CODE IS THE CONSUMER’S ALLY
Industry body the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (Waspa), has developed a code of conduct in an effort to minimise abusive trade practices. Network operators insist that content providers obey the code.
The code stops content providers from, for example, subscribing consumers to premium-rated services without their knowledge.
This sort of abuse has led to higher churn among prepaid cellphone users, who, instead of trying to unsubscribe to a service they don’t want, simply discard their Sim cards and switch networks. This is a big concern for the network operators, especially in light of the introduction in September of mobile number portability, which will enable consumers to switch networks without losing their numbers.
Germany’s Jamster has been accused of unethical practices and has come under fire in Europe for making it difficult for people to unsubscribe from subscription services. There is also a complaint pending against Jamster in SA, says Waspa chairman Leon Perlman
Waspa has eight adjudicators — all specialist lawyers — who consider complaints in terms of the code. There’s also an appeals panel. Waspa is empowered to impose fines, and has done so. It can also suspend services and insist that changes are made to advertising.
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