To the CRTC and the CWTA. Each of the undersigned constitutes a single complaint against premium text messaging services and associated account billing practices.
Premium text messaging services are often misunderstood due to the nature of the user who may be a novice technology user. Short forms in these texts and difficult to read fine print on mobile phone displays increases the probability of misunderstanding of the product. Misleading marketing tactics by the company’s marketing these products make it all the easier for users to enter into agreements unknowingly.
Resolution Sought - change account billing practices by mobile phone service providers
1. Clearly inform customers of this activity by having them sign a separate "opt in" box on thier service contracts.
2. All existing customers are opted out until they make a request to their mobile service provider to "opt in" for this type of account billing.
3. Premium text services bills client directly. This will ensure that subscriber knows they will be billed because they are asked to provide credit card or other billing information.