With the combination of higher-speed mobile networks and more
advanced handsets, modern-day smart phones allow users to do
everything from surfing the Web to checking their e-mails and
downloading ringtones over-the-air.
For telcos and other service providers, such telecommunications
advances are sparking innovations and new revenue streams.
Consumers are also benefiting from the convenience that these
services bring, such as the ability to have information and
entertainment literally at their fingertips.
However, consumers need be mindful that that there is a price to
pay for such benefits. Some of these offerings are classified as
“premium rate services” which carry a charge from the
service provider.
For example, some companies offer premium rate services that
allow users to download ringtones or wallpapers over the cellular
network. Others may allow cell phone users to obtain stock quotes
or access the latest local news through SMS.
Under the Code of Practice for Provision of Premium Rate
Services, a set of regulations introduced by the Infocomm
Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) in December 2007, a
subscription can only start with proactive confirmation on the part
of the end user. Providers of such services must also clearly
disclose all the charges and terms of their services. You should
not be charged for services that you had not requested for in the
first place. In addition, the service provider must also send you a
non-chargeable message to confirm the subscription, as well as
further messages at regular intervals for an ongoing subscription
service, to remind you of the subscription and the costs you would
incur. Such reminders must also contain instructions on how to
unsubscribe from the service.
While these guidelines exist, there are also instances of consumers
not having read the applicable prices and terms before subscribing
to premium rate services; or parents objecting to charges incurred
by their children. Thus, even though IDA has regulations in place,
always be mindful of what you are signing up for, and do monitor
your child’s usage of the mobile phone.
Should a PRS provider fail to disclose any prices and terms before
providing its service, or charge for unsolicited services, you can
contact IDA for assistance.
Consumer guide to premium rate services
Before subscribing to premium rate
services:
- Read and understand prices, terms and conditions of the service
subscription.
- Look out for charges stated in SMSes. Read and clarify those
charges if necessary.
- Understand the means to unsubscribe.
- Educate your child on the need to be mindful of prices, terms
and conditions when subscribing to premium rate services. Supervise
your children’s transactions if necessary.
During your
subscription:
- Look out for reminder SMSes on charges incurred.
- Clarify charges incurred or anomalies in your mobile phone
bills with your mobile service provider. If needed, your mobile
service provider is required to help you to contact the premium
rate service provider to dispute charges.
Report the case to the Infocomm Development Authority of
Singapore (IDA) when you know that a premium rate service provider
has breached regulations by:
- Failing to disclose all prices, terms and conditions before
providing you the service
- Charging you for services you never asked for
With the combination of higher-speed mobile networks and more advanced handsets, modern-day smart phones allow users to do everything from surfing the Web to checking their e-mails and downloading ringtones over-the-air.
For telcos and other service providers, such telecommunications advances are sparking innovations and new revenue streams. Consumers are also benefiting from the convenience that these services bring, such as the ability to have information and entertainment literally at their fingertips.
