We are the UK regulator for content, goods and services charged to a phone bill.

Does my service benefit from an exemption?

We estimate that up to a third of the phone-paid service market is eligible for an exemption from registration with us. There are also exemptions from specific Code provisions available for certain categories of services that we believe can comply with certain outcomes of the Code through other means. It’s worth your while to check to see if your company or service is exempt.

Current registration exemptions:

You are exempt from registering with the PSA if you operate premium rate services on either the 087 number range or voice shortcodes costing 20p or less, unless the service category is:

  • an information, connection and signposting service (ICSS), regardless of number range
  • a professional advice service
  • a live entertainment service.

Services falling within the above categories are required to register with the PSA.

Current Code provision exemptions:

Registration exemption

App store exemption

Society lottery exemption

SMS virtual chat services exemption

 

Current exemptions:

 

Provider   Permission    Reason for granting permission 
Apple Distribution International Ltd      Bespoke permission to operate without strict adherence to Requirement 3.2.8(d)       The objective of Requirement 3.2.8(d) is achieved through Apple’s payment method setup process, where customers are required to activate direct carrier billing 
         
Boku Network Services UK Ltd     Bespoke permission to operate the registration exemption on behalf of merchants which operate exclusively through Boku Network Services UK Ltd    Boku Network Services UK Ltd is a qualifying intermediary 
         
Fonix Mobile Plc    Bespoke permission to operate the registration exemption on behalf of  specific merchants which operate exclusively through Fonix Mobile Plc    Fonix Mobile Plc is a qualifying intermediary 
         
Google Commerce Ltd    Bespoke permission to operate the App store exemption on behalf of its app store merchants    Google Commerce Ltd is a qualifying intermediary app store