Oftel Cracks Down On Rip-Off Text Messages
Oftel has introduced tough new powers to prevent advertisers sending “rip-off” text messages to mobile phone users.
The new regulations, which come into effect immediately, will prevent advertisers and mobile service providers charging users “premium rates” for replying to unsolicited text messages. Companies that ignore warnings from the industry watchdog ICSTIS will be disconnected and prevented from sending text messages in the future.
Director general of Telecommunications, Dave Edmonds, said: “There have been cases of competition lines where callers run up high bills but never receive their prices and more recently, unsolicited premium rate text messages that promise cash prizes or invitations to join adult chatlines. These tough powers will enable Oftel to stamp out these blatant abuses quickly and protect consumers.”
The newly created Mobile Marketing Association (see Wireless Marketing Bodies Merge) is currently working to establish a set of universal standards to regulate the mobile marketing industry (see
WAA Draws Up Guidelines To Regulate SMS Advertising www.oftel.gov.uk
Recent Wireless stories from NewsLine: Flytxt Announces Partnership With Logica Mirror Launches SMS Information Service 12Snap Launches Monster SMS Campaign
Subscribers can access ten years of media news and analysis in the Archive