HOW does Premium SMS work?

19 SMS Services are typically advertised via the following mediums:

• TV
• Online
• SMS
  
• IVR
  
• Radio
  
• Print Media (magazines)
  

In order to access a 19 SMS service you will be required to 'Opt-in' in response to an advertisement. The Opt-In model requires you to make a positive expression of consent before 19 SMS services are made available to you.

For a single event service, such as a competition or simple content purchase or a chat service you respond to a product offer received on your mobile phone or seen on a TV advertisement by texting a keyword to a designated 6-8 digit number starting with '19'

For a subscription service an Opt-in is typically initiated in three different ways:

1. SMS - you respond to a product offer received on your mobile phone or seen on a TV advertisement by texting a keyword to a designated 6-8 digit number starting with '19'.
2. Online - your mobile number is entered in an online advertisement.
3. IVR - you respond to a voice prompt in an automated recorded message received on your mobile

Subscription services require you to re-confirm your consent by responding to a subscription confirmation message that you will receive on your mobile handset. This ensures that consent is received by the actual owner of the mobile phone.

You should also check that your handset is compatible for receiving Premium SMS or MMS messages.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Before subscribing to a 19 SMS Service, it is crucial that you confirm the following details BEFORE you agree to opt-in.

• Check what it is that you are purchasing. Is it a subscription or a once off transaction? (Note: Most 19 SMS Services are subscription services)
• Check that the cost is clearly displayed in the advertisement
• Check the frequency of billing
• Check that a Customer Helpline is clearly indicated.
• Check that a means of unsubscribing (opting out) is clearly indicated

It is important that you do not delete any messages received from the premium service provider once you have subscribed. The detail contained in these messages will assist you should you have any subsequent queries.

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HOW do I PAY for a 19 SMS service?

Charges for 19 SMS Services will appear on your normal mobile phone bill as issued by your mobile service provider.

When viewing your bill:

• Check that the itemised transactions match the content which you have received
• Check that the 19 Number of the service/s that you have accessed is clearly indicated
• Check that a Helpline number has been provided

Note: Charges for 19 SMS services accessed using a pre-paid mobile will be deducted from your pre-paid balance.

More information: