Tiscali UK Ltd - Code of Practice
Contents
1.Introduction to Tiscali-Who we are
2. Purpose of Code
3. Our products and Services
3.1 Internet access
3.2 Phone service
3.3 pricing Information
4. How to apply for our services
4.1 Internet
4.2 Phone
4.3 When can I expect my service to be available
5. Bills
6. Making a Payment
7. Cancelling and Disconnecting your service
8. Faults and Repairs
8.1 Internet dial up fault and repair
8.2 Broadband fault and repair
8.3 Tiscali Talk fault and repair
8.4 Reporting Abuse
9. Complaints
9.1 Step One-How to contact us
9.2 Step Two-What we will do
9.3 Step Three-If you are not satisfied
9.4 Step Four-If you continue to be unhappy
9.5 Step Five-Further Action in order to resolve your dispute
9.6 Our Escalation Process
10. Contact Information
10.1 Phone Services
10.2 Broadband Services
10.3 Dial up Internet Services
10.4-To make a complaint-all products
10.5-Extra Help online
11. Other useful addresses
Sales and Marketing Code of Practice for Fixed-line Telecommunications Services
Section 1: Sales, marketing advertising and promotion
Section 2: Recruitment and sales training
Section 3: Customer contact
Section 4: Entering into a contract – information, order forms and contracts
Section 5: Customer protection and other legal requirements
Section 6: Audit
Premium Rate Services (PRS) Code of Practice
1. Purpose of this Code of Practice
2. What are Premium Rate Services (PRS)?
3. How to identify a Premium Rate Number
4. How much do Premium Rate Services cost?
5. How do Premium Rate Services work?
6. Barring access to Premium Rate Services
7. Who should I contact if I believe I have been incorrectly charged for PRS calls?
8. What is an Internet dialler?
9. How to protect yourself from Internet diallers
10. Premium Rate Service scams
11. Who are ICSTIS?
12. ICSTIS's role and powers
13. How ICSTIS may be able to help further
14. How can I obtain further information on PRS or a particular PRS number?
15. How to make a complaint to ICSTIS
16. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme
17. The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) & The Fax Preference Service (FPS)
18. Responsibility for this Code of Practice
Number Translation Services (NTS) Code of Practice
1. Purpose of this Code of Practice
2. What are Number Translation Services (NTS)?
3. How much do NTS calls cost?
4. Responsibility for this Code of Practice
Code of practice
1. Introduction to Tiscali - who we are
We were launched in Cagliari, Italy, and set up operations in the UK in July 2001 after acquiring Liberty Surf, World Online and LineOne. Most recently, we bought Tiny Online and Gateway ISP. The customer is at the heart of our system of values and in line with this principle, we have developed a series of easy-to-use products and services.
It is our vision to be the Leading European internet company: being independent and innovative and making the internet affordable for everybody.
2. Purpose of this code
This code of practice, together with our standard terms and conditions for the relevant product or service that you take from us, describes the relationship between you the customer, and us, the service provider. The purpose of this code of practice is to provide our customers with details of:
- the services we offer and how we aim to deliver those services to you; and
- what you should do if you want to contact us regarding a new service or to tell us about any issues with an existing service.
This code is available for review on our website
http://www.tiscali.co.uk. Customers can request a hard copy by calling
0871 222 3311 or by writing to our Customer Services Address detailed in the Contacts section at the end of this document. Braille and Large print versions of this document are also available by specific request.
This code has been approved by Ofcom the regulator and we are part of the independent Ombudsman Scheme, CISAS.
3. Our products and services
3.1 Internet access
We offer a wide range of great value internet access packages
| Pay As You Go | No monthly fee, you simply pay local call rates for your time online as charged by your existing phone supplier. |
| Tiscali AnyTime | Go online at any time of the day or night (up to 150 hours a month).
|
| Tiscali DayTime | Go online during weekdays from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
|
| Tiscali DayTime Plus | Go online seven days a week from 8am to 6pm Monday to Sunday.
|
| Tiscali OffPeak | Go online during off-peak hours (Monday to Friday 6pm to 8am and all weekend). |
| Tiscali Broadband | We offer a choice of broadband packages-please see our website for further details. |
Whether you are a prospective new customer or an existing customer, for more information on all our internet products, please visit our website at
http://www.tiscali.co.uk.
