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Ofcom: action on rogue internet diallers

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  • 08-12-2005 2:59am
    #1
    eircomtribunal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,144 ✭✭✭


    Ofcom is in consultation to increase consumer protection against Internet diallers. This time they intend to include all diallers, that is also the type of diallers which do not work via premium service providers, but also those which we have been plagued with – and on which Eircom has made a killing with its band 13 pricing – which use other expensive numbers.

    What a BBC report can do for you!
    Ofcom today published proposals to increase consumer protection against rogue diallers.

    Rogue diallers use software to transfer dial-up internet connections from low-cost or freephone numbers to more expensive telephone numbers. The rogue dialler is installed on the computer without the customer's knowledge, usually when they open a spam email or visit a website where the software is hidden.

    Existing Premium Rate Services ('PRS') regulation applies to diallers using 09 premium rate or international numbers. Ofcom is proposing to extend these requirements to enable ICSTIS, the premium rate regulator, to take action against any rogue dialler irrespective of the telephone number used or the call charges involved.
    P.


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    #2
    eircomtribunal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,144 ✭✭✭eircomtribunal


    The trade mark TheRegister comment on Ofcom's belated action on non Premium Rate Service rogue diallers is here
    Rogue diallers fingered by Ofcom
    Ofcom is looking to clamp down on rogue diallers by closing existing loopholes.
    Existing Premium Rate Services (PRS) regulation only applies to rogue diallers using 09 premium rate or international numbers.
    Instead, Ofcom is proposing to take action against any rogue dialler - software that hijacks computers and dials expensive numbers racking up massive bills for their owners - regardless of what type of number is called.
    No doubt critics of the regulator will question why such loopholes existed in the first place and why Ofcom has only suggested introducing this safeguard now.
    According to the latest info available, complaints about rogue diallers have plumetted. Much of this is down to the shift from dial-up services to broadband, but PRS regulator ICSTIS can't help but also take some of the credit.
    "By Autumn 2005 we had achieved a 99 per cent reduction in the enquiry and complaint levels linked to Internet dialler services," said the latest activity plan from ICSTIS.
    "This was achieved through effective crisis management and partnership management with originating networks, Ofcom, DTI, trade bodies and others including the police."
    So, Ofcom's "Action on rogue internet diallers" which is open for consultation until December 22 looks...better late than never. ®

    On a related issue: Did anyone listen to the Pat Kenny show on the failings of our RegTel outfit (the Premium Services "industry" self-regulatory body under the auspices of ComReg and the ODCA – both have members on RegTel's board) on Thursday last?

    Link to listen to the show is here

    P.


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