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Consumer Advice For Premium Mobile Services |
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Written by Adam Gosling
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Tuesday, 04 September 2007 |
The
Australian Communications Alliance has announced a new online
information resource about mobile premium services for current and
potential customers to help them better understand the service and know
their rights and safeguards.
The
online tool provides detailed information on what Mobile Premium
Services are - the name given to information and content services
available via mobile phones and mobile Internet enabled devices. Mobile Premium Services can
be delivered via SMS and/or MMS to your mobile phone from telephone numbers starting with
191, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197 and 199.
The 195 and 196 number ranges are
for age-restricted services. These services can also be delivered to
your mobile phone or device through a content portal (often run by
mobile phone providers), or through an Internet browser program.
It also includes information on the regulation of premium services (the Mobile Premium Services Industry Scheme (MPSIS)),
content classification of such services, safety information and advice
to help customers know where and how to complain if they have a problem.
Subjects dealt with include how to Sign-Up for Mobile Premium Services, how they are billed and the Key Consumer Safeguards Contained In The MPSIS Scheme. It also provides
an outline of the complaint handling process and the Role Of The
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
"With
the increasing opportunity for consumers to have services such as
sports highlights, games, news feeds, wallpaper and ring tones readily
available for download on their mobile device, it is important that
they are fully informed on how these services work - in particular
costs and the associated terms and conditions. It is also equally vital
that they understand their rights and the safeguards that have been put
in place to create a positive customer experience," said Anne Hurley,
CEO, Communications Alliance.
"By empowering consumers to make more informed decisions regarding such
services, Communications Alliance aims to facilitate a proactive and
responsible industry."
"Adding
to the need for readily available consumer information on mobile
premium services is the government review of the Mobile Premium
Services Industry Scheme, set for later this year. With input and
feedback from the industry, this will ensure that the industry is
working in partnership for the benefit of the end user," concluded
Hurley.
Mobile premium content can include:
- sports scores;
- music clips;
- sports highlights;
- mobile wallpaper;
- games capable of being played on mobile telephones and other downloads;
- age-restricted content;
- chat services;
- news;
- financial data;
- weather information;
- horoscopes; and
- mobile ringtones.
http://www.commsalliance.com.au/activities/mobile_premium_services/customer_information
www.commsalliance.com.au
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