We regulate an industry that is driven by rapid changes in technologies and business models. If you like challenges and constant learning then Phone-paid Services Authority may be the right organisation for you. Find out more about our
Brief mentions on our most recent partnerships with Kaspersky, Which?, Lookout, Resolver, the Information Commissioner's Office and others.
Who we are
. As the telecoms, internet and payments sectors continue to grow globally at an unprecedented rate, the Phone-paid Services Authority takes action to safeguard consumers and help cutting-edge providers of digital content and services to thrive.
Our mission
in terms of mobile security threats. In 2014, a report by Lookout found that the UK has so far had relatively low experience of mobile malware compared with other countries, in part thanks to the Phone-paid Services Authority's efforts. With Lookout's help since 2012 until today we have been
The CAP is made up of a maximum of 17 people, from which three members are drawn to form the Phone-paid Services Authority’s Tribunals, which hear and adjudicate on cases against phone-paid services providers that the Phone-paid Services Authority suspects to be in breach of its Code of Practice.
The CAP's decision-making process is independent of the Phone-paid Services Authority, with the members (pictured below) being appointed for their specialist legal and adjudicatory experience.
To prioritise the sharing of data regarding new technologies and or business models as seen by both industry and the Phone-paid Services Authority.
The nominated trade body attendee should be in good standing with the Phone-paid Services Authority and should not have direct company association with any service provider or network whose breach record with the Phone-paid Services Authority is such that their membership of the ILP would undermine its integrity. Such matters will be judged on their merits by the collective membership of the ILP and the Phone-paid Services Authority. The Chairman will be appointed by the membership and be from industry.
Phone-paid Services Authority is a non-profit making organisation. We are funded by a levy on providers which is collected by network operators.
From time to time our income is supplemented by additional, non-budgeted income such as bank interest and fines or administrative charges collected from Network operator and providers who breach our Code of Practice.
Such non-budgeted income is carried forward to the next financial year and is used to offset the overall cost of Phone-paid Services Authority and the cost borne by industry for funding us. Using the fines in this way reduces the cost of regulation to companies who do not breach our Code whilst ensuring that those providers who trade unfairly bear a greater proportion of regulatory cost.
For example, a consumer who had complained to Phone-paid Services Authority about a phone-paid service and thought that we had misunderstood a significant part of the original complaint could use this process. A service provider that thought we had not followed our own published procedures could also complain.
We regulate an exciting industry that is driven by rapid changes in technologies and business models. If you like challenges and constant learning then Phone-paid Services Authority may be the right organisation for you. Find out more about our
Making a charity donation by text is a quick, simple method of making a one-off or ongoing contribution to a charity of your choice. These services will typically use five digit short codes prefixed 70xxx. You should ensure that you are happy with the amount you are donating before proceeding.
Directory Enquiry Services are typically provided by calling a six digit number which starts with 118xxx – these services can be expensive, therefore you should check the pricing on the promotion for the service before calling. They are not required to provide pricing on connection, however must warn you of the ongoing cost if you wish to connect directly to the telephone number you have requested. It is often better to make a note of the number you have requested and call it separately.
Phone-paid service numbers can be used for Gambling Services, most typically using text short codes or Payforit charging to your bill. Gambling services are subject to strict rules and limitations. Most gambling services will require you to set up an account and provide your personal details in order to use the service. Occasionally these charges will be presented as an 'in-app purchase', for example within an application for a Fruit/Slot machine. Remember that you are playing with real money.
If you are a business or have any other query on Phone-paid Services Authority as an organisation, please contact us
to get the contact details of a service provider.
*Calls to 03 numbers should cost no more than geographic 01 or 02 calls and may be part of inclusive minutes subject to your provider and your call package.
Copy advice and guidance on proposed service content is available free to service providers from the Executive. If your query relates to this, please e-mail us at