“New mobile rules mean premium safeguards for SMS” – ACMA headline.
Nothing wrong with using premium mobile as long as the user knows that the usage rates are also at a ‘premium.’ And by ‘premium’ is meant rates higher than the standard rate. Based on our observations, SMS to premium mobile numbers to download ring tones, enter into competitions or register your vote support for certain candidates to remain in talent shows attract rates anywhere from Australian $0.55 to $5.00 per SMS.
That’s basically what the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is saying when it introduces as from 1 July 2010 new rules requiring SMS providers to turn off all premium usages if users contact them and “ask for them to be turned off.”
In my view, however, the new rules may not be adequate to protect mobile users, especially the young, the unknowing and the impatient. Why not require access to premium numbers to be barred by default instead?
In the same manner that mobile phone’s access to overseas calls is barred by default, access to premium numbers should be switched off by default too. That will be a more effective and efficient safeguard than the procedures contained in the new rules.
If users would like to access premium numbers, then they request their providers to turn those on.
How many times have request for phone options to be de-activated been not actioned – because the providers ignored the request or because of failure in the provider’s system? And how many times have you been put on hold each time you call your service provider until you give up and cancel your call?
ACMA would be saving a lot of resources attending to complaints if premiums are switched off by default. And save us, the users, from angst in waiting for someone on the other end to answer our call.
Right now, as I write this short piece, I am waiting for someone to answer my call. You see, my call was placed on a queue and I have been waiting for almost fifteen minutes now. Am I going to lodge a complaint with ACMA? No, I am calling an association so I can pay my annual membership fee!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Totally agree with you, Romy. All premium options should be barred by default. Should not be the opposite. You mentioned about being put on hold. Been observing same. But almost all providers are the same.
Thanks again for dropping by, Rob. Yes, we hope to see premium options being treated as “premium” and ***not*** standard features.