NOC sponsors workshop on PRS regulation at the 2007 Parliament & The Internet Conference
2007 has been a difficult year for all those involved in the premium rate telecommunication industry. Public confidence in TV competitions has hit an all time low as respected shows such as Richard & Judy and Blue Peter have had their reputations attacked for operating phone in competitions with insufficient transparency.
Consequently, NOC is striving to build a better understanding of the issues affecting the market so that industry and regulators can arrive at better regulation for all. October the 18th saw NOC sponsor a PRS workshop during the Parliament and the Internet Conference held at Westminster in London.
The workshop included a panel discussion between George Kidd, Director of Phonepayplus, Stephen Locke, Board member of PhonepayPlus and the National Consumer Council, and Barry Houlihan, Managing Director MIG and NOC Executive Member. Matters discussed included:
- The extent to which the recent revisions to the 2005 Gambling Act have helped to protect consumers and improve legal clarity for the industry
- The steps being taken by the premium rate regulator ICSTIS/Phonepayplus and the industry itself to regain public trust in premium rate telecommunication services
- The longer term challenges the industry will need to address if it is to be seen to be offering consumers value for money
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