December 2006
PREMIUM RATE SERVICES OPERATING ON 070 NUMBERS
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.
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ICSTIS APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
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.
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COUNTDOWN TO 0871 REGULATION
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.
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ICSTIS LAUNCHES PHONEBRAIN.ORG.UK
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.
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November 2006
THE REGULATORS' JOINT SUBMISSION TO CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT COMMITTEE
29 November 2006
ICSTIS and Ofcom have submitted their interim evidence to the Culture Media and Sport Committee inquiry into Call TV Quiz shows.
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ICSTIS URGES CHILDREN TO USE THEIR PHONEBRAINS THIS CHRISTMAS
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.
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ICSTIS PUBLISHES 11TH EDITION OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE
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.
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ICSTIS PUBLISHES RESEARCH ON KEY TRENDS IN THE COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR
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.
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ICSTIS CONTACT CENTRE SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD
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.
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ACTIVITY PLAN AND BUDGET 2007/08
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.
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CHAIN E-MAIL REGARDING PARCEL DELIVERY SERVICES
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.
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October 2006
ICSTIS RESPONDS TO GAMBLING COMMISSIONS CONSULTATION ON PRIZE COMPETITIONS AND FREE DRAWS
27 October 2006
ICSTIS welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Gambling Commission’s consultation paper
on Prize Competitions and Free Draws.
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NICK ELMER
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.
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ICSTIS PUBLISHES HALF-YEAR STATEMENT
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.
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ICSTIS COMMITTEE MEMBER VACANCY
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.
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11th CODE OF PRACTICE - AN UPDATE
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.
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ICSTIS LAUNCHES REVIEW OF QUIZ TV SECTOR
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.
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BIG BROTHER VOTING LINES "MISLEADING" RULES ICSTIS
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.
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ICSTIS PUBLISHES STATEMENT ON CONSUMER REFUNDS
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. The accompanying press release outlines possible circumstances which are likely to trigger an order to pay refunds.
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September 2006
ICSTIS 20th ANNIVERSARY PUBLICATION
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.
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13TH ICSTIS FORUM
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.
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August 2006
JASON GAMBLING
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.
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OFCOM ANNOUNCES NEW NUMBER RANGE FOR SEXUAL ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES
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.
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ICSTIS BEGINS FORMAL BIG BROTHER INVESTIGATION
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.
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ICSTIS ISSUES STATEMENT ON BIG BROTHER COMPLAINTS
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.
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PRIZES AND COMPETITIONS CONSULTATION
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.
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July 2006
PRICING CLARITY IS AT THE HEART OF NEW 0871 REGULATION PROPOSED BY ICSTIS
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.
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 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.
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ICSTIS ANNOUNCES LEVY REDUCTION
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.
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GEORGE KIDD GIVES KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT WESTMINSTER eFORUM
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.
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LET'S BEAT THE ELECTRONIC 'MUGGERS'
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.
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ACTIVITY REPORT 2005-06
10 July 2006
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
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.
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June 2006
12TH ICSTIS FORUM
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.
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ICSTIS and Ofcom act to stamp out Internet dialler harm on all numbers
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.
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PRS CONDITION AMENDMENT 2006
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.
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May 2006
ICSTIS SUBMITS FINAL DRAFT 11TH EDITION OF THE CODE TO OFCOM
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.
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ICSTIS PUBLISHES HALF-YEAR STATEMENT
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.
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April 2006
ICSTIS RESPONDS TO OFCOM'S CONSULTATION ON CONSUMER POLICY
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.
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ICSTIS QUARTERLY: SPRING 2006
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. To receive a hard copy of the magazine, please e-mail christinem@icstis.org.uk.
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ICSTIS TO REGULATE 0871 CALLS
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.
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11TH ICSTIS FORUM
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.
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FURTHER STATEMENT ON PREMIUM RATE TEXT CHARGING TO 0871 AND ALL OTHER NON-PREMIUM RATE NUMBERS
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.
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CHAIN E-MAIL
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.
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SANCTIONS GUIDE - UPDATED OCTOBER 2006
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.
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PERMISSION FOR GAMBLING SERVICES
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.
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March 2006
'7 TOP TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF'
29 March 2006
ICSTIS has published a new leaflet offering information and advice to help consumers protect themselves against premium rate scams.
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66% FALL IN PREMIUM RATE COMPLAINTS
03 March 2006
ICSTIS announces a 66% fall in the number of complaints received about premium rate services.
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ICSTIS ANNOUNCES LEVY FOR 2006/07
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.
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February 2006
PERMISSION FOR LIVE SERVICES
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.
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11TH ICSTIS FORUM
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.
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CITY OF LONDON POLICE MEET WITH NETWORK OPERATORS
13 February 2006
ICSTIS hosts a meeting between the City of London Police and Network Operators.
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ICSTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHAIRMAN
02 February 2006
ICSTIS is pleased to welcome Sir Alistair Graham as its new Chairman from 1 June 2006.
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ICSTIS BARS PREMIUM RATE TEXT CHARGING TO ALL NON-PREMIUM RATE NUMBERS
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.
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January 2006
ICSTIS PUBLISHES ITS FINAL STATEMENT ON CALL TV QUIZ SERVICES
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.
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30 DAY PAYMENT DIRECTIONS UPDATE
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).
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ICSTIS QUARTERLY: WINTER 2006
13 January 2006
Featuring: introduction of new £250,000 fine limit, launch of a new look for , and reports from IARN and the Forum.
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STOP PRESS: ICSTIS ISSUES ALERT ABOUT SERIOUSLY MISLEADING 'DELIVERY' SERVICES
10 January 2006
ICSTIS has received complaints from Trading Standards Offices throughout
the country concerning ‘Parcel Delivery Services’, operating mainly over the
Christmas period.
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