Shortcode subscriptions now double opt-in on Vodacom?

Summary: Mira announced that it has embraced Vodacom’s double opt-in system for WASPs, named MESH, but Vodacom explained that while the double opt-in rules are in place, policing of the rules is still manually done while they get MESH ready.

Earlier this week, wireless application service provider (WASP) Mira sent out a press statement saying that they have “wholeheartedly embraced Vodacom’s new double opt-in system.”

Calling the new system “MESH,” Mira quoted Vodacom managing executive of digital media, Prins Mhlanga as saying that MESH ensures adherence to “the best principles of consumer protection.”

Vodacom spokesperson Richard Boorman confirmed that Vodacom has had double opt-in rules in place for some time now, which they have been policing manually.

However, according to Boorman Mira jumped the gun a little as MESH isn’t quite ready yet.

Boorman explained that MESH will enforce Vodacom’s double opt-in policy across the network, preventing WASPs from breaking the rules.

Asked when MESH would be ready to enter production, Boorman said that they are busy testing the system but weren’t ready to announce a specific launch date yet.

The full press release from Mira is reproduced below.

Wireless application service provider (WASP) Mira has wholeheartedly embraced Vodacom’s new double opt-in system, Mesh, in line with its commitment to delivering its services in a manner that respects consumers’ rights.

Vodacom decided to introduce the double opt-in rules in response to complaints from customers who claimed they were not aware they were subscribing to WASP services. “By requiring customers who request WASP services to confirm their request prior to delivery of content and billing, MESH ensures adherence to the best principles of consumer protection. We want consumers to feel confident accessing mobile content and applications and the MESH platform goes a long way towards establishing this confidence,” said Prins Mhlanga, Vodacom Managing Executive: Digital Media.

Mira has taken good practice to its next level with the introduction of this double-opt in process, assuring consumers that it is fully compliant with Vodacom’s high standards for consumer protection.

MESH provides an extra layer of protection and transparency in consumers` relationships with companies that provide paid-for mobile content and applications. Mesh covers both ad-hoc and subscription services across the WAP, SMS and USSD channels.

Mira provides billing and connectivity services for companies that provide mobile content and applications to consumers. The company has wholeheartedly embraced Mesh as a means of delivering value to both the corporate clients it directly services to and the consumers that indirectly use its services.

Mira has invested significant resources in implementing Mesh in line with its promise to be a consumer-friendly company. For example, there is a daily conference call that takes place between Mira and Vodacom engineers for an hour aimed at resolving technical difficulties and debugging the system.

The introduction of the Mesh system will affect all third-party wireless application providers on whose behalf Vodacom bills and collects payment for content services. But Mira has been supportive of the system and proactive in its implementation because of the benefits it will bring consumers.

Says Deon Odendaal, general manager at Mira Networks: “We believe very strongly in following best practices in the way we interact with consumers and ensuring that are clients treat consumers fairly and ethically. As such, we welcome this new system from Vodacom and the protection it gives consumers.”

Mira Networks is a member of WASPA (Wireless Application Service Provider’s Association), and as such complies with all regulations and industry best practice set out both by South African law and the Association.