that its levy for 2007/8 will be 0.34%. The levy, which applies to all outpayments to service providers from 1 April 07 to 31 March 08, has been set following extensive consultation with the industry and other stakeholders.
19 February 2007
ICSTIS has today launched an investigation into the 'You Say, We Pay' competition following allegations that viewers have been urged to phone the premium rate number after the potential winners have already been selected.
08 February 2007
www.phonebrain.org.uk, the website specifically developed by icstis to educate children, parents and teachers about premium rate services, has recorded half a million hits since its launch in December 2006.
January 2007
29 January 2007
ICSTIS is today proposing new regulations for Call TV quiz shows following an extensive review of the sector. icstis' proposals include making viewers aware of their actual chances of being put through to the studio and giving participants cumulative call cost warnings after each £10 they spend.
25 January 2007
ICSTIS welcomes today’s publication of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Report on Call TV quiz shows. While recognising Call TV quiz shows as a relatively new form of
television entertainment that many people thoroughly enjoy, the Report raises issues over the format’s apparent lack of fairness and transparency.
25 January 2007
ICSTIS has published a statement welcoming today's publication of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee's Report on Call TV quiz shows.
22 January 2007
ICSTIS will be holding its 14th Forum on Tuesday 20 February 2007 at the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms in London. The event will offer an invaluable networking and information-gathering opportunity as well as providing updates on Call Television and icstis' 2006/7 Budget and planned activities for the year. If you are interested in attending the Forum, please e-mail us at rsvp@icstis.org.uk.
04 January 2007
The 11th Edition of the icstis Code of Practice takes effect from today. Numerous briefings have been held on the major changes in the new Code and a
letter from icstis Chief Executive, George Kidd sets out some of the major points.
December 2006
14 December 2006
Following an increase in complaints about premium rate services operating on 070 personal numbers, ICSTIS has issued the following notice to service providers and network operators.
12 December 2006
Dr Bob Chilton has been appointed as the new Deputy Chairman of ICSTIS. He succeeds Mary Symes and will take up his three-year appointment on 1 January 2007.
08 December 2006
ICSTIS has today issued a statement clarifying the timetable for introducing the regulation of 0871 numbers, which is to take effect in early 2008.
04 December 2006
ICSTIS today launched a new website, www.phonebrain.org.uk specifically targeted to meet the needs of children. The site was launched at Portcullis House, Westminster, with the event hosted by Sir George Young MP and Sir Alistair Graham, ICSTIS Chairman.
November 2006
29 November 2006
ICSTIS and Ofcom have submitted their interim evidence to the Culture Media and Sport Committee inquiry into Call TV Quiz shows.
29 November 2006
ICSTIS has today issued a press release highlighting the launch of its new website for children, www.phonebrain.org.uk. The new site, which will be launched on Monday 4 December, has been specifically developed to help children make educated choices about the growing number of premium rate services they encounter in their day-to-day lives.
09 November 2006
ICSTIS has today published its 11th Code of Practice. The Code, which will take effect on 4 January 2007, will improve consumer protection and clarify accountability for the providers of services in the £1.6 billion per year premium rate market.
08 November 2006
ICSTIS has today, for the first time published a document evaluating key trends in the communications sector relevant to the scope and nature of ICSTIS regulation. The document contains a researched assessment of key developments in the paid-for-content and premium rate environments, paying particular attention to the future of payment mechanisms, platform convergence and consumer protection issues.
03 November 2006
ICSTIS issued its proposed Activity Plan and Budget 2007/8 for consultation. Responses should be submitted to Ann Austin (aaustin@icstis.org.uk) by no later than Tuesday 5th December 2006.
03 November 2006
We are pleased to announce that the staff of the ICSTIS Contact Centre have been shortlisted in the CCA Consumer Excellence Awards 2006 in the ‘Best Customer Focus: Telecoms, Technology & Utilities' Category. The award recognises commitment to high standards and professionalism in customer service. ICSTIS would like to take this opportunity to congratulate its Contact Centre staff on their nomination.
01 November 2006
It has come to our attention that a chain e-mail regarding Parcel Delivery Services is being re-circulated. icstis invoked its Emergency Procedure and removed access to this service in December 2005.
October 2006
27 October 2006
ICSTIS welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Gambling Commission’s consultation paper
on Prize Competitions and Free Draws.
26 October 2006
ICSTIS has prohibited Nick Elmer from running or being associated with any person or company operating premium rate services for a period of 18-months.
24 October 2006
If you are interested in applying for the position of ICSTIS committee member, please download the application pack and apply by Tuesday 7th November 2006.
