April 2010 Round up

Knowledge & Networking News

Dear Members and Colleagues,

Having spent the first few months of the year working with members on key industry issues and representing these views to regulators, it's more than appropriate that the next few months should include a networking emphasis.  This month, we are supporting a member drinks evening event on the 19th May, hosted by Simmons & Simmons, and we hope most members will be able to attend and network with other Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) sector businesses. Also approaching fast is a one day K&N Seminar 'Empowering the Charity Sector with Interactive Technology' on the 27th May. Working with members and charity sector stakeholders to drive the uptake of interactive technologies and funding through micropayments should continue to open up our industry to a wider base, and encourage trust in using phonepaid services.
 
Looking forward, we are currently putting final touches to the AIME Industry Golf/Spa Day on 7th July, and will host a World Cup networking bash in June - details will be forwarded to interested parties.
 
In May there a number of major consultations to respond to, with the first draft of the 12th Code now out for consultation, whilst Ofcom is in the initial stages of its major review of NTS regulations and its powers to regulate pricing. Keep an eye out for the dates of the various regulatory roundtables, which will be published shortly, our next roundtable is on the 6th May to discuss the PhonepayPlus Registration Scheme.
 
We will be meeting with PhonepayPlus on the 18th May to specifically address areas of regulatory process and discuss some of the recommendations we have put forward to ensure a fair and proportionate regulatory environment. It is important, that during the consultation period of proposed change from 11th Code to a principles based Code, AIME works closely with PhonepayPlus to review all areas that will underpin a successful forward thinking regulatory regime and deliver industry confidence. If you have specific issues or views on the regulatory process or PhonepayPlus adjudications that will contribute to these discussions please let David Ashman know, davidashman@aimelink.org.
 
On the 12th May we will also be meeting with Ofcom to present the findings of AIME's research on European PTV regulation, building on our argument to providing psychic services with greater advertising freedom.
 
For further information on any of the above events, or if you are interested in attending then let Zoe know asap, zoe@aimelink.org
 
We would also like to welcome new members Go Telecom and Cute Media

Toby Padgham
AIME General Secretary

Chairman's Brief

Dear Members,

I'm having to plan my day on Thursday in order to vote, living rural makes options difficult. When will Parliament take the step and look at a secure form of voting across land line, SMS and web? If anyone fancies talking to me about this and how we may be able to progress a discussion with the (new) Leader of the House then let me know.

I suppose that AIME does not have any particular allegiance to any party. What we want is effective but light touch regulation (I guess the Tories would be more in this zone) and a market place which allows entrepreneurialism and investment, I am not going to suggest which party may encourage this more.....but then again do we also not want more cross border capabilities for Euro campaigns and does this not fit in with the Clegg family? We'll see.

I'd like to welcome the new board which meets later this month. We have some new faces (Richard Mann, Oliver Wimmeroth, Dawn Cooper & Graham Pottie) and also some returning ones (Jeremy Flynn, David Sheridan, Rory Maguire, Paul Lynch, Rudd Apsey & Sally Weatherall). The vice-chair will be elected at the next board and we will be advising members of new roles and responsibilities. Thanks to all who stood, congratulations to those who were successful, bad luck to those who weren't and well done to all on a good turnout (over half members voted, perhaps not as good as what will be achieved on May 6th).

A key area of focus over the coming weeks will be the new 12th code consultation and you will have seen the press release which we sent out last week (also attached in this newsletter). Overall, the proposed new code of course is a real feather in the cap for AIME as it contains many of the things we've been lobbying for over the past few years. This includes registration, more focus on promoters and better use of help notes around a more simplified code. I am pleased to report that PhonepayPlus has listened to our requests and we must now remain focused on ensuring that implementation is carried out in the best way for industry. There will be a working group set up by AIME which will be co-ordinating the industry response to the consultation and I would ask for full co-operation here.

