Nov/Dec 2010 Round up

Knowledge & Networking News

 Season's Greetings from the AIME Team!

 Dear Members and Colleagues, 
 
Another year has shot by and I can't believe that I am writing this note 12 months after the last, seems more like just a few weeks.  A very happy Festive to you and your families.
 
I often like to use football analogies, after all as a lifelong supporter of Manchester City FC, I’ve had many experiences, generally with more downs than ups! The premium rate industry has had a tough season with many businesses on the back foot, with AIME having to defensively deal with a number of threatening challenges on our goal.  Whether it be increasing pressure on  margins (bad debt, VAT etc) or addressing regulatory creep, it’s a continual challenge.  I’m going to be conservative now and say that in 2010 we’ve held on for a draw, avoided relegation but that next season, 2011 should see a much better foundation and we’re expecting a win and a rise up the table…..!  All in all, as your Chair, if you had offered me the position we are in today at the end of last year I’d have taken it and THAT represents progress.
 
You will have read AIME’s impressive list of achievements in the end of year summary sent yesterday.  I am particularly pleased that we will be starting the new season in 2011 with 7 focused working groups including the recent formation of a new ‘Forward Look’ group which is aiming to get AIME more on the front foot, so that we can work with stakeholders in looking to the future and helping our members to exploit many new opportunities. This will be essential, where in an increasingly converged media environment of free content and alternate payment mechanisms, our industry is going to need to adapt to a potentially much bigger market but with increased competition.  I am also satisfied with AIME’s progress in working with regulators in 2010 which has resulted in several significant regulatory changes that should improve the regulatory framework and create more commercial opportunities for members next year.
 
I am particularly grateful to Vice-Chair Jeremy Flynn for his stirling efforts in working with PPP to produce a more simplified and transparent regulatory process framework – the recent launch of the PPP ‘schematic’ is testament to this.  I am also delighted by the way in which AIME’s handling of the 12th Code consultation has been managed, once again under the Vice Chair’s experienced management. Thanks to all board members who have contributed throughout the year, I won't name them now but you know who you are and it has been most satisfying working with you  in the past 12 months.  We’re also lucky to be supported by a fantastic executive so ably led by Toby and supported by Roy, Zoe, Bianca and David with input also from outside consultants such as Mike Tully from time to time. Your board has encouraged the executive also to look at new revenue streams for AIME and I am very pleased with the progress made in training and also plans for other areas such as research next year.
 
I mentioned earlier that we’re also trying to look ahead more now that we have more robust procedures in place for dealing with ongoing defensive issues such as responding to crises when they happen.  They say that all good football teams are based on a good defence and so we need to score more goals with forward looking initiatives! It is heartening to see, from the latest AIME survey that 81% of our members are investing in new products and services – at the forefront of these include ‘in-app’ billing.  It was most encouraging to see over 60 delegates (even with the snow!) attend the recent event sponsored by Open Market in this area. From the same survey, some 63% of members believe that their revenues will increase next year and so this has to be seen as good news and let’s hope it happens.
 
It was heartening to see a decent turnout at the last General Meeting earlier this month, despite the bad weather some 50 members attended and I did feel a much more collective sense of unity at the drinks afterwards – as I’ve said all along, working together and being united is the only way we will grow as an industry. Thanks to the sponsors for drinks at this event, Toby tells me that there is still some money left in the kitty for a new year glass or two……..
 
It is a great honour to be your Chairman and I look forward to working with you all next year (and season!).

Best wishes,

Edward Boddington
AIME Chair

This month's discussion topics:

SHOWCASE

REPRESENTATION

INDUSTRY CONSULTATIONS

  • PhonepayPlus – Business Plan & Budget 2011/12
  • PhonepayPlus – Guidance to support PhonepayPlus proposed new Code of Practice
  • ComReg – Premium Rate Services Code of Practice

INFORMATION & NETWORKING

MEMBER NEWS

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

AIME Christmas Hours: main office closed from
23rd Dec - 4th Jan 2011

Showcase

In-App Billing 2.0: Taking the Application Billing Core out of Apple:
How can the industry profit from application billing innovation outside the Apple eco-system?

As the mobile internet becomes more like the online environment, established digital payment providers like PayPal etc are edging more and more into mobile too. Operators still have clout, however, due to their ability to cost-efficiently manage micropayments in a way that works well for consumers. That was the theme running through OpenMarket’s seminar on in-app billing, which was organised by AIME in London earlier this month.

