aimm News

Asiacell Iraq choose MCP Insight to protect their 16 million customers from fraudulent DCB traffic

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

 

Asiacell, the prominent Mobile Carrier in Iraq, has selected MCP to provide their anti-fraud and compliance monitoring solutions for Asiacell’s Value Added Services and Direct Carrier Billing services.

MCP will be working closely with IQ Services, the Carrier’s internal Master Aggregator, who manage all merchants offering services on Asiacell’s network.

MCP’s combined Scanner and Shield solutions enables Asiacell to detect fraudulent and non-compliant traffic on all advertising campaigns from the initial banner right through to billing. It is this cross analysis of data gathered that provides the 360 degree picture of what is happening at every click throughout the user’s journey. This is all collated in and controlled by MCP’s on-boarding portal, Net–which stores all tests, manages the resolution process and provides all the compliance/fraud performance reviews.

Declan Pettit, Director of MCP:

“We are delighted to have been selected by Asiacell to help in the fight against fraud. It shows they have serious intent to protect their customers against this current threat that affects the whole Carrier Billing Industry worldwide. It is only when all Carrier’s actively take this lead in the fight against fraud that bad actors will finally get the message that their efforts are futile.”

Chra Hussain, CCO of Asiacell added:

“At Asiacell, we understand that customer confidence in our systems and processes is absolutely essential to maintain our reputation of excellence. MCP have been selected as they have shown, throughout a lengthy trial, that their solutions are up to the essential job of protecting the whole Value-Added Services and Direct Carrier Billing value chain”

 

 

 

About MCP:

MCP was founded in 2014 and provides anti-fraud services across 35 countries currently. With 55 staff and offices in UK (Head Office), Dubai (Tech), South Africa (Regional)& Pakistan (Operations), MCP cater for the needs of a large selection of Carriers. 100% of MCP’s technology is built internally.

 

About Asiacell:

Asiacell “Brings Us Together” is the leading mobile telecommunications and digital services provider in Iraq, exceeding a subscriber base of 16 million satisfied customers as of January 1st, 2021. Asiacell is recognised as the first mobile carrier to operate in Iraq and the first to achieve full nationwide coverage, offering quality 4G services across all Iraqi governorates. Asiacell’s network covers 99%+ of the Iraqi population, making its national network the most extensive among the other two mobile operators in Iraq. Since January 2015, Asiacell is proud to be the best internet service provider offering the highest quality network in Iraq.

 

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.

Fonix to power mobile donations for The Prince’s Trust Awards on ITV

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

Fonix logo in blue

 

Today, Fonix announced that it will be providing the text donation mechanic for The Prince’s Trust Awards. SMS will feature on the awards for the first time in its history. Hosted by Ant & Dec, The Prince’s Trust Awards will air today on ITV.

The Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against all the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.

Fonix will be working with The Prince’s Trust and ITV to provide a text-to-donate platform, enabling donors to send a text message to donate either £10, £20, £30 or £40, all charged to their mobile phone bills.

The Prince’s Trust helps young people from disadvantaged communities to get their lives back on track by giving them the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn. Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976, the charity supports 11 to 30-year-olds across the UK who are unemployed, those struggling at school or at risk of exclusion. Since its inception The Trust has supported more than one million young people in the UK.

Clare Charles, Head of Client Management, said: “At Fonix, we have seen the huge impact of text donations across televised campaigns and are delighted that this will feature on The Prince’s Trust Awards show. We’re looking forward to seeing the results and the difference it makes to help support young people.”

Jessica Mitchell, Individual Supporters Manager for The Princes Trust, said: “Each year, The Prince’s Trust Awards allows us to celebrate the achievements and admire the resilience of young people across the UK and internationally. Incorporating fundraising into the show for the very first time is a natural and exciting addition for us. Fonix’s experience within the charity sector and continued success with text-to-donate made the partnership an exciting prospect.”

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

Text-to-donate raises over £6.8m in mobile donations for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Posted on by Andrea Putnam-Moorcroft

Fonix logo in blue

 

Fonix has been the mobile donation partner for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

More than £6.8m has been raised by the UK public via text-to-donate so far, to support the aid effort in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.

Since the beginning of March text-to-donate has been promoted across the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, Radiocentre, BT Sport and Co-op to name a few.

Concert for Ukraine, which took place in the UK on 29 March, raised more than £4.9m in mobile donations, helping contribute to the £13.4m raised on the night of the Appeal.

The two-hour show brought together names from the world of music for a unique event spreading a message of hope and support, and most importantly, raising funds for the ongoing DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The live show was broadcast across ITV, STV, ITV Hub and STV Player.

The show promoted text-to-donate, allowing donors to donate via text at one of four price points: £10, £20, £30 and £40. Donations were charged to a donor’s mobile phone bill.

Rob Weisz, CEO of Fonix, said: “We are so very proud to be able to work with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help the humanitarian effort to support those affected by the crisis in Ukraine.”

Simon Beresford, Director of Fundraising and Marketing of DEC, added: “We’re thankful to Fonix for enabling mobile donations so quickly and to the generous UK public whose donations will go on to make such a difference. As humanitarian needs continue to grow, the money raised will help to provide vital support to families caught up in this devastating conflict.”