latest news
May 2008
REGULATORY REVIEW OF MOBILE PREMIUM RATE SERVICES MARKET (1 May)
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.
April2008
TOUGH NEW ENFORCEMENT MEASURES IN PHONE-PAID SERVICES MARKET (28 April)
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.
February 2008
NEW RESEARCH EXPLORES USAGE OF PHONE-PAID SERVICES (21 February)
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.
New regulation for broadcast premium rate service providers (19 February)
PhonepayPlus (previously known as ICSTIS) today announced that service providers looking to provide premium rate services (PRS) to broadcasters must first seek its permission. Taken alongside tough new rules for broadcasters also announced today by Ofcom, it is expected the new regulatory regime will protect viewers from any possible harm when participating in broadcast PRS.
PhonepayPlus launches new look, consumer-focused website (18 February)
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator (formerly ICSTIS), today launched its new look website - / - designed specifically with consumers in mind.
Raw-Contacts.com (8 February)
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.
January 2008
SMSus (31 January)
PhonepayPlus launches text message-based number-checking service