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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Essentials Of Premium Rate Numbers

By David Smythe

In our article we explain the uses and types of premium rate numbers and we also delve into some of the negative aspects and pricing information. Premium rate numbers are telephone numbers used for certain services and as the name suggests, the rate for such calls is higher than the normal ones. The concept and the technology is the same as the toll-free telephone numbers. That means the number remains the same irrespective of the area code.

These telephone numbers are regulated by a controlling body that governs both the content of the service and the price charged for providing the service. In the United Kingdom, this controlling body is known as ICSTIS (Independent Committee for the supervision Standards of Telephone Information Services).

A very common use for these services is technical support for computer software and hardware. Other uses include news, weather forecasts, directory inquiries, voting and competitions related to television shows. Adult chat lines are also part of this premium rate number network.

The telephone numbering plan provides premium rate numbers that are substantially different from normal telephone numbers. A 900 number service bureau assists service providers who offer 900 number programs. It does things like approving the 900 number programs, but it also operates the equipment and technology to process these 900 number calls.

Unfortunately, there is a little misuse and fraud pertaining to this 900-number service by Internet thieves. For example, prompting internet users to download a dialer, which is used to call a premium rate number. This then incurs charges on the users' telephone bill unbeknownst to them. Any revenue generated is shared between the service provide and the telephone company.

Countries in every part of the world use premium rate numbers. Most of them have their own individual regulator and controller. Depending on the availability of the number and the country, most numbers begin with 80 or 90.

A very common concept that is commonly used by the service providers is to use kickbacks from the high-rate international call tariffs. In most cases the calls do not leave the country of origin, though the number has a country dialling code. Hence this type of numbers has baffled the international jurisdiction.

The cost of premium rate numbers varies widely. They range from as little as a few cents and to more than a dollar, calculated on a per-minute basis. Should a customer make a call to a 976 number in the U.S., it will have a very high call rate -- as high as $2.99 for the first minute and 99 cents for each additional minute. Kids and teenagers can rack up large bills for their parents when the minors unknowingly call these numbers. To prevent unauthorized calls, phone companies now offer a 'premium rate number' barring service.

Aside from just a few negative aspects, premium rate numbers offer a useful, efficient way to charge for information and services.

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2 comments:

Unknown said...

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Unknown said...

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