Feedback to ACMA on blocking mobile premium SMS deadline looms

Stan Beer
Sunday, 18 October 2009 08:12

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

The Australian Communications and Media Authority wants feedback on its proposed new rules for blocking unwanted high-cost services delivered to mobile phones by the end of this week.

The ACMA released a consultation paper on 14 September, which sets out the proposed rules.

The consultation paper setting out the ACMA’s proposal for blocking of mobile premium services, and further information on submissions, are available on the ACMA website. Submissions are due by 5pm on Friday 23 October 2009.

‘The ACMA considers that mobile phone users would benefit from additional control over their mobile bills,’ said Chris Cheah, Acting Chair of the ACMA. ‘Under the proposal, mobile phone companies will be required to provide blocking of mobile premium services for their pre-paid and post-paid customers by no later than 1 July 2010.’

‘If you are concerned about receiving unwanted and costly premium services, including on a mobile phone used by a child, it is important that you read the consultation paper and provide feedback to us by 23 October,’ said Mr Cheah.

The ACMA’s proposal could be implemented either:

    * By default, where the use of mobile premium services on all new mobile accounts would automatically be blocked until the account holder formally requested otherwise.
    * As an option, where mobile account holders could request their mobile phone company to activate blocking of mobile premium services.

These rules complement action taken by the ACMA earlier this year. In May 2009, the ACMA registered a new industry-developed code of practice for mobile premium services which came into effect on 1 July. The code provides a range of new protections for consumers.

Compliance with key code provisions is under audit and the ACMA is formally investigating 14 providers of mobile premium services of suspected breaches of the code’s advertising obligations.