The UK's telecoms regulator has issued an order banning a company from using the so called "missed call" scam to encourage cell phone owners to call a premium rate line. The company, Komtel has been making very short calls to mobile phones which consumers were unable to answer. When the consumers rang back to see who has called unnecessary call charges were incurred. Following a notice of intention issued by Oftel in June, a final order to prohibit Komtel from using automatic calling equipment in this manner was been published last week.
Peter Waller, Deputy Director of Telecommunications said "Oftel acted quickly following a number of complaints made against Komtel.
"This final order will stop Komtel using automatic calling equipment to trick consumers into calling a number back and incurring unnecessary charges on phone bills.
"Consumers should always think twice before returning calls to unrecognised numbers."
Oftel does not currently have the power to fine firms that breach their licences. Under proposals in the Communications Act, Oftel and Ofcom will have the ability to issue fines of up to US$8,000 for persistent network misuse. The use of automatic calling equipment to call consumers without their consent is likely to be considered to be a persistent network misuse, as Oftel has detailed in its recent consultation on persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communications service."
Posted to the site on 22nd July 2003
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/9333.php