Research archive

10 December 2013

2014

Research conducted by Analysis Mason on behalf of PhonepayPlus as part of the review of the Code of Practice (12th Edition)

A review of the consumer journey in PRS and micropayment market.

2013

A review of how consumers have used PRS and other payments in 2012-2013

PhonepayPlus' review of the premium rate services market.

Findings of a survey by Jigsaw Research on behalf of PhonepayPlus, conducted to understand the consumer experience of ICSS and quantify the user and public perception of these services.

Our children’s plan is intended to:

Set out PhonepayPlus’s role in child protection and where we fit alongside others working in this area;
Describe how we see children’s use of digital services changing as a result of new technologies – including the shift from fixed-line internet to the mobile internet – and the potential risks that this can give rise to; and
Set out what PhonepayPlus is doing within our remit to protect and empower children and what we see as our main priorities in this area over the coming year.

2012

Findings of a report into the consumer and industry attitudes and experiences of charitable giving completed by Thinktank on behalf of PhonepayPlus.

This study for PhonepayPlus explores some of the international factors that enable malpractice to occur in premium rate markets around the world, and the various national regulatory strategies being adopted to tackle these factors.

Findings following a survey conducted by Jigsaw Research on behalf of PhonepayPlus amongst adults and children who pay to play games online.

2011

This report provides a comparative analysis of premium rate service markets and regulation in twenty benchmark countries around the world.

Research Briefing 1:

Research Briefing 2:

Research Briefing 3:

2010

This research shows that consumers back PhonepayPlus’ proposed new Code of Practice for the regulation of premium rate telephony services (PRS).

Findings from in-depth interviews with consumers carried out by Thinktank on behalf of PhonepayPlus show that consumers welcome the flexible, principles-based regulation suggested in the proposed Code of Practice. Across the board consumers were pleased and reassured that the PRS industry is regulated. At the same time consumers did not want ‘nanny-ish’ regulation that limited consumer choice.

This research, conducted by Recom on behalf of PhonepayPlus aims at gaining a better understanding of consumers’ level of comprehension of types of premium rate services which use an MT-billing payment mechanism.

This paper, prepared by Stephen Locke, sets out a framework for the assessment of consumer vulnerability and contains recommendations for PhonepayPlus’ work with consumers.

This PhonepayPlus market review of the premium rate service market contains key consumer research stating that in 2009 and 2010, consumer confidence was on the rise.

This market map provides a visual introduction to the premium rate value-chain and its interrelationships, including the value-chain for premium rate and inter-relationships between elements in the value-chain. Its purpose is to serve as a primer for other companies, organisations and individuals who require knowledge of the premium rate services value-chain. View the market map for phone-paid services 2010.

PhonepayPlus' review of the premium rate services market.

This report summarises findings of PhonepayPlus' commissioned research into the consumer experience of PRS. For more detailed information please view the individual report documents listed below.

This report outlines the opportunities and challenges for both consumers and industry in the emerging area of micropayments, which mark a convergence between the financial and telecommunications sectors. Among the report’s key recommendations is the establishment of a Code of Practice to regulate the provision of, and payment for, low-value digital goods and services, which applies across multiple platforms.

2009

This research by Recom on behalf of PhonepayPlus examines customer experience and aims to identify the likelihood of re-engagement with premium rate services in general following a complaint about a specific service. The first of a two-part report, this section looks at understanding patterns in the consumer journey.

This research by Recom on behalf of PhonepayPlus examines customer experience and aims to identify the likelihood of re-engagement with premium rate services in general following a complaint about a specific service. The second of a two-part report, this section looks at the re-engagement with premium rate services of those who had complained to PhonepayPlus.

This research released by PhonepayPlus reveals that there is a lack of understanding around charges for 087 numbers amongst consumers, and supports the introduction of new regulation to boost consumer confidence. From 1 August, providers of 087 services (numbers beginning 0871, 2, and 3, but excluding 0870) must comply with new rules set out by PhonepayPlus.

2008

In July 2008 PhonepayPlus published a report based on the findings of research conducted by TNS and Milwood Hargrave into mobile premium rate services. Based on the findings, the report contains proposals and PhonepayPlus opened a consultation calling for responses to these proposals.

This PhonepayPlus research shows the effect of new technology and changing consumer demand on the UK phone-paid services industry - a mature, sophisticated market which generated £1.08 billion in revenues in 2007.

This research, commissioned by PhonepayPlus and conducted by Recom aims to identify what is misleading for consumers or what may cause consumer confusion. Particularly, this research looks at the promotion of premium rate services.

2007

This research, published by ICTIS (the former name of PhonepayPlus) evaluates the implications of regulatory changes in the 0871 market. This research document accompanies an icstis consultation outlining how it proposes to regulate 0871 numbers when it assumes responsibility for their regulation in early 2008.

2005

This ICTIS (the former name of PhonepayPlus) research, commissioned by the organisation's Forward Look Group (FLG) covers future market developments in the premium rate industry.