24 October 2006
ICSTIS has today published its half-year statement covering April to September 2006. The statement highlights, among other things, the ongoing success of our contact centre in providing a high-quality service, reduced levels of complaint about premium rate services and a significant improvement in fine recovery levels.
16 October 2006
ICSTIS has finalised consulting on draft of the 11th Code of Practice. The draft 11th Code is now with Ofcom who, having undertaken their own statutory consultation, are considering the responses. We hope that Ofcom will be in a position to issue a statement by early November 2006. If the Code is approved then there will be a short period - probably between 6 to 8 weeks - before it is implemented in full.
12 October 2006
ICSTIS has announced that it is to carry out a review of the quiz TV sector following concerns over the clarity of call cost information and a lack of transparency about how services work.
05 October 2006
ICSTIS has ruled that Channel 4's Big Brother voting service has breached its Code of Practice by misleading viewers. Detailed investigations were undertaken involving Channel 4 and the two service providers concerned, iTouch (UK) Ltd and Minick Ltd.
03 October 2006
ICSTIS has today published the criteria it will use when awarding consumer refunds as part of a sanction when its Code of Practice is breached.
September 2006
20 September 2006
ICSTIS celebrates 20 years of regulating premium rate services this year. The anniversary publication looks back at how icstis has progressed since 1986 and the challenges it faces in the future.
08 September 2006
ICSTIS will be holding its 13th Forum on Tuesday 10th October at the Holiday Inn in Birmingham. The event will offer an invaluable networking and information-gathering opportunity as well as a presentation by The Gambling Commission's Deputy Chief Executive, Tom Kavanagh and updates on the Code of Practice and the 0871 pre-consultation.
August 2006
23 August 2006
ICSTIS has prohibited Jason Gambling from running or being associated with any person or company operating premium rate services for a period of two years.
23 August 2006
Ofcom has announced that, with immediate effect, they are opening a new number range, 098, for Sexual Entertainment Services (SES). Ofcom will no longer be allocating numbers from the existing 0908 and 0909 SES number ranges.
10 August 2006
Premium rate services regulator ICSTIS has announced that it has begun a formal investigation into the Big Brother voting service. ICSTIS has to date received almost 2,700 complaints since it was announced that contestants who had previously been evicted were being given the chance to return to the house and potentially win the cash prize.
09 August 2006
ICSTIS has received almost 2,500 complaints to date about the premium rate Big Brother voting service since it was announced that contestants who had previously been evicted were being given the chance to return to the house and potentially win the cash prize. 2,000 of these complaints are being referred to ICSTIS by Ofcom.
03 August 2006
The Gambling Commission has today issued a discussion paper in which views are sought on free prize draws and competitions. This will affect those involved in providing premium rate competition services including Quiz TV services.
July 2006
31 July 2006
Following Ofcom's decision in April for ICSTIS to regulate all 0871 numbers, ICSTIS has today launched a
pre-consultation paper which clearly sets out the need for enhanced consumer understanding about the cost of calling 0871 numbers. ICSTIS has also circulated a
press release to inform businesses using 0871 numbers.
25 July 2006
Featuring: ICSTIS' first-ever press launch, an interview with the new ICSTIS Chairman, Sir Alistair Graham, and a report on the latest IARN conference held in Switzerland.
20 July 2006
ICSTIS Director, George Kidd addressed attendees of the Westminster eForum on 13th July 2006. Titled 'Premium Rate Services in the future and the role of the regulator', the eForum focussed on issues of technology convergence, consumer empowerment and conditions for regulation in relation to 'paid for content' and drew speakers from BT, 3, Channel 4 and the National Consumer Council amongst others.
20 July 2006
ICSTIS has announced a reduction in the levy paid by industry members to fund regulation in the premium rate market. The fall, from 0.3% of outpayments to 0.2%, will be introduced in the second half of 2006/07.
10 July 2006
ICSTIS has published its latest Activity Report 2005-06 detailing all the work undertaken throughout the last year.
10 July 2006
ICSTIS Chairman, Sir Alistair Graham, has called for collective action to stamp out the remaining areas of bad or criminal practice that tarnish the industry. In a call for a wider debate about the future role of regulation, Sir Alistair has demanded a renewed drive by all parties to identify the 'muggers' in electronic crime.
04 July 2006
ICSTIS will be sponsoring the following Westminster eForum, Premium Rate Services in the future and the role of the regulator, scheduled for 13th July. Keynote speaker for this event will be George Kidd, Director of ICSTIS.