3.2 Phone service
Tiscali Talk is our phone service.
It works with your existing BT line and number. Once you register, your calls are routed over our network. To access our network, your line will have been programmed to automatically route your calls via our network using a product called 'carrier pre-selection'. Alternatively you may be using a dialler box or an access code. We will bill you for all your call charges whilst BT will continue to bill you for your line rental charges. Our range of Tiscali Talk packages include:
| Free Weekend Talk | Free UK phone calls every weekend with no monthly fee.
|
| Offpeak Talk | Unlimited calls to UK landlines in the evenings and at weekends.
|
| Anytime Talk | All phone calls to UK landlines included.
|
We also provide the telephone service for all ex-Npower Communications customers. If you have any questions regarding these products please contact the Billing and Customer Services on
0871 222 3311
For more information on these products, please visit our website at
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/talk/
3.3 Pricing information
You can find details of our pricing information online, or by calling our sales representatives.
4. How to apply for our services
4.1 Internet Service
To sign up to one of our internet access packages online, visit our website at:
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products
Or pick up a copy of the latest version of our CD from various high-street retailers.
Alternatively call our freephone sales lines on:
0800 111 210 for dial up internet packages; or
0800 1079000 for broadband packages.
(Lines are open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week. Please note that we are unable to handle any issues relating to customer services or technical queries on these numbers.)
You can also change an existing access package online by visiting
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/members/myaccount/
4.2 Phone Service
To sign up for one of our phone packages online, visit our website at:
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/talk/
Or, call our freephone sales lines on
0800 954 2223.
If you have a query regarding an existing phone package please call the Billing and Customer Care Team on
0871 222 3311
4.3 When can I expect the service to be available?
Dial-up internet account
- Once you have registered online for a Pay-As-You-Go, AnyTime, DayTime or OffPeak internet account, we aim to activate your service within 30 minutes. If you need any assistance you should call 0845 6601001.
Broadband internet account
- It takes approximately 15 working days to set up your broadband account. During that time we will:
- We will test your line to make sure you can receive the service.
- We will send your installation kit, including broadband modem and everything you need to get connected to your address.
- We will send you regular updates on the status of your order via email.
- Finally, we will e-mail you at the contact email address you have given us to confirm when you can start using your broadband service.
Tiscali Talk account
- Once we have received your application, we arrange with BT to set up the service on your phone line.
- Once BT have confirmed the order, we will send you a welcome pack containing your 'Go-Live' date.
- After your 'Go-Live' date, you will automatically start saving on your calls.
- In the meantime BT will send you a letter about setting up the service on your line. You do not need to take action when you receive this letter.
- The whole process will take approximately 20 days from the receipt of your order.
5. Bills
Internet accounts
- Pay-as-you-go - If you have a Pay-As-You-Go account, you will not receive a bill from us. Your existing phone supplier will charge you at local rate for the time you spend online.
- All other internet accounts - If you have any other internet account with us, we will send you a monthly e-mail notification containing an internet web address to your online invoice for your subscription fee and any charges for your time online outside your 'unlimited' periods. (Any such calls will be charged at local call rates.)
Tiscali Talk accounts
- As a Tiscali Line Rental customer you will receive a monthly bill from us for your calls and line rental. If you have are Tiscali Talk customer without Tiscali Line Rental you will get a bill from Tiscali for your calls whilst still paying your existing line provider for your line rental and any special services they provide. Your bill will be itemised at no extra charge.
If you want to change your method of payment, please contact Billing and Customer Care Team on
0871 222 3311 quoting your account number.
Should you have a query with any aspect of your bill again you should contact the Billing and Customer Care Team on
0871 222 3311.
If you require Braille or a large print bill please contact the Billing and Customer Care Team on
0871 222 3311 and we will arrange this for you.
6. Making a Payment
- You can pay by credit card (MasterCard, Visa card or JCB) or direct debit.
If you want to change your method of payment for your internet products, you can do so online by visiting our website:
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/members/myaccount
Or, call the Billing and Customer Care Line on
0871 222 3311 quoting your account number.
If you have difficulty paying your bill, please contact the Billing and Customer Care Team as soon as possible, where we will discuss alternative methods of payment with you. Please note that if we are not aware that you are having difficulty paying your bill we may send reminder letters requesting payment.
7. Cancelling and Disconnecting your services
- Pay-As-You-Go, AnyTime, DayTime, DayTime Plus and OffPeak Internet accounts
If you decide to cancel any of the internet access accounts above, please call our Customer Service Team on 0871 222 3311. Or you can e-mail us at http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact/tiscali/cust service.html
- Cancelling broadband
All our broadband services have a 12-month minimum contract. For more information about cancelling your service, please call the broadband Customer Service Team on 0871 2222 3311.
- Cancelling Tiscali Talk
You can cancel your account by calling 0845 688 7574.
- If you use the Tiscali Talk service using carrier pre-selection (CPS)
If you are using CPS, the procedure we use to disconnect you will depend on which operator you select to carry your calls in the future. You are responsible for contacting the operator to arrange this. It is then the responsibility of your new service provider to confirm when they will start handling your calls. In the meantime we will continue to bill you for your calls and remain on our terms and conditions.
There is no minimum period for supplying this service. However, you will continue to be responsible for calls you make before your new provider starts handling your calls, or if you have chosen not to receive CPS from another provider, until the date on which the termination notice applies.
Please note that if you do not pay our bill within 30 days, we can disconnect any service in line with our standard terms for this service. We may end your internet access if you break a term of your contract with us that allows us to take this action. We will also suspend any premium-rate numbers if we believe you have broken our conditions. Please visit our website for details of Terms and Conditions for each of our products.
Should you dispute any part of your bill you should contact the Billing and Customer Care Team on 0871 222 3311 and in the meantime pay the remainder of your bill.
8. Faults and repairs
8.1 Internet dial-up fault and repair
If you have a problem with your internet connection, please call our service status line on
0845 663 2200 (calls are charged at local rate) to check any issues affecting the service in your area.
If we are unaware of any service affecting issues in your area please contact our technical support line on
0906 300 6633 (calls are charged at 50 pence a minute). During this call we will provide advice and support to aid you in resolving the issue. If however we find that the problem is within our network, we will aim to restore service within 48 hours.
8.2 Broadband fault and repair
If you have a problem with your broadband connection, please call our service status line on
0845 663 2200 (calls are charged at local rate) to check any issues affecting the service in your area.
If we do not know about any problems with the service, please contact our technical support line on
0871 222 3311 (calls are charged at national rate). During this call we will provide advice and support to aid you in resolving the issue.
If we establish that that the problem is within our network, we will aim to restore service within 48 hours.
For more detailed service level agreements, please refer to the terms and conditions of your service.
8.3 Tiscali Talk fault and repair
Tiscali Line Rental Customers please contact the Tiscali Customer Service Team for all issues with your phone service on
0871 222 3311. (Calls are charged at national rate.) We will endeavour to resolve your fault with in 96 working hours.
Tiscali Talk Customers without Tiscali Line Rental please contact the Tiscali Customer Service Team for any issues with your bill, however if there is a fault with your physical line, BT is still responsible for maintaining and repairing this. Please contact BT faults on 0800 800 151 if you are a residential customer or 154 if you are a business customer to report any suspected fault.
Please note that you should always ensure that any equipment we have provided you with in order to handle your calls such as a dialler box, is removed before contacting BT. If you are able to make and receive calls once the Tiscali socket has been removed, it is likely the fault is with the box and therefore you should contact our Billing and Customer Care Team to report this.
8.4 Reporting Abuse
If you wish to report an incident where you feel that you computer has been accessed without your permission or you are receiving nuisance Emails then please complete our online form
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact/abuse.html.
9. Complaints
We aim to give you outstanding service and value for money. However we recognise that from time to time issues can arise that need to be escalated. We are committed to resolving any such issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. The following section gives information on how to contact us, and what to do if you have a complaint.
9.1 Step one - How to Contact Us
If you are unhappy with any of our services, or you feel that you have not received a satisfactory response from our customer service teams, you may send your complaint in writing to:
Tiscali Customer Services
PO Box 14505
Birmingham
B46 9BF
You should expect to receive a response to your query within seven working days of us receiving your correspondence.
9.2 Step two - What we will do
On receipt of your complaint our dedicated Team will thoroughly investigate any issues raised and propose a course of action for resolution.
9.3 Step three - If you are not satisfied
If you are not satisfied with the action we plan to take, you should request that your complaint be referred to the Customer Service Manager.
Customer Service Manager
Tiscali Customer Services
PO Box 14505
Birmingham
B46 9BF
You should expect to receive a response within seven working days of us receiving your correspondence.
Alternatively you can email our dedicated Complaint Management Team
complaints@uk.tiscali.com
9.4 Step Four - If you continue to be unhappy
If you are not satisfied with the course of action proposed by our Customer Service Advisors or Manager to resolve your complaint, you may request that your complaint be referred it to the General Manager at the addresses given above.
You should expect to receive a response within seven working days of us receiving your correspondence.
9.5 Step Five - Further Action in order to resolve your dispute
Once you have a response from our General Manager, if you remain dissatisfied with our attempts to resolve the issue, you can contact CISAS, the Independent Ombudsman.
Please note that CISAS can only help if you have given us an opportunity to resolve any issues.
9.6 Our Complaint Escalation Process
| Step 1 | Customer Service Representative |
| |  |
| Step 2 | Customer Service Senior Representative |
| |  |
| Step 3 | Complaint Management Team |
| |  |
| Step 4 | Customer Service Manager |
| |  |
| Step 5 | General Manager |
| |  |
| Step 6 | CISAS |
10. Contact information
We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your Tiscali services. Below is a list of contact numbers that you may find useful.
Please note that during any discussions with the Billing and Customer Care Team, we will need to keep the information we have on you private, so we may need to ask you security questions to confirm that we are speaking to the right person.
10.1 Phone Services
For general billing and customer service queries
Phone: 0871 222 3311
Email: please visit
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/talk/contact-us.html and complete the online form
Post: Tiscali Customer Services
PO Box 14505
Birmingham
B46 9BF
10.2 Broadband Services
For broadband technical queries: Phone: 0871 222 3311 email: visit our website at http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact and complete the online form
To hear an update on any current service affecting issues Phone: 0845 663 2200.
If you have a broadband billing query Phone: 0871 222 3311, calls are charged at national rate and lines are open 8am to midnight 7 days a week. email: visit our website at http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact and complete the online form
10.3. Dial-up Internet services
For registration assistance with one of our dial up Internet packages Phone: 0845 660 1001, calls are charged at local rate and lines are open 8am till midnight 7 days per week.
For technical assistance with your dial up Internet package Phone: 0906 300 6633. Calls are charged at 50 pence per minute. Lines are open 8am till midnight 7 days per week email: visit our website at http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact and complete the online form
To hear an update on any current service affecting issues Phone: 0845 6632200
If you have a dial up billing query Phone: 0871 222 3311, calls are charged at national rate and lines are open 8am to midnight 7 days a week. email: visit our website at http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact and complete the online form
10.4. To make a complaint - all products
Tiscali Customer Services
PO Box 14505
Birmingham
B46 9BF
10.5 Extra help is also available online
You may also find the solution to any problem you may have by looking through our wide range of
Help Pages on the Internet. We regularly update these and therefore you may find your question has already been answered in our FAQ section.
11.Other useful addresses:
Communications & Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS)
c/o The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
12 Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1A 2LP
Phone : +44 (0) 20 7421 7432
Fax: 0207 404 7150
Email :
cisas@drs-ciarb.com
Website :
http://www.arbitrators.org/cisas
Textphone: 020 7242 5643
Office of Communications (Ofcom)
Riverside House
2A Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Phone: 020 7981 3000
Fax: 020 7981 3333
E-mail:
mediaoffice@ofcom.org.uk
Website:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/
The Telephone Preference Service-will register your phone number to stop you receiving unwanted marketing calls
Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
DMA House
70 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SS
Tel 020 7291 3320
Fax 020 7323 4226
Email
tps@dma.org.uk
Web
http://www.tpsonline.org.uk
The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services
(ICTIS)
4th Floor, Clove Building
4 Maguire Street
London
SE1 2NQ
Phone: 020 7940 7474
The Citizens Advice Bureau
(CAB)
Website:
http://www.nacab.org.uk
Sales and Marketing Code of Practice for Fixed-line Telecommunications Services
The purpose of this sales and marketing code of practice is to:
- Outline what constitutes standards of good practice when executing sales and marketing activity.