In-App Billing 2.0: Taking the Application Billing Core out of Apple was a Knowledge & Networking Seminar designed to review the developments made over the past year in direct-to-operator billing for in-app payments and shine a light on where the market was likely to be headed in 2011 and beyond.

Featuring speakers from OpenMarket, partners like Virgin Media, Three and TigerSpike, as well as contributions from app developer ScreenReach, around 60 attendees from mobile content and application companies gathered to learn, share ideas and discuss how to drive direct billing for app and in-app purchasing forward.

Read more here...

Back to the Top

Representation

Meetings & Events

  • AIME Interactive Broadcast Forum meeting - 4th Nov
  • ILP meeting - 16th Nov - attended by AIME Vice Chair
  • AIME Participation TV (Psychic & Chat Teleshopping) meeting - 16th Nov
  • PhonepayPlus Consumer Literacy Working Group meeting - 18th Nov
  • AIME Payforit Research meeting - 22nd Nov
  • AIME Board meeting - 23rd Nov
  • Designing the future of UK media business event hosted by Grant Thornton and Golant Media Ventures – 24th Nov, attended by AIME Vice Chair Jeremy Flynn
  • AIME Fixed Line Forum meeting – 29th Nov
  • Ofcom/BDO meeting on PRS Bad Debt – 29th Nov
  • AIME GM – 1st Dec
  • Stakeholder meeting with TIGA – 3rd Dec
  • AIME working group meeting for PhonepayPlus 12th Code Guidance – 7th Dec
  • OpenMarket In-app Billing K&N Event – 8th Dec 
  • AIME Industry Training with PhonepayPlus by AIME Vice Chair - 9th & 10th Dec
  • Ofcom/ATVOD meeting on ATVOD fees 2011/12 – 13th Dec
  • Stakeholder meeting with IMRG – 14th Dec
  • ILP meeting on PhonepayPlus Budget – 14th Dec
  • PhonepayPlus meeting on Registration Scheme – 14th Dec
  • Ofcom meeting on Participation TV (Psychic & Chat Teleshopping) – 14th Dec
  • Inaugural meeting of MCJIC – 15th Dec

Interviews

  • AIME Chair Edward Boddington Interviewed by Clarion for Digital Content Monetisation conference portfolio for Jan event – 23rd Nov
  • AIME General Secretary Toby Padgham interviewed by Analysys Mason for Phone-paid services (PRS) project, commissioned by PhonepayPlus – 13th Dec
  • AIME Board member Richard Mann by New Media Age for M-Commerce Feature – 14th Dec

AIME Initiative: Regulatory Best Practice

  • Following positive engagement with PhonepayPlus in 2010 on UK regulatory process, PhonepayPlus has produced an Investigations Schematic to aid communication and understanding of 'Process'
    • AIME feedback ensured further transparency of the process with links to: scoring criteria for complaint prioritisation; scoring criteria for procedure; relevant code sections; details of expected costs; process timescales; further information on informal representation/right to appeal/review of tribunal decision/oral hearing
  • Discussions to continue in 2011 on sanctions, compliance advice, marketing opt-in etc

 AIME Forum: Interactive Broadcast

  • Forum met on 4th November – full value chain representation
    • Presentation by Ofcom on upcoming Non Geographic Call Services Review
    • Agreement to look at demographics of PTV voters and conduct research on consumer’s preferred method of voting
    • Voice Short Code sub working group formed
    • AIME & Broadcasters meeting in January to discuss Audit process
  • Next bi-annual IBF meeting Spring 2011
  • 2011 topics for forum include Research on voter habits re SMS voting reintroduction, Voice Short Codes, Broadcaster Auditing Process, VOIP, Red Button & Tariff Transparency

 AIME Forum: Fixed Line 

  • Forum meeting held 24th Nov following meeting with Ofcom & consultants BDO on PRS Bad Debt
  • Agreement to produce a Best Practice Guide for Fixed Line Services – content agreed by working group 15th Dec
  • 2011 topics for forum include Higher Rate Tariffs, £10 Charity drop charge, VAT increase implementation, Ofcom Non Geographic Call Services review

AIME Forum: Interactive Services for Charities

  • Following initial meeting AIME working group has been formed
  • AIME working with Technology partner to build online forum to provide information on Interactive Services to Charities
  • Next forum meeting to be held Feb 2011
  • 2011 agenda items include research of smaller charities' needs, providing education & information on Interactive Services to the charity sectors, e.g. online forums, case studies