June 2006
13 June 2006
ICSTIS will be holding its 12th Forum on Monday 10th July at the Plaisterer's Hall in London. The event will offer an invaluable networking and information-gathering opportunity as well as providing an introduction to the new icstis chairman, Sir Alistair Graham, an update on the proposed regulation of 0871 numbers and more.
09 June 2006
ICSTIS, the premium rate services regulator, has today issued a Notice requiring all companies using Internet dialler software to obtain its prior permission before operating. This requirement will apply to all diallers irrespective of the cost of the call or the telephone number used, not just those operating on 09 numbers as is the current case.
08 June 2006
Today Ofcom has extended the definition of controlled premium rate services (CPRS) to include 'internet dialler software' (diallers) irrespective of the call cost or number. In proposing to extend the definition of CPRS to capture diallers, Ofcom set out that it did not want to unintentionally capture pay-as-you-go dial up and unmetered dial up internet services. These services by internet service providers providing narrowband access to the internet to end-users using a dial-up connection are specifically excluded.
May 2006
18 May 2006
ICSTIS has today formally submitted the draft 11th Edition of its Code of Practice to Ofcom for consultation and, if appropriate, final approval. The draft Code has also been delivered to the DTI so that, in accordance with the Technical Standards Directive, it can be submitted to the European Commission enabling member states to comment on the information society provisions.
08 May 2006
ICSTIS has published its half-year statement covering October 2005 to March 2006. The accompanying press release highlights, among other things, a 53% fall in the total number of complaints compared with the first six months of the year, a significant tail-off in complaints about quiz TV services since we issued our Statement of Expectations for these services, a major improvement in the level of service offered by our Contact Centre with nine out of every 10 calls now answered within 30 seconds, and a real terms reduction in the cost of regulation.
April 2006
28 April 2006
ICSTIS has submitted its response to Ofcom's consultation on consumer policy. We are supportive of the broad approach to consumer policy being developed by Ofcom and make some suggestions for how this policy may be refined as it is finalised.
20 April 2006
Featuring: 66% fall in premium rate complaints, a visit from the Minister, Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, and a welcome to the new icstis chairman, Sir Alistair Graham.
19 April 2006
ICSTIS has issued a press release welcoming Ofcom's decision to extend ICSTIS' remit to regulate 0871 calls as well as adult services, regardless of their cost.
11 April 2006
ICSTIS held its 11th Forum on 21st March 2006 at the Manchester Radisson Edwardian Hotel. The Forum featured presentations by Ofcom, the Information Commissioner's Office and the Wireless Application Service Provider Association.
07 April 2006
It has come to our attention that a chain e-mail has been circulating the internet. It makes reference to the Royal Mail, the City of London Police and Parcel Delivery Services. ICSTIS appreciates that consumers want to find out more information about this alert and have issued the following comment.
07 April 2006
ICSTIS has issued a statement updating the industry on developments and decisions made following a representation by the Mobile Broadband Group (MBG) to the icstis Committee in March putting forward proposals for the introduction of a prior-permission regime and Code of Conduct to supervise 'supplementary charging' for the third party voice services.
04 April 2006
ICSTIS has issued a guide on how it determines an appropriate and proportionate sanction when a service provider is found in breach of the ICSTIS Code of Practice. This guide takes account of the new upper limit for fines and advises of the likely circumstances when this new upper limit may be applied by the Committee on a 'per breach' basis.
03 April 2006
ICSTIS has issued a Notice detailing the timescales involved in processing applications for remote gambling services, following a number of requests from service providers.
March 2006
29 March 2006
ICSTIS has published a new leaflet offering information and advice to help consumers protect themselves against premium rate scams.
03 March 2006
ICSTIS announces a 66% fall in the number of complaints received about premium rate services.
01 March 2006
ICSTIS has announced the levy that will apply to all outpayments to service providers from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007.
February 2006
24 February 2006
ICSTIS has issued a Notice reminding service providers that they need to obtain prior permission to operate live services, irrespective of whether their information providers already have permission.
20 February 2006
ICSTIS will be holding its 11th Forum on Tuesday 21 March at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Manchester. The event will feature presentations by Ofcom and the Information Commissioner's Office, as well as updates from ICSTIS.
13 February 2006
ICSTIS hosts a meeting between the City of London Police and Network Operators.
02 February 2006
ICSTIS is pleased to welcome Sir Alistair Graham as its new Chairman from 1 June 2006.
01 February 2006
ICSTIS has issued a Notice announcing its intention to bar premium rate text charging to all non-premium rate numbers. The bar takes effect on Friday 3 February 2006.