Your board and the executive remain focused on a number of important areas including the above, various other consultations and working with PhonepayPlus to address other strategic areas. Overall I believe we are making some headway. There's a hint that revenues may be on the up, complaints are down; however confidence remains brittle and I want to read of more companies setting up in the UK and developing new products and services as opposed to retrenching and in some cases closing down. Clearly, there's still some way to go in order to get the balance right between formal and self-regulation and also getting products and services in a form which ensures consumer take-up. I am aware that some sectors of the industry are pleased with progress, there are others who do not see this and AIME's job is to try and create a positive momentum for us all.

Finally, I'd like to encourage attendance at the Charity event on May 27th, see details in this round up. It should be a very good event.

Edward Boddington
AIME Chair

Showcase

AIME Knowledge & Networking Seminar: Bringing together all Value Chain Participants involved in creating Dynamic Effective Interactive Campaigns for Charities

In just over three week's time, the most innovative organisations and individuals developing interactive tech solutions for charities will gather in London for the first full-day AIME Knowledge & Networking Seminar event entitled: Empowering the Charitable Sector with Interactive Technology.

The agenda is cross-industry and cross-platform, combining strategic views, executive insights and case studies from network operators, mobile aggregators, broadcasters, marketing agencies and major charitable organisations, that have run successful interactive fundraising and awareness raising campaigns in the UK and US.

Read more here...

 

Representation

Meetings

  • Quarterly Meeting with PhonepayPlus (PPP) - 14th April
  • Working Group meeting with IPPSA on ComReg consultation - 14th April
  • ILP Meeting - 20th April
  • IBF - 28th April

AIME Initiative: Registration Scheme

  • Consultation Interim Update issued by PPP seeking industry agreement to move ahead with registration scheme
  • Concerns expressed that consultation seeks a blank cheque from industry on scheme details
  • AIME has written to PPP maintaining importance of a greater role for industry in scheme governance
  • AIME Roundtable Meeting on Registration arranged for 6th May - contact Zoe@aimelink.org for further details
  • PPP 12th Code also now published requesting feedback on the Registration Scheme
  • AIME Press Release - PPP Announces Consultation for 'Stripped Down' Regulatory Code of Practice

PhonepayPlus (Pp ) the premium rate industry regulatory body today issued details of its next consultation process that, if ratified will see it introduce a simplified Code of Practice for the premium rate industry. The consultation is welcomed by the leading premium rate industry trade body,

Specifically:

     * AIME has lobbied hard for a principles based code of practice in recent years as media convergence and continually evolving technology make it an increasingly challenging task for the PP Code of Practice to deliver its remit of fair and proportionate regulation.
     * A principles based and outcomes focussed Code supported by flexible guidance should encourage a more productive and co-operative approach to premium rate regulation
     * The proposed changes support AIME's long held view that regulatory responsibility should be fairly and proportionately applied down the value chain with more emphasis on merchants' services at the point of sale, where the services meet the consumer and where customer service, together with investment in quality premium products is key to building trust in premium rate services. 
     * Registration Scheme: AIME has been successful in its lobbying for an industry registration scheme for PRS operators, which will underpin the new Code. This will provide more transparency of companies involved in the industry and strengthen the regulatory framework

Read Full Release

AIME Initiative: Regulatory Best Practice

  • AIME successful in its request to limit PPP Emergency Procedure distribution to registered Service Providers only until new registration scheme is implemented
  • Analysis of PPP adjudications and process is being carried out to assess fairness & proportionality of regulation
  • AIME has formally written to PPP to seek feedback on AIME's Triage scoring system suggestions
  • SLA on Case Processing times, consistency and transparency to be discussed with PPP on 18th May
  • Clarity being sought over converged media regulation

AIME Initiative: Interactive Broadcast Forum

  • AIME Proposal for PTV Regulation change has been presented to PPP Board - proposal is being reviewed by Ofcom mid-May 
  • AIME IBF Forum Meeting 28th April attended by Bradley Brady, PhonepayPlus 
  • Link to AIME's Callcosts.co.uk site now being included in T&Cs of several voting shows
  • Discussion taking place on Proposals for trial of Voice Shortcodes in a low volume call environment and next steps for SMS voting

