Ofcom

Ofcom give update on the release of their consultation

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

The Future of PRS Regulation, Ofcom Consultation Update

Ofcom logo

Industry had been expecting the release for the Future of PRS Regulation Ofcom Consultation, over the next few days. However, aimm has had an update from Ofcom stating that they have had to push this date back to early November, as they iron out the final details.

aimm has a series of Consultation workshops for our members in the diaries, to provide an opportunity for an exchange of views and feedback during the consultation period (which is expected to be 8 weeks).

As we look to reschedule these for the later release date there may be the opportunity for non-members to book a seat at one of our virtual online workshops, so others across industry have the chance to add their voice alongside that of the membership.

aimm will be submitting an official response to the consultation, as we do with all regulatory consultations, and the feedback we receive from across the industry value chain during these workshops helps to shape this document.

Having a seat at one of our workshops is a valuable opportunity to have your voice heard on such a pivotal regulatory milestone. If anyone is interested in finding out more about these workshops please get in contact with aimm.

 

Ofcom Consultation October release date

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

Ofcom logo

Ofcom have provided an update about the release of their pending consultation to industry.

It had been expected at the start of September, but they have now confirmed that they are working to publish their document in early to middle of October. The consultation period is expected to be 8 weeks long. There is however, the potential that this may get pushed back due to the Parliamentary Recess taking place during this time.

This consultation represents the biggest regulatory change in 10 years, and industry are looking to this document to see what the regulatory landscape will look like going forwards, though Ofcom have confirmed they hope to keep as much of Code 15 as possible.

aimm’s Code 15 training is available for companies who wish to ensure that their business and staff are compliant under this Code. This comprehensive training provides a look at the key elements of Code 15 and the Standards a Provider is required to operate under. If this is something you would like to learn more about and how this could benefit your business get your copy of the information pack above.

aimm are running a series of Workshops through November to allow members to provide feedback and thoughts that will contribute to aimm’s consultation response.

We will continue to keep industry updated on this and the timelines for this release. If you wish to receive occasional industry and regulatory updates for your business please use our contact form to request to join our mailing list.

Learn more about the transition of the PSA into Ofcom and the Ofcom Consultation

aimm response to PSA announcement (future of phone-paid services)

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

While we are surprised by this announcement, (regulatory responsibility will transfer from the PSA to Ofcom in late 2023) coming less than a month after the launch of a new Code of Practice, we do understand the reasons that have been put forward for the absorption of the PSA into Ofcom.

Huge progress has been made through collaboration across Industry and ongoing communication with the PSA – in particular the ability to liaise with the regulator on highly technical matters – and we look forward to continuing this relationship with Ofcom.

As the transition develops, we will continue to work with our members to ensure that they are consulted and able to input into the regulatory changes at every stage. In building a new relationship with Ofcom, we are keen that we can help refine further a regulatory landscape that is proportionate and allows for innovation and opportunity in our changing market.

For full details regarding the announcement by the PSA on their merger with Ofcom please see their press release.

The future of phone-paid services

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

 

The Phone-paid Services Authority, the organisation which regulates premium rate services, and Ofcom have announced today that regulatory responsibility will transfer to Ofcom in late 2023, subject to further DCMS approval. From that point, the PSA would cease to operate as an independent body.

This proposed transfer of regulatory responsibilities has been approved by the Ofcom board.

For full details of the story please visit the PSA website: The Future of Phonepaid services

PSA consultation on revised Special conditions for ICSS

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

PSA proposes extension of regulatory requirements to all call connection services and strengthens requirements

The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) has opened a consultation on revised Special conditions for ICSS – third-party services that connect or signpost callers to popular helplines via a premium-rate number.

The proposals are intended to improve the information about these services that is given to consumers, both in search results and on service websites, to make it clearer that they are third parties and that calls via an ICSS may be more expensive than calling the desired number directly.

These proposals follow changes in January 2019 to extend the scope of Ofcom’s Premium Rate Service Condition to include all ICSS within the definition of controlled premium rate services. This extended PSA regulation to all ICSS irrespective of the number range they are operating on. This consultation proposes that the PSA’s Special conditions for ICSS should apply to all ICSS, regardless of number range.

The consultation is open until 10th June 2019. Respondents are advised to use the new PSA consultations response form, available from the PSA website.