July 30, 2018

Ofcom says that it is proposing to strengthen protection for consumers against information, call connection and signposting services (ICSS).

Ofcom explains that people can end up using costly premium-rate ICSS, sometimes inadvertently, after going online to find the contact details of a particular company. However, in most cases, organisations offer free, or cheaper, local call-rate numbers through which to contact them directly.

At present, most ICSS which use 087 and 09 numbers are regulated by the PSA. Over the last year, however, Ofcom has become concerned about consumer harm arising from ICSS operating on the 084 number range. These do not currently fall under the PSA’s remit.

To address this, Ofcom is proposing to place regulatory responsibility for all ICSS with the PSA, irrespective of their number range or price.

Ofcom is inviting views on its findings and proposal by 21 September 2018. To access the consultation, click here.