Today I was on an IT forum talking about Premium SMS, in particular the sign up process, and this has got me thinking - people don't really know how they sign up, how they unsubscribe and what should happen in between.
I guess one of my main motivations for this particular blog is that there are a lot of comments made in relation to content providers being crooks - and not defending them, but it's not really the case on the whole - sure there are some that are a bit if'y but I think most companies actually try and do the right thing.
Anyway, the sign up process - how do you manage to have a provider start sending you billed MT (mobile terminated - you know, when you receive a message) messages? Ultimately it's because at some stage you sent them a message to their shortcode to register for the service?
The next thing one normally hears is "no I didn't" - before you say it, think about it for a moment, it's easy to see for us and the network you're with if you have, and if you have you'll look like a dunce! Also bear in mind that if you had but didn't realise because someone else did it with your phone without your knowledge that won't cut it as you're responsible what the use of your mobile at all times. I'd suggest getting online and looking for some better friends.
However, if you really really didn't send them a message then they have a problem and you should be able to sort this out - but how? Well, that's a conundrum because typically we have TISSC and ACMA over looking these services - TISSC has a code of practice which service/content providers are supposed to adhere to, they also have a complaints line for these services too. ACMA is responsible for your advertising, and SPAM'ing if applicable. But then you have the TIO (Telecommunication Industry Ombudsmen) as well as your could always take your complaint to the ACCC or if you are a consumer (not business to business) then you could probably also go to Consumer Affairs/Fair Trading - which ever title they are using this week.
Phew, that sounded like something from a Monty Python sketch - "'m not arguing with you, yes you are, not I'm not..."
So that's that bit.
Back tracking a little bit to where you sent them a text message, and for argument sake we'll say you did (because we know you did! :p ), the first way is that you see the add and send a SMS to the shortcode and you have subscribed (forgetting about the advertising for the moment in itself). The other way is through an alternative channel such as a website, so you sign up and hand over your personal details and you're signed up? Not quite - the provider needs to send you a free MT SMS first requesting you to confirm the service - either by just confirming, or sending a PIN/code for you to reply back to. And then you're in.
The providers are not allowed to just start billing you without the opt-in directly from the handset - why? because there are some very disgruntled people out there that you may have upset one day who would love to sign you up to ever Premium Rate service on the net they can, also the providers couldn't actually prove that it was you who signed up to it and not this disgruntled person.
You should also be aware that if you have spent $30.00 on the service so far you need to receive a free message and if you are subscribed for 30 days then you you should also receive a free MT SMS - the message should advise the state of play and how you can unsubscribe from the service as well as contain a 1300 or 1800 contact number.
Lastly in order to unsubscribe you should simply be able to reply STOP to the message and you will be unsubscribed - and it shouldn't cost you anything either.
So there you go, a couple of handy tips for those who are having trouble with PSMS services - if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us as we're always happy to help (I know you shouldn't self promote in blogs, but this is different).
Cheers,
C
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