The ACMA has registered new rules for third-party mobile content services that are directly billed to peoples’ mobile phone accounts.
Mobile content services, which can include ringtones, competitions, games and premium phone lines, can lead to people making unintentional purchases and running up the cost of their bill.
The new Mobile Premium Services Code, developed by industry peak body Communications Alliance, will impose a $20 monthly cap on mobile content services. People that want to spend above the $20 limit can do so by making a request to their mobile service provider.
Providers of these services will also be required to send notifications letting people know when they have spent $10 on any one service. This will help ensure people are better informed of their expenditure.
The code will not cover content services which require people to register and create an account, such as Netflix, Spotify or Google Play, which can be billed to a mobile account.
The Mobile Premium Services Code came into effect on 4 December.
Visit our mobile premium services page for more information.