AIME Initiative: PTV Psychic / Tarot

  • AIME has submitted to Ofcom a point-by-point rebuttal of the 77 page BCAP argument to maintain existing advertising restrictions
  • AIME calling for freedom to spot advertise on mainstream channels, to direct viewers to EPG
  • Clarity sought on occult definition and suggestion made for new 'psychic entertainment' category
  • Survey is being carried out of regulation in the more successful German, Polish, Austrian and Spanish markets to seek best practice examples
  • Research feedback currently being compiled for submission to Ofcom - meeting 12th May
  • Ofcom statement on regulation of PTV advertising expected in May

AIME Initiative: PRS in Print

  • Revised draft of PRS print best practice guide produced following initial consultation with publishers and advertising agencies
  • New guide to include pictorial examples of good advertising copy
  • Emphasis on clear pricing and common sense approach to responsible promotions
  • Publishers encouraged to seeking AIME advice if promotions appear unclear or unreasonable
  • Draft to be circulated to members for comment in May

Payforit 3.0

  • Payforit Research Working Group Meeting arranged for 19th May - contact Zoe@aimelink.org for further details

ILP Update

  • ILP Meeting 20th April
  • Ofcom presentation on Non Geographic Call Services Review (consultation will include tariff transparency)
  • PPP to restrict EP broadcast to a limited registered Service Provider distribution list following AIME Pressure
  • PPP to make decision on off-the-shelf vs bespoke IT build for Registration Scheme this month
  • Working Group formed to consider blue sky suggestions for Comms Act
  • Industry trade bodies to be consulted over definition of controlled PRS

Regulatory Update - PPP Quarterly Report

Industry Complaint and Revenue Summary

  • Overall complaints have decreased 41% for 2009/2010 Q4 in comparison to Q4 of 2008/2009 (4,190 vs. 7,070)
  • Q4 Complaints specific to mobile services decreased 64% (1,663 vs. 4,604)
  • Calls made to the PPP call centre in Q4 have decreased 45% in comparison to Q4 of 2008/2009 (7,076 vs. 12,884)
  • 55 Lead cases were identified in Q4 2009/2010 in comparison to 52 cases in Q4 of 2008/2009
  • Outpayments for 2009/2010 Q3 (last available figures) amounted to £163,958,034
    • 36.9% mobile
    • 31.2% Fixed
    • 22.5% DQ
    • 9.3% 087
  • Excluding 087 traffic, outpayments are down £12,529,316 on the same period last year, 7.8% drop in revenue.
  • The Mobile sector has seen a large decline, whilst the DQ sector continues to grow slightly and the Fixed-Line sector remains relatively stable

(Source PhonepayPlus Quarterly Report Q4 09/10)

Industry Consultations

Ofcom & ATVOD - Regulatory Fee Structure for Video on Demand 2010/11

  • AIME response to be submitted 7th May welcoming appointment of ATVOD

ComReg - Scope of Premium Rate Services Regulation

  • AIME member working group meeting held with Irish Phone Paid Services Association (IPPSA) 14th May to consolidate member views 
    • Main concern with Mobile Subscription services
  • AIME to endorse IPPSA's response and submit generic response from UK perspective
  • Members encouraged to submit own responses - extension has been granted until the 14th May

PhonepayPlus - Registration Scheme for PRS: an interim update

  • PRS Registration Scheme interim update published 13th April seeking Industry to move ahead with implementation of the scheme
  • Response to be submitted 25th May
  • AIME member working group meeting to be held on 6th May to gather general feedback on the Registration Specification ahead of the formal consultation - please contact Zoe@aimelink.org to register

Ofcom - Review of Non Geographic Call Services 

  • Call for input paper published 30th April to seek initial Industry comments on current market
  • Strategic regulatory review of non geographic call services within the National Numbering Plan including 03, 070, 08, 09 and 118
  • Responses to be submitted 28th May
  • Formal consultation will be published in the summer

PhonepayPlus - Multi-party Chat

  • AIME member working group meeting will be held to form Industry response - please contact Zoe@aimelink.org to register for working group
  • Responses to be submitted 9th June

PhonepayPlus - New PhonepayPlus Code of Practice 

  • New Code of Practice published 29th April
  • AIME Press Release
  • AIME member working group will be formed - please contact Zoe@aimelink.org to register
  • Initial responses will also be discussed at the AIME meeting on 6th May
  • Response to be submitted 8th July

Ofcom - Approval of PhonepayPlus Code of Pracitce (12th edition)

  • Ofcom consultation published 29th April seeking approval of PPP 12th Code
  • Response to be submitted 8th July

Industry consultations & AIME responses can be found on the AIME website
AIME encourages members to also respond individually to consultations 
For further information please contact Zoe@aimelink.org

Information & Networking

  • 2 New members: Go Telecom & Cute Media
  • AIME attendance at MIT networking drinks
  • Member Email alerts sent out including:
    • BT Wholesale PRS Bad Debt Surcharge Update
    • Consultation Updates: ComReg Scope of Premium Rate Services Regulation,  PhonepayPlus Registration Scheme Interim Update, PhonepayPlus 12th Code
    • AIME announces New Board and Strategic 3 Year Plan
    • AIME Events Information and member networking invites
    • AIME Member Working Group Invites  - PhonepayPlus Registration Scheme, Payforit Research, ComReg Consultation 

Member News

MIT's MIDAS platform delivers three million mobile interactions

Sport Relief 2010 has so far raised a ground breaking £31.6 million, with £3.4 million generated during this year's campaign via £1, £5 and £10 mobile donations. This year's Sport Relief campaign is the first time Comic Relief has used a £10 text donation mechanic. All text donations made by the public have benefitted from 100% out payments thanks to mobile network operators waiving their usual fees. 

Let's face it, we've all read enough about the depth and the length of the current economic downturn to be quite fed up with it. But whatever your view on the speed and shape of the recovery - wave, V or bath - one thing we can all rely on is that the bills still have to be paid. In fact, the average British household pays nearly £1million in bills over a lifetime1 and current average household debt stands at £60,000, made up of £50,000 secured debt and £10,000 unsecured debt.2 

23rd April 2010, London: The very first iPhone App for ITV1's Britain's Got Talent has been an immediate success, jumping to the top of the App charts in a matter of days. Britain's Got Talent is one of the UK's most popular TV shows and the App, produced by talkbackThames digital in collaboration with MIG, launched on Thursday 15th April. Created by Kilrush Application Studios ( KAS ), it has been built specifically for iPhone and iPod touch users who are avid fans of the show and is available for free via the App store.

  • Oxygen8 Communications Launches New SMS Rates

    - New SMS rate card covers over 700 Carriers from just 1.1p per message -

    6th April 2010: Global micro-billing, communications and mobile enablement specialist, Oxygen8 Communications www.oxygen8.com/ today announces its new SMS bulk rates for UK media companies and corporates who are looking to maximise revenues from mobile marketing activities internationally

Dates for your diary!

11-12th May - MVNOs Industry Summit - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
19th May - Simmons & Simmons TMT Sector Networking - AIME members only
26-27th May - Open Mobile Summit - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
27th May - AIME Knowledge & Networking Seminar - Empowering the Charitable Sector with Interactive Technology - all day event, discount for members & charity sector
9th June - M-Publishing - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
9-11th June - World Telemedia - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
22-23rd June - Global Messaging Congress - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
22-23rd June - MeM - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
7th July - AIME VIP Golf & Spa Day - please contact bianca@aimelink.org for details of team sponsorship packages 
21-22nd September - ad:tech - AIME Supporting Association, member discount

If you would like further information on any of AIME's activities, initiatives or benefits of membership, please contact me at zoe@aimelink.org

Kind Regards,

Zoe Patterson
General Manager

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