Ofcom unveils proposals to protect consumers from rogue internet diallers

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 22-Nov-05

LONDON - Ofcom is planning to crack down on rogue internet diallers and is consulting the industry and public about new measures to protect consumers.

Rogue diallers use software to transfer dial-up internet connections from low-cost or freephone numbers to expensive premium rate telephone numbers. Often, the software is installed on the computer without the customer's knowledge, via a spam email or a website where the software is hidden.

Ofcom is proposing to alter the conditions relating to the provision, content, promotion and marketing of premium rate services to include internet dialler software -- irrespective of the call cost or the number.

It has proposed modifying the conditions because of growing evidence of the rogue dialler services using numbers beginning "08" and particularly "087".

The move would allow Icstis, the premium rate regulator, to take action against any rogue dialler, irrespective of the telephone number used or the call charges involved.

Ofcom said that it did not want to capture pay-as-you-go dial-up or unmetered dial-up services, and that it would exclude these services in its definition of internet dialler software.

The regulator has published a full consultation document on its website. The closing date for responses is December 22.

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