- Ensure Tiscali acts responsibly in the marketing of Fixed Line Telecommunication Services and conducts all sales and marketing activity following these standards of good practice.
- Ensure Tiscali provide Customers with standards of protection by giving Customers an understanding of the services offered and the key terms of any contracts they are entering into.
This code has been developed in accordance with Ofcom guidelines. Copies of the code will be provided on request and be free of charge to Customers.
Section 1: Sales, marketing advertising and promotion
Section 2: Recruitment and sales training
Section 3: Customer contact
Section 4: Entering into a contract – information, order forms and contracts
Section 5: Customer protection and other legal requirements
Section 6: Audit
Section 1: Sales, marketing advertising and promotion
- 1.1 Tiscali will conduct sales and marketing activity through a wide range of channels e.g. TV, radio or press advertising, retail promotions, post, fax, electronic mail, telephone or in person
- 1.2 Tiscali will respect Customers'legal rights and wishes where they have registered with any relevant preference service, including the Mailing Preference Service, the Telephone Preference Service, the Fax Preference Service and the E-mail Preference Service, except where Tiscali has permission from existing Customers.
- 1.3 Tiscali will ensure all advertising and promotion is compliant with the British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion and all other applicable advertising codes. In addition, advertising and promotional literature will be clear, unambiguous, accurate and fair, containing no false or misleading information about price, value or service and, in particular, will not denigrate other Providers.
Section 2: Recruitment and sales training
- 2.1 Tiscali will ensure that all recruitment of any persons involved in sales and marketing activity
will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines below (including persons employed through third
party agencies).
- 2.2 All staff will be employed taking the following into consideration:
- behaviour and appearance, recognising that the sales person may be seen as the ‘public face’ of
the industry;
- security – references and relevant convictions for criminal offences to be checked and taken into
account;
- evidence of mis-selling or lack of integrity in any previous selling employment.
- 2.3 The following requirements for sales staff based in the UK will be observed:
- the applicant must provide proof of National Insurance number, proof of address and two references;
- referees cannot be related to the applicant;
- business referees must not be from the same company;
- if a sales person leaves for any reason, a copy of his or her sales records(including all recordings
and notes on sales) will be retained for a minimum period of six months; and
- reasonable endeavours are made to retrieve the identification badges of staff leaving the company.
- 2.4 For sales-staff not based in the UK, equivalent procedures will be applied, and documented.
- 2.5 Tiscali will take reasonable steps to ensure that every such person is trained so as to have
a sufficient understanding that any relevant advice given by such person is not misleading. Topics
covered will include:
- the different telephone service available including all rates and other terms and conditions of
service;
- the process for ordering the telephone service;
- the process for cancelling the contract both during the cooling-off period and at any time following
commencement of the service;
- the procedure for handling customer complaints.
- 2.6 Responsibility for compliance with the Code by representatives to lie with Shelley Mackereth,
Marketing Manager – Voice Products.
- 2.7 If you believe we have failed to meet our commitments regarding our Sales and Marketing activites, please contact:
Joanne Davis, Head of Complaints, Tel: 0871 222 3311, Email: Tiscalitalkcustomers@uk.tiscali.com, address: Tiscali UK Ltd, 20 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 8HT
- 2.8 Tiscali will document any remuneration systems that are utilised. These remuneration systems
will be structured so as not to encourage misleading or exploitative sales practices. Tiscali will
be kept informed of incentive schemes used by any agencies it employs for sales and marketing.
Section 3: Customer contact
- 3.1 Tiscali will ensure that no telephone calls will be made outside the hours of 08.00 to 21.00, unless at the Customer’s request.
- 3.2 Tiscali will ensure that all representatives are courteous, use appropriate language and offer clear and straightforward explanations. All information given will be factual and accurate. Representatives will not misrepresent the services being offered nor those of other Providers. Representatives will also check that Customers entering into contracts understand, and intend, them.
