087 Affiliate Scheme

AIME launches Affiliate Scheme to support companies providing 087 numbers.

On 1st August 087 numbers were reclassified as ‘Controlled Premium Rate Services’ (PRS) and this means that regulation now falls under the remit of PhonepayPlus (PP+), the regulator for phone paid services. Companies reselling 087 services (excluding 0870) now need to follow the PP+ Code of Practice and register as a Service Provider. As such you will become industry stakeholders and carry other responsibilities such as contributing to the funding of PP+.

What is AIME?

The Association for Interactive Media & Entertainment (AIME) is the representative UK trade organisation for the premium rate industry. We promote excellence in the Interactive Media industry and work to create an environment of consumer trust and industry confidence within which our members’ commerce can grow.

Our membership includes the UK’s leading Network Operators and Service Providers. We have worked with our members to put together an ‘Affiliate Membership’ package aimed at supporting your business needs.

Impact of new regulations for 087 – your responsibilities
Under the PP+ Code of Practice the Service Provider (reseller) is responsible for:

Code compliance

You may delegate regulatory responsibility to a contracted Information Provider, but you are ultimately accountable for compliance and any infringement of the Code by your contracted partners. It is therefore important that these regulatory responsibilities are thoroughly understood and what it means for your business should sanctions be administered. You may be required to pay a fine or administer refunds.

Registration

It is a PP+ requirement that the Service Provider registers company and director details. You will also need to register with the Information Commissioners Office.

Due Diligence

You are responsible for conducting due diligence on service partners. In the course of a PP+ investigation, insufficient due diligence carried out may result in a Service Provider being investigated, rather than its Information Provider partner.

Funding

Service Providers are responsible for the funding of PP+. This will be collected by Network Operators and the current PP+ levy on outpayments is 0.48%. You will have noted from PP+ literature, that where no revenue share exists PP+ will make a value assessment of services at 60% and charge a levy appropriately. AIME has already made recommendations to PP+ regarding its funding structure, to encourage a more direct relationship between PP+ and Service Provider stakeholders.

The Phonepayplus policy team should be able to answer most queries you have on regulatory requirements www.phonepayplus.org.uk.

So how can AIME help?
It is important to note that AIME’s prime role is to work across industry ensuring regulation is fair and proportionate, not only in its protection of consumers but that it remains business enabling. We have 15 years of experience working with members to raise standards and look after their commercial interests.

AIME offers regulatory consultation and representation, information, knowledge and networking support to its members.

Affiliate Membership provides you:

Industry representation & lobbying
Impartial regulatory advice
Regular news updates on issues affecting 087
Funding representation re. PP+ spend of your levy
Dedicated web page to 087 information & resource
Opportunities to network and share information with industry peers
Discounts to legal & regulatory support

Full list of benefits and AIME Affiliate Package

AIME is already working to improve the regulatory environment that now impacts your business, by representing industry views to Ofcom on their regulatory Scope Review and PP+ 12th Code Consultation. Importantly we are proactively driving a set of Industry Initiatives that will support your business, including:

PP+ Funding Proposal
Promoter Registration (moving regulation responsibility to the point of sale)
Service Provider Best Practice
Call Cost transparency - Callcosts.co.uk

Tony Couch, Head of Wholesale Partners (Inbound) at Opal and AIME board member said: “By default 087 providers will be paying for PP+ regulation through the levy system so it makes perfect sense to understand the new regulatory landscape and find a voice through AIME.”

To see a full list of Affiliate Membership benefits please contact us:

Contacts:
AIME Secretariat: 08445 828 828
PhonepayPlus - You can contact PP+ for compliance advice www.phonepayplus.org.uk.