10 day countdown to regulatory changes for PRS industry
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS), today urged all PRS providers to register their organisation as soon as possible with the regulator if they have not already done so.
PhonepayPlus’ call to action comes 10 days ahead of the enforcement date of 1 September 2011 for the new Code of Practice and Registration Scheme. Registration is mandatory under the new Code of Practice and failure to register could incur sanctions, including fines.
Over a thousand providers have already registered on the first ever industry-wide Registration Scheme, with the regulator working with providers and trade bodies to encourage registration throughout the value-chain.
Paul Whiteing, PhonepayPlus’ Chief Executive said:
“We are delighted with the co-operation shown by the PRS industry in getting on-board and supporting the Registration Scheme. The level of registrations and engagement so far demonstrates that this is regulation enjoying wide industry support.
“From the outset, we knew that an effective Registration Scheme would need to capture the whole value-chain.
“The requirement to register – only 0871, 0872 and 0873 providers are exempt – means that a provider cannot do business with any other provider who is not registered. We know some providers have made it clear that they will no longer contract with clients after 1 September 2011 if they are not registered with us. We are therefore continuing to work hard with our industry partners in the countdown to the enforcement date to ensure that there is business continuity as we move to the new Code.
“We join with the PRS industry in asking any stragglers who have not yet registered with us, and who want to continue to do business in the UK PRS market, to register with us as a priority.”
To help all providers, the PhonepayPlus website also has ample guidance on all aspects of registration, including ‘How to Guides’ and Registration FAQs, all available at www.phonepayplus.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. PhonepayPlus is the organisation (previously known as ICSTIS) that regulates premium rate services – the goods and services that you can buy by charging the cost to your phone bill and mobile pre-pay account. Further details of its work can be found at www.phonepayplus.org.uk
2. To view quotes from various stakeholders in support of the new Registration Scheme, go to: www.phonepayplus.org.uk/For-Business/Registration-Scheme-Quotes.aspx
3. For more information, contact the PhonepayPlus Press Office on (020) 7940 7440 or email pressoffice@phonepayplus.org.uk