Top 10 FAQs
Am I a service provider or an information provider?
A service provider is the party that contracts directly with a network for the provision of a premium rate number or shortcode for mobile services.
An information provider is any party to which the service provider sub-contracts the use of a premium rate shortcode or number, which the service provider has previously obtained from the network. Information providers will, in many cases, devise and promote the premium rate service which the consumer purchases.
When does PhonepayPlus expect to take over regulation of the 087 number range ?
PhonepayPlus will regulate 0871, 0872 and 0873 from 1st August 2009.
How do I register with PhonepayPlus?
Please click here to register with PhonepayPlus. Registration with PhonepayPlus is free and simple and is conducted online.
Why is prior permission required for some services?
Certain types of premium phone-paid services pose a greater risk of harm to users because of their content or method of operation - examples include live chat, gambling and counselling. These types of services, and others found here, can only be operated if PhonepayPlus has first provided written prior permission.
What services require prior permission?
- Live services (please click here for a list of exempt live services)
- Subscription services which cost over £4.50 in any given seven day period
- Pay-per-page/image services
- Participation Broadcasting
- Remote gambling
- Professional advice
- Chat-lines(multi party chat)
- Consumer credit
- Counselling
- Anonymous SMS
- Voice based, text charged services
- Call tv quiz services
- Services utilising a dialler software
- Services charged at more than £1 per minute where the total cost of the call can exceed £30
- Services charged at more than £1.50 per minute.
For more detailed information on prior permission please visit here.
How do I set up a live chat or psychic/tarot service?
You will need to obtain prior permission from PhonepayPlus before you can operate live chat or psychic/tarot services. You should note that there are the following costs;
- £300 plus VAT for processing the application,
- If you are granted permission you will need to have a security bond in place, the bond amount will vary depending on a number of factors, for example the types of services, the number of lines and whether home workers are used. This security bond needs to be in place for the duration of operation and 1 year after the service has been terminated.
- Recording equipment is also required as all calls to these services must be recorded, please click here for further information.
Can I use a premium rate number to advertise job vacancies?
PhonepayPlus strongly advise that independent legal advice is sought before setting up a phone paid employment service, as most services of this type are subject to legal restrictions. PhonepayPlus has provided additional guidance within the Employment, Employment Information and Business Opportunity Services fact sheet.
How do I set up a competition service?
PhonepayPlus strongly advise that independent legal advice is sought before setting up a phone paid competition service, as most competition services are subject to legal restrictions. Once you have sought legal guidance please ensure that your service is compliant with the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice - of particular relevance will be Section 7.6 - Competitions and other games with prizes.
Do I need to register with PhonepayPlus?
All service providers are required to register with PhonepayPlus. It is also recommended that Information Providers and Network Operator s register with PhonepayPlus, however it is not currently a requirement.
Upon registering as a service provider or information provider you will receive an automated e-mail response containing a unique regsitration number. Please keep this safe as you will need to refer to it in future.
Registration is free and simple. Click here to register.
Do I get my premium rate number through you (PhonepayPlus)?
No, you will need to contact a network operator or a service provider for the provision of a premium rate number. Click here for a list of network operators.