- 3.3 Tiscali will ensure that Representatives will cease contact with any person who indicates that the contact is inconvenient, unwelcome, inappropriate or too long, and if the Customer requests it, the discussion will be ended immediately.
- 3.4 Tiscali will ensure Representatives are not to abuse the trust of vulnerable Customers e.g. those who are elderly or whose first language is not English, or who have special needs.
- 3.5 No sales or marketing activity will be conducted that is directed to those who are under the legal age for entering into contracts.
- 3.6 Tiscali will ensure that all records of sales and marketing campaign will be maintained for six months, including the date and the approximate time of the contact with the Customer. Records to be such as to allow subsequent identification of the salesperson(s) involved and to assist in dealing with any complaint or query.
Section 4: Entering into a contract – information, order forms and contracts
- 4.1 Tiscali will ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that the person entering into a contract is authorised to enter into the contract for the Fixed-line Telecommunications Services/bills at the premises.
- 4.2 Tiscali will ensure that all order forms and contract forms are designed such that the contractual nature of the document is clear to the Customer
- 4.3 Where a direct approach to the Customer takes place Tiscali will ensure the Customer is given the information set out in this paragraph, in writing, in a clear and comprehensible manner
essential information including the identity of the company, its address, telephone, fax and e-mail contact details, as appropriate;
- a description of the telephone service sufficient to enable the customer to understand the option that the customer has chosen, and how it works;
- information about the major elements of the service, including the cost of any standing charges, the payment terms, line rental, key call types and details of “protected or special support” arrangements;
- the arrangements for provision of the service, including the order process and, as accurately as possible, the likely date of provision. Where there may be significant delay in the likely date of provision, the Customer to be informed;
- the existence of a right of cancellation and the process for exercising it;
- the period for which the charges remain valid; and
- the minimum period of contract, and minimum contract charges, if any
- 4.4 At the Customers request, Tiscali will ensure full written information about tariffs is available.
- 4.5 If a Customer signs an order form following face to face contact, or enters into a written contract, Tiscali will give the customer a copy of the order form or contract, as well as the following details in writing either at the same time or within 5 working days, unless previously supplied in writing prior to contract:
- information about any after-sales services or guarantees; and
- arrangements for the termination of the contract.
- 4.6 Tiscali will ensure that orders placed by distance selling means to comply with Distance Selling Regulations
- 4.7. During the switchover period Tiscali will not charge any cancellation fee for Customers where they change their mind. Customers will be made aware that they have the right to change their mind during the switchover period .
- 4.8 Customers will be permitted to cancel orders and terminate contracts during this switch over period by telephone, in writing, by fax or by e-mail.
- 4.9 All new customers will receive a mandatory letter in accordance with the industry-agreed process informing the customer of the details of the transfer, and the following
to be clearly communicated:
- date of notification;
- CLI(s) affected;
- list of services affected/unaffected, e.g. IA call barring;
- date of switchover;
- the sender’s contacts details for any queries.
- 4.10 Tiscali will continually monitor the procedures by which contracts are agreed and to take appropriate steps to prevent recurrence of any problem identified.
- 4.11 In all cases, Customers will be contacted along similar timescales to the industry-agreed process described in paragraph 4.9 to confirm that the Customer understands that they have entered into an agreement, are happy to proceed with the agreement.
- 4.12 If it is found that the contract was not understood or intended, or if the order matured before the expiry of the switchover period, and the Customer wishes to cancel, Tiscali will terminate the contract without charge or other penalty to the Customer.
Section 5: Consumer protection and other legal requirements
- 5.1 Procedures to comply with all applicable legislation and appropriate amendments
Section 6: Audit
- 6.1 Tiscali will carry out regular audits of systems, procedures and documentation to ensure that they are acting compliantly with all aspects of the Code.
Premium Rate Services (PRS) Code of Practice
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1. Purpose of this Code of Practice
We are required to provide our residential and small business customers with readily accessible and accurate information relating to Premium Rate Services (PRS).
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2. What are Premium Rate Services (PRS)?