January 2006
27 January 2006
This includes a Statement of Expectations that providers of Call TV Services will need to consider alongside the Code of Practice. Providers of Call TV Quiz Services which contain a Live element require permission to operate.
24 January 2006
In July 2005, the ICSTIS Code of Practice was amended to include a Direction to all
Network Operators stating that:
“Network Operators shall not make, and shall withhold, payments to service
providers for a period of al least 30 days after the making of the calls to which the payments relate.” (Paragraph 2.3.9, 10th Edition, as amended).
13 January 2006
Featuring: introduction of new £250,000 fine limit, launch of a new look for , and reports from IARN and the Forum.
10 January 2006
ICSTIS has received complaints from Trading Standards Offices throughout
the country concerning ‘Parcel Delivery Services’, operating mainly over the
Christmas period.
December 2005
21 December 2005
Tougher fines to protect consumers from firms that abuse premium rate services have been agreed in Parliament and take effect from 30 December 2005.
20 December 2005
ICSTIS has published its adjudication against 'Crazy Frog' service provider mBlox and issued an accompanying press release.
16 December 2005
On 16 December 2005 Ofcom took emergency action against network operator Talkline Communications and directed them to immediately suspend the provision of premium rate services.
02 December 2005
ICSTIS welcomes Ofcom bringing forward this consultation which in part arises from the outcome of the Review of Premium Rate Services conducted by Ofcom in 2004 and issued by Ofcom on 9 December 2004.
02 December 2005
ICSTIS welcomes the opportunity to respond to this further consultation on the NTS Framework. We also welcome the evident value placed on our initial response to the October 2004 consultation paper on this subject.
November 2005
30 November 2005
Summary Note of Business from the ICSTIS Committee Meeting on 27 October 2005 – held at Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, London, SE1 2NQ.
20 November 2005
Ofcom has published proposals to increase consumer protection against rogue diallers. Existing premium rate services regulation applies to diallers using 09 premium rate or international numbers.
11 November 2005
ICSTIS has published a consultation paper on how it intends to deal with refunds as part of its sanction powers and on proposals for developing best practice within the industry for customer service.
10 November 2005
ICSTIS has published its half-year statement covering April to September 2005.
04 November 2005
ICSTIS has held its 10th Forum on 24 November at Brewers' Hall, Aldermanbury Square, London EC2V 7HR. The core issues for discussion were the 11th Edition of the Code of Practice consultation and icstis' Budget consultation.
04 November 2005
ICSTIS has fined North Wales-based Mobile Entertainment Group £100,000 for running an automatic calling equipment scam. Please see our press release for further details.
04 November 2005
ICSTIS has issued its proposed Activity Plan and Budget 2006/07 for consultation.
01 November 2005
Following extensive consultation, ICSTIS has published a statement on enhancements to its governance arrangements which are being implemented to improve its stakeholder relations.
October 2005
31 October 2005
The latest issue of ICSTIS Quarterly has now been posted on the site and features updates on the proposed Eleventh Edition of our Code of Practice, SMS subscription services, quiz TV licensing and the latest complaints statistics.
September 2005
30 September 2005
Ofcom has published new proposals to increase consumer protection measures governing the use of 0870/1 and 0844/5 numbers. The deadline for responding to Ofcom is 6 December 2005.
27 September 2005
The final version of the study on the pan-European market for premium rate services, which was commissioned by the European Commission, has been released.
22 September 2005
Summary Note of Business from the ICSTIS Committee Meeting on 22 September 2005 – held at Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, London, SE1 2NQ.
21 September 2005
ICSTIS has launched a consultation on the introduction of new rules and a prior permission regime for premium rate TV quiz channels and for TV programmes whose dedicated purpose is to run premium rate competitions.
15 September 2005
Following Ofcom's publication, in August, of its notification of approval for an emergency amendment to the Tenth Edition of the Code of Practice, the amendment has now come into effect. Please ensure that you use this version of the Code from 15 September onwards.
August 2005
03 August 2005
ICSTIS has announced an emergency amendment to its Code of Practice to slow down the flow of money betweeen phone networks and those running premium rate services, and so deter rogue traders from entering the industry in the belief they can can make quick profits from scams.
02 August 2005
ICSTIS has issued a revised version of its Guidelines on 'Provision of Consumer Information'.
July 2005
28 July 2005
ICSTIS has issued an updated version of its Code of Practice for consultation to ensure consumers are thoroughly protected in the fast-moving premium rate industry.
26 July 2005
ICSTIS has released a piece of research commissioned by the organisation's Forward Look Group (FLG) covering future market developments in the Premium Rate Industry.
