Halak Online Ltd

The case concerned non-payment of financial sanctions and administrative charges imposed by an earlier Tribunal (case reference: 137924). The case, heard on 7 June 2018, concerned an Information, Connection and Signposting Service operated by Halak Online Ltd (the “Level 2 provider”). The Network operator for the Service was Dynamic Mobile Billing Ltd (the “Network operator”).

The Executive had received 3 complaints concerning the Service between 16 September 2017 and 29 November 2017. No additional complaints had been received since the Tribunal of 7 June 2018.

The Service was a ‘call connection’ service that offered connection to organisations sought by consumers. In addition, the Service offered consumers the option of downloading a recording of their phone call.

Considering all the circumstances of the case, the Tribunal decided to impose the following sanctions:

• a formal reprimand
• a fine of £250,000, comprised of £200,000 for the breach of paragraph 4.8.6 (b) of the Code and £50,000 for the breach of paragraph 4.11.2 (b) of the Code
• that the Level 2 provider be prohibited from having any involvement in any current or future PRS operated on a number or number range within the PSA’s regulatory remit for a period of 5 years or until all sanctions imposed by the Tribunal of 7 June 2018 have been complied with, whichever is the later.

Administrative charge recommendation: 100%