Premium Rate Services (PRS) offer some form of information or entertainment that is charged to your phone bill. PRS services are available on a variety of mediums such as voice (telephone), fax, Internet, mobile phone SMS and some interactive TV. Typical services include TV vote lines, competitions, mobile ringtones and logo downloads, technical helplines, competition scratchcards, phone chat, horoscopes, sports results, interactive TV games, adult entertainment, information (weather, traffic, etc.), and directory enquiry services.
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3. How to identify a Premium Rate Number
All UK-based Premium Rate Services start with either '09', or a mobile SMS short code which is usually four or five digits long and start with 5, 6 or 8. However some can also be six or seven digits long. Premium rate directory enquiry services are advertised on six-digit numbers beginning '118'. In some instances, such as certain types of interactive TV where you make 'calls' by pressing a button on the remote control, the premium rate number may not be shown, although it should be clear to you that you will incur a charge.
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4. How much do Premium Rate Services cost?
Premium rate services are charged at a higher rate than normal calls and currently vary in cost from 10 pence to £1.50 per minute/call/text.
Information about the tariffs that apply on our network for calls to any PRS numbers can be found at: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/talk/phone-rates.html
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5. How do Premium Rate Services work?
PRS numbers are operated on the basis of a revenue-sharing arrangement. This means that the bulk of the revenue from calls to such services goes to the service providers who are responsible for the content, product or services provided or who act as resellers or aggregators on behalf of a number of such providers. The remainder of the revenue is shared by the consumer's 'originating' telephone company and the telephone company that contracts with the service provider and 'terminates' the call on behalf of the service provider through the provision of network facilities.
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6. Barring access to Premium Rate Services
We offer the facility to bar calls to premium rate numbers for free, which will stop any dialling on your line to all UK based premium numbers. If you want to place a bar on your line or need to check whether you already have an active bar in place please call our Customer Care Team on 0871 222 3311.
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7. Who should I contact if I believe I have been incorrectly charged for PRS calls?
If you believe you have been incorrectly charged for calls to PRS, please contact our Customer Care Team at: smarttalkcustomers@uk.tiscali.com
We shall do our best to help you with your query.
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8. What is an Internet dialler?
An Internet dialler also known as 'rogue dialler' is a piece of software which is installed on your computer without your knowledge, usually when you open a spam e-mail or visit a website which contains hidden malicious software. The rogue dialler software deletes the usual dial-up phone number and replaces it with a premium rate or international phone number. Internet diallers are prevalent on adult sites and sites carrying pirated material such as music, films and software. They only affect computers that have a dial-up modem connected to a phone line. Broadband users are therefore safe, unless they also have a dial-up modem connected to the phone line.
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9. How to protect yourself from Internet diallers
As mentioned above, if you have broadband instead of dial-up internet access you should not be affected. Broadband connections work in a different way and cannot be changed by rogue dialler software.
You should make sure you have anti-virus software installed and that you keep this up to date. In addition you can install a piece of software called a firewall which can also help protect your computer from threats on the internet. Further information can be found at:
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/members/safety_and_security/
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10. Premium Rate Service scams
Some less scrupulous service providers operate PRS numbers to exploit unsuspecting members of the public. They may do this by operating competitions with 'winning tickets' where the prize has to be claimed by calling a PRS number, where the call cost amounts to more than the value of the prize. Or, a missed call on your phone line will be presented as a PRS number - which is not permitted by Ofcom. If you feel you have fallen prey to a 'scam', keep records of relevant calls, telephone numbers, advertisements etc and contact ICSTIS (see information below) they will investigate your complaint and, if necessary take action against the service provider.
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11. Who are ICSTIS?
ICSTIS (The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Telephone Information Services), are an industry funded body responsible for regulating the content and promotion of PRS through a Code of Practice which is approved by the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
The Code of Practice can be found at: http://www.icstis.org.uk/communications_providers/cop/default.asp
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12. ICSTIS's role and powers
ICSTIS's role is to prevent consumer harm; they also investigate complaints, and have the power to fine companies and bar access to services if the Code is breached. They can also bar the individual(s) behind a company from running any other premium rate services under any company name on any telephone network for a defined period. Lesser problems may be dealt with by issuing formal reprimands or ordering companies to come to them for prior approval.
