Important changes to 0871 / 2 / 3 numbers
Following two years of consultation and research, Ofcom, the communications regulator, has announced that 0871 / 2 / 3 services will be designated as ‘Controlled Premium Rate Services’. As such these services will be regulated by PhonepayPlus, the regulator for premium rate telephone services.
PhonepayPlus’ regulation will not commence until 1 August 2009. As a contracted buyer of 0871 / 2 / 3 numbers you will then become a Service Provider under the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice.
What do you need to do?
As a Service Provider you must be registered with PhonepayPlus on their website.
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/output/Register-as-a-Service-Provider.aspx
The new PhonepayPlus regulation means that as a Service Provider there are various obligations you need to be aware of and fulfil, these include:
- Wherever a 0871 / 2 / 3 number appears, it must be accompanied by its pricing information (if this is not appropriate a spoken message at the start of calls would be acceptable). All business collateral is expected to be changed as soon as possible
- You must ensure there is no unfair delay in on the caller accessing the service on offer
- Certain services require prior permission from PhonepayPlus before they can operate on a premium rate line
- You must provide consumers with a number they can call if they have concerns or a complaint – this can be the same 0871 / 2 / 3 number (if refunds are provided) or an alternative non-premium rate number.
This is just a brief overview of the new code of requirements for Service Providers, please familiarise yourself with the new code and how it will affect your individual business by reading the ‘087 – all you need to know’ guide on the PhonepayPlus website. http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/upload/0871_brochure_10.pdf
How will the new regulations affect you?
As a network operator supplying 0871 / 2 / 3 services the KCOM Group is currently reviewing all the compliance requirements and implications. Due to obligations under the PhonepayPlus Code we will need to amend your payment terms (minimum 30 day payment rule). We will be contacting you to request details of your registration with PhonepayPlus and confirm the new payment terms.
As a network operator supplying 0871 / 2 / 3 services the KCOM Group is currently reviewing all the compliance requirements and implications. Due to obligations under the PhonepayPlus Code we will need to amend your payment terms (minimum 30 day payment rule). We will be contacting you to request details of your registration with PhonepayPlus and confirm the new payment terms.
As a network, KC collects a levy on behalf of service providers that funds the premium rate regulator, KC is currently assessing the impact of the levy (that will apply from 1 August 2009) on the 0871 / 2 / 3 tariffs provided to customers.
If you have any questions or comments regarding PhonepayPlus regulation of the 0871 / 2 / 3 number range, or would like compliance advice please do not hesitate your Account Manager or the PhonepayPlus Industry Support team at:
Email: compliance@phonepayplus.org.uk
Telephone: 0845 026 1060