Voice Services Forum

There are issues in the Interactive media & enterainment space that, for historic reasons, relate more closely to the traditional fixed line environment. In July 2010 AIME formed the Fixed Line Forum, holding the inaugral meeting in August to address issues specifically for voice services such as Higher Rate Tariffs, VAT free PRS services, pricing transparency, regulatory frameworks and consultations.

Forum Chair

• Graham Pottie, COO, BT agilemedia

Forum Establised

• July 2010

Achievements

• Publication of Voice Services Best Practice Guide - July 2011
• Responses to Industry Consultations - Ofcom NTS Retail Uplift and PRS Bad Debt Surcharge - March 2011; Ofcom Simplifying Non Geographic Call Services - March 2011
• Business Case for Higher Rate PRS submitted to Ofcom - see below

Current Agenda Items

• Higher Rate PRS
• VAT Free PRS
• Retail Price Transparency & Consistency
• Regulatory Framework Issues
• Consultations affecting Voice services

Higher Rate PRS

Tariffs on fixed line networks have been capped at £1.50 for over 10 years. AIME members have requested that the association consider the potential for higher rate tariffs, more in line with mobile.

The Higher Rate Tariffs working group compiled a business case for 10p incremental tariffs between 150ppm and 250ppm on 09 and for the introduction of £5 and £10 SDC 09 tariffs. Consumer protection issues and additional due diligence issues are also covered in the business case.

The document was been presented to Ofcom in May 2009.

AIME has been liaising with Ofcom since the submission of this business case to ensure that Higher Rate PRS is covered in the Non Geographic Call services review.

Meetings:

• Fixed Line Forum - 29th November 2010
• Inaugral Meeting - 18th August 2010

AIME members can view forum & working group meeting notes here

Contact

AIME Executive Contact David Ashman. Please contact davidashman@aimelink.org for more details about our Voice Services Forum