'Are you in?' Pre-registration now open

This service, offered free by the regulator, is designed to assist providers with a large client base in encouraging them to register, ensuring they will be compliant with the new rules coming into force on 1 September.

The Registration Scheme, for the first time, will see providers throughout the PRS value-chain registered with the regulator. Together with a new Code of Practice, the Registration Scheme ushers in a new regulatory framework for PRS in the UK, with more flexible, outcomes-based consumer protection coupled with greater transparency of industry participants and their behaviour.

Providers who would like to use the bulk submission service to pre-register clients should read the information sheet on ‘How to pre-register your clients on the PhonepayPlus Registration Scheme using the bulk upload template’. The information sheet can be downloaded here

Once providers know their clients have been pre-registered with PhonepayPlus, the regulator encourages these providers to use the free-to-download earlybird e-flyer to let their clients know they are pre-registered and that they need to verify the pre-registration. The earlybird e-flyer is available to download from here

To further help providers throughout the PRS industry and to encourage early registration, the earlybird registration rate of £50 + VAT has been extended an extra month until the end of July. This rises to £80 + VAT in August and the full £100 + VAT from 1 September.

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. Ofcom has responsibility and accountability for the regulation of premium rate services under the terms of the Communications Act 2003. However, Ofcom has appointed PhonepayPlus to deliver the day-to-day regulation of the market, granting it formal powers to protect consumers on its behalf by approving its Code of Practice.

3. For more information, contact the PhonepayPlus Press Office on (020) 7940 7440 or email pressoffice@phonepayplus.org.uk