news archive 2006
july 2006PRICING CLARITY IS AT THE HEART OF NEW 0871 REGULATION PROPOSED BY ICSTIS
(31 July)
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.
The pre-consultation is open today. The closing date for comments is Friday 29 September 2006. icstis encourages all companies and consumer bodies with an interest to respond with their views.
Where possible comments should be submitted in writing and sent by e-mail to consult@icstis.org.uk. Copies may also be sent by mail or fax to Paul Whiteing, Deputy Director (Policy and External Affairs).
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ICSTIS QUARTERLY: SUMMER 2006 (25 July)
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. To receive a hard copy of the magazine, please email christinem@icstis.org.uk.
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ICSTIS ANNOUNCES LEVY REDUCTION (20 July)
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.
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GEORGE KIDD GIVES KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT WESTMINSTER eFORUM (20 July)
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.
George Kidd's keynote speech explained the key developments as seen by icstis in the three areas of Payments, Platforms and Protections in an increasingly complex media environment and highlighted the need for Ofcom's review of icstis' regulatory scope, which is due to take place in the last quarter of 2006.
Click here to view the eForum agenda with full speaker listings
Click here to view George Kidd's speech
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LATEST ADJUDICATIONS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE (17 July)
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LET'S BEAT THE ELECTRONIC 'MUGGERS' (10 July)
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.
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ACTIVITY REPORT 2005-06 (10 July)
icstis has published its latest Activity Report 2005-06 detailing all the work undertaken throughout the last year.
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WESTMINSTER E-FORUM (4 July)
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.