The document also takes account of recommendations made last
year by Ofcom, the regulator for the UK’s communications
industries, in a review of the premium rate 090 telephone service
industry.
As well as proposing specific amendments to the Code, ICSTIS is
seeking comments on the scope and application of its regulation,
particularly in respect of the appropriateness of regulation for
new and developing forms of content.
The key proposals are:
- implementation of the relevant recommendations from the Ofcom
Review;
- amending the definition of network operators so that they can
be quickly and readily identified – which will ensure that they can
support ICSTIS in its work by carrying out due diligence on and
provide accurate information about their service providers, bar
access to services where necessary and withhold revenue payments
when requested;
- the ability to impose sanctions on network operators where they
fail to meet their obligations under the Code;
- specific, tailored provisions for directory enquiry services,
subscription services and SMS chat services;
- more specific and more wide-ranging requirements governing the
provision of price warnings for premium rate services advertised on
television; and
- stronger rules covering refunds for complainants.
“We are seeing a whole host of new and innovative services but
there is a danger that some of these services threaten new forms of
consumer harm,” said ICSTIS Director George Kidd. “For this reason,
the new Code features safeguards to ensure consumers are protected
at all times. It contains, for example, specific rules for premium
rate SMS services, internet services and directory enquiry
services.”
“We will also have the power to impose sanctions on phone
companies where they fail to meet their obligations under the new
Code,” he added. “This is a new world and we will have to work with
the industry to make sure that they are aware of their obligations
and how to meet them."
The consultation will run until 23rd September 2005.