22 July 2005
ICSTIS has issued a reminder to the industry of its expectations as laid out within the Code of Practice regarding the delivery of SMS subscription services to consumers.
22 July 2005
ICSTIS has welcomed new consumer safeguards announced by the UK's mobile phone operators that determine how premium rate subscription services can be marketed by content providers.
05 July 2005
Following an adjudication in October 2004 which resulted in fines totalling £230,000 being imposed, service provider PRS Communications appealed against the adjudication. The adjudicator's final decision is now available.
June 2005
29 June 2005
ICSTIS and the DTI have today issued a consultation document on a proposal to increase ICSTIS' fine limit from £100,000 to £250,000.
21 June 2005
In reponse to the growing number of issues surrounding SMS subscriptions, ICSTIS has produced a factsheet on text services for children and young people.
13 June 2005
ICSTIS acts to slow money-flow to premium rate rogues.
ICSTIS, the premium rate services regulator, today announced its plans to make an emergency amendment to its Code of Practice. The amendment will slow down the flow of money to companies running premium rate services in breach of ICSTIS’ rules and so stop them profiting from running scams.
May 2005
27 May 2005
The Steering Committee for the Ofcom Review of Premium Rate Services has published its third Stakeholder Monthly Update, detailing the progress made in implementing the recommendations arising from Ofcom's review of premium rate services regulation.
26 May 2005
The UK Competitive Telecommunications Association (UKCTA) has announced the introduction of a Memorandum of Understanding between leading telecommunications providers to stop the abuse of premium rate services.
19 May 2005
For Immediate Release – Thursday 19 May 2005.
ICSTIS strengthens Committee with commercial expertise.
ICSTIS, the premium rate services regulator, today announced the appointment of three new members to its Committee. The appointment of the new members, who bring with them commercial expertise drawn from the premium rate sector, forms a vital part of the governance changes that ICSTIS announced in late 2004. The new members will take up their positions in June 2005.
10 May 2005
ICSTIS has published its proposals for creating an Industry Advisory Panel and an Originating Network Operator Forum. icstis is also reviewing the terms of reference for the ICSTIS Network Operators Committee (INOC) and the Stakeholder Forum meetings.
06 May 2005
City of London Police have today issued a press release on the arrest of four men on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud telephone customers.
April 2005
05 April 2005
The Steering Committee for the Ofcom Review of Premium Rate Services has published its second Stakeholder Monthly Update, detailing the progress made in implementing the recommendations arising from Ofcom's review of premium rate services regulation.
March 2005
24 March 2005
Following the reminder issued to the industry on Code Obligations when providing premium rate SMS, Guideline 20 has now been updated.
23 March 2005
ICSTIS has issued an alert about the rising number of complaints about recorded messages promoting premium rate services - typically prize claim lines.
23 March 2005
ICSTIS has announced the levy that will apply to all outpayments to service providers from 1 April 2005.
15 March 2005
ICSTIS has issued a Statement on its use of the Emergency Procedure in response to recent serious consumer harm caused by a number of service providers.
January 2005
24 January 2005
ICSTIS has issued a statement on subscription services paid for by premium rate SMS.
07 January 2005
ICSTIS has issued its proposed Activity Plan and Budget 2005/6 for consultation.
December 2004
09 December 2004
Premium rate services regulator ICSTIS is to get greater powers to help it tackle those in the industry who deliberately set out to rip off consumers. The new powers have been recommended by UK communications regulator Ofcom in response to a huge rise in complaints from members of the public about premium rate services.
October 2004
19 October 2004
Following its decision to license all companies wanting to run premium rate dialler services, ICSTIS, the premium rate services regulator, is shutting down all such services found to be operating without its permission.
August 2004
03 August 2004
Ofcom today announced a review of the regulation of premium rate telephone services with a view to improving measures to protect consumers from fraudulent and unscrupulous activity. The review will include an examination of options to strengthen the powers of ICSTIS - the industry-funded regulatory body for all premium rate services - as well as any other actions necessary.
July 2004
15 July 2004
Premium rate services regulator ICSTIS has today announced that all companies wanting to run premium rate services using Internet dialler software will be required to obtain its prior permission before they are allowed to operate. The new licensing arrangements will also mean that no telephone network can give out premium rate numbers to companies to run such services until they see written confirmation from ICSTIS that permission has been granted.
January 2004
22 January 2004
Premium rate services regulator ICSTIS today welcomed this week's launch of a UK Code of Practice for the self-regulation of new forms of content on mobile phones. The joint initiative, from the mobile operators in the UK, aims to protect children from adult content accessible on mobile phones.
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