Posted on: 4th August 2023, by Magrathea
Welcome to the latest edition of the Magrathea Newsletter, combining news from Magrathea and around the industry.
Balance Transfers
Users of our Client Portal or RestAPI have the option to move funds between accounts, this is particularly useful for those of you who use a reserve account to manage your pre-pay exposure. If you are not already using one of these tools or you cannot see features down the left hand side of your Client Portal home screen, please contact us on support@magrathea-telecom.co.uk and we can very quickly arrange for you to have access to these tools, or to adjust your level of access so that you can use this feature.
Gaining Provider Led Switching & Porting
It feels like there is quite a lot of progress at last, on the residential side at least.
The One Touch Switching Company (TOTSCO) have recently started onboarding retailers with residential customers, and have circulated indicative pricing. We recommend checking their website for details on what to do https://totsco.org.uk/getting-ready-for-one-touch-switch/
You have until 11th August to feedback your thoughts on the proposed pricing structure, the bulletin can be found here https://totsco.org.uk/2023/07/25/bulletin-no-20-totsco-one-touch-switch-ots-charging-structure-proposal-and-request-for-feedback/
It is also worth noting that there are a number of third parties working to bring a managed solution to the market that will simplify the management of this process for smaller retails. Details can be found on the TOTSCO website.
The process for business providers is not yet quite so clear, if you serve this market you should keep an eye on here for updates: https://www.fcs.org.uk/gaining-provider-led-business-switching/
Ofcom compliance monitoring – emergency services
Ofcom have formally closed their monitoring programme into the availability of access to emergency services during power outages. No significant concerns were identified. They have shared an open letter reminding us all of our obligations: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/264846/open-letter-999-programme.pdf
Ofcom consultation: Mobile roaming guidance
Statutory protection in this area ended in June 2022 so the aim of this work is to address this gap; whilst Ofcom recognises providers already have guidance and support for end-users on roaming, the aim of their proposed guidance is to provide clarity on best practice for all parties. The final outcomes will ensure all providers have clear guidance on best practice and that all end-users can make informed decisions about services they use when roaming inside and outside the UK and EU. This includes receiving timely personalised information on costs, how to implement limits and clarity on when they are roaming in border regions in the UK. eg NI. The consultation on Ofcom’s suggested way forward ends 29th Sept 2023, with final decisions to be published early 2024.
Changes to the PSA Code of Practice regarding Information Connection & Signposting Services (ICSS)
The PSA have announced changes to the Code of Practice for ICSS, providers are expected to be compliant by 18th September 2023. In summary, the changes are:
- Make clear via the announcement that must be provided at the beginning of the call that:
- The organisation to which the service connects can be contacted directly for no or lower cost and provide the organisations official/direct contact number to assist consumers in contacting them directly
- The cost of the call (this is in addition to the existing requirement to state the cost of continuing the call)
- The cost to receive a SMS (where applicable)
- Obtain positive opt-in to continue with onward connection and/or receive a chargeable SMS (where applicable)
- Service charge for a single call must be capped at a maximum of £40 (inclusive of VAT). Consumers must be advised at the beginning of a call and before connection to be organisation that calls will cut off once the maximum service charge is reached
As always here at Magrathea we appreciate your comments and feedback, if there is anything you would like to contact us about, or you would like to opt out of receiving future newsletters, please email info@magrathea-telecom.co.uk
Kind regards
Magrathea
The information contained in this guidance is for your information only and is not intended to be relied on. It does not constitute legal professional advice, nor is it a substitute for you obtaining your own legal professional advice. Magrathea accepts no liability whatsoever for any errors, omissions or statements in this guidance or for any loss which may arise from your use of this guidance.