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13. How ICSTIS may be able to help further
ICSTIS may order a PRS service provider to pay you a refund if they have completed an investigation and the outcome requires this. In addition if it can be shown that your phone has been used without your permission to call certain types of premium rate service (i.e. live and recorded chat, and live tarot services), ICSTIS may also be able to help you get compensation from the PRS provider.
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14. How can I obtain further information on PRS or a particular PRS number?
This Code of Practice provides general information about premium rate services, further information can be found on the ICSTIS website at: www.icstis.org.uk
If you have a query about a PRS number ICSTIS have a number-checker facility that can provide details of individual Service Providers (SPs) and also the Terminating Communications Providers (TCPs) which host them. This facility can be accessed on their website at: http://www.icstis.org.uk/consumers/ncd/default.asp
If the number is not listed in the database, you can call ICSTIS directly on 0800 500 212 and they will be able to find out the information for you.
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15. How to make a complaint to ICSTIS
If you have a complaint about the promotion, content or overall operation of premium rate services you can also contact ICSTIS on the number above, or online via their complaint form at: http://www.icstis.org.uk/consumers/how_to_complain/form
Alternatively you can write to them at:
ICSTIS
Clove Building
4 Maguire Street
London
SE1 2NQ.
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16. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme
Ofcom requires all telecommunications operators to belong to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme to ensure that residential or small business customers have access to a prompt, independent and effective resolution if they are in a dispute with their communications provider. Ofcom has approved two schemes: the Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman (Otelo) and the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS).
Tiscali are members of CISAS, therefore if you believe that we have been unable to resolve a complaint to your satisfaction despite all our efforts you may contact them in the follows ways:
Post:
CISAS
24 Angel Gate
City Road
London
EC1V 2PT
Tel: 020 7520 3827
Email : info@cisas.org.uk
Online: http://www.cisas.org.uk
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17. The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) & The Fax Preference Service (FPS)
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a central opt out register whereby individuals can register their wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS. You can register for free either online at: http://www.tpsonline.org.uk or by calling 0845 070 0707.
The Fax Preference Service is a central opt out register whereby businesses (and individuals if they wish) can register their choice not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing faxes. It is a legal requirement that companies do not send such faxes to numbers registered on the FPS. You can register for free either online at; http://www.fpsonline.org.uk or by phone by calling 0845 070 0702.
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18. Responsibility for this Code of Practice
If you have any queries in respect of this code, please contact Joanne Davis, Head of Complaints at: complaints@uk.tiscali.com
Number Translation Services (NTS) Code of Practice
- 1. Purpose of this Code of Practice
We are required to provide our residential and small business customers with readily accessible and accurate information relating to the usage charges for NTS calls on our network.
- 2. What are Number Translation Services (NTS)?
Number Translation Services (NTS) are calls to numbers identified in the National Telephone Numbering Plan (the UK's list of numbers allocated to phone companies by Ofcom) as 'special services' with 08 numbers, such as 0845 and 0870, and including calls to 0500 freephone numbers, but excluding calls to 0844 04 numbers for 'Surftime' internet access services and calls to 0808 99 numbers for flat-rate internet access call origination (FRIACO).
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3. How much do NTS calls cost?
Information about the tariffs that apply on our network for calls to any NTS numbers can be found at: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/talk/phone-rates.html
Where we refer to call pricing in any advertising and promotional material we will provide, alongside maximum prices applying to NTS calls, a clear reference as to where on our website price lists for NTS call charges can be found.
We shall provide you with written details of our call charges on request.
Our published charges for calls to Number Translation Services will include variations by time of day, for example, whether the call is made during the day, evening or weekend.
We do not charge for calls to freephone 0800, 0808 and 0500 numbers. Some of our call plans include calls to all UK numbers starting with 01, 02 and 03, and also certain international numbers as detailed here: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/talk/international-calls.
Calls to NTS numbers are excluded from our call bundles, special offers and discount schemes.
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4. Responsibility for this Code of Practice
If you have any queries in respect of this code, please contact Joanne Davis, Head of Complaints at: complaints@uk.tiscali.com