AIME Forum: Payforit Research

  • AIME Payforit Research working group met 22nd Nov to discuss analysis of research in to drop off rates for Payforit Services
    • API/MP feedback sessions on Payforit improvements also held in meeting
    • Agreement from MNOs to consider how changes to Payforit services can be implemented
    • Deeper analysis in to reasons for drop offs looking at whole user experience from Merchant Promoter screens through to Payforit screens.
    • Possibility of further qualitative consumer research to identify reasons for not completing transactions
  • AIME conference call with MNOs 10th Dec to discuss feedback from working group meeting
  • Agreement from MNOs that Merchant Promoters can run A/B testing on Payforit services, e.g. changing wording, buttons, branding to determine success ratios – Promoters must ask their API to request permission from each MNO
  • Next working group meeting to be held in January – any promoters wishing to attend please contact zoe@aimelink.org
  • 2011 topics include reasons for drop off on Payforit services, consumer research, A/B testing to improve the Payforit user journey & methods to PR Payforit

AIME Forum: Participation TV (Psychic & Chat Teleshopping)

  • AIME meeting held 16th Nov – agreement to form a working group to represent this sector to the relevant regulatory bodies & Industry stakeholders
  • Meeting held with Ofcom 14th Dec –
    • Concerns at Ofcom Board level over content standards of certain broadcast channels
    • Revocation of one provider’s Broadcast License
    • Re-emphasis of rules & implementation of the post-watershed transition period from 9pm
    • Support for AIME proposal to work with key members to develop best practice standards for the sector and encourage a self-regulative environment
  • Agreement for PTV Group to meet Q1 2011

AIME Forum: Forward Look Group

  • AIME chair announces formation of NEW AIME working group – Forward Look Group
  • This forum will be chaired by one of our members, rather than a Board member – applications currently being considered
  • 2011 agenda will include identifying barriers to Industry growth as well as predicting growth areas and identifying UK & International opportunities

Industry Group: Mobile Commerce Joint Industry Committee (MCJIC)

  • AIME has formed a joint industry Forum 'MCJIC' with IAB, IMRG and other Industry parties
  • Formation of the Group was agreed on the back of our initial M-Commerce research (August) highlighting the need for greater education around mobile commerce, particularly in the retail sector
  • Tesco, eBay, M&S & MIG have since joined the Board
  • At the inaugural meeting (15th December) the Group agreed to launch initiatives covering education, research and best practice standards for Mobile Commerce
  • MCJIC meets again January 2011

Industry Research: Confidence Survey

  • AIME conducted 2010 PRS Industry Confidence Survey
  • Top-Line Results presented at AIME GM - 1st Dec
  • Results will be circulated to members shortly

Industry Issue: VAT Increase

  • Members should refer to AIME VAT release sent to members 9th December for detail
  • AIME has worked across the membership to communicate the VAT position of network operators, to try and achieve consistency where possible and limit inevitable market disruption
  • AIME lobbying and submission on Ofcom proposed changes to the ‘National Telephone Numbering Plan’ (VAT Consultation) likely result in regulated price points becoming ex-VAT
  • Agreement reached with PPP over flexibility of Code during period of change post Jan 4th
  • PPP VAT Statement issued

Regulatory Update

  • PhonepayPlus Consumer Literacy Working Group (CLWG)
    • AIME Board member Rory Maguire to represent AIME in 2011
    • AIME attended PhonepayPlus CLWG breakfast meeting on 13th Oct
  • ILP Meeting – 16th Nov & 14th Dec – summary circulated to members
  • Ofcom PRS Bad Debt Consultation
    • AIME attended a stakeholder meeting 24th November with Ofcom and their consultants BDO to discuss the findings from BDO’s review of BT’s 2009/10 bad debt numbers and BT’s bad debt management practices
    • Notes circulated to members
    • Awaiting new consultation from Ofcom
  • PhonepayPlus Registration Scheme workshop attended by AIME 14th Dec
  • PhonepayPlus publish Investigations Schematic – Dec 2010 -  outlining informal resolution and formal investigative procedures
  • PhonepayPlus publish Quarterly Operations Report Q2 2010/11
  • Ofcom publish Consumer Experience and Business Consumer Experience report – Dec 2010

Industry Consultations
Open Consultations
PhonepayPlus – Business Plan & Budget 2011/12

  • AIME Vice Chair attended ILP meeting to discuss PhonepayPlus Budget
  • Member feedback for response to be sent to zoe@aimelink.org
  • Deadline 17th Jan 2011

PhonepayPlus – Guidance to support PhonepayPlus proposed new Code of Practice

  • AIME working group meeting held 7th Dec to consolidate member feedback
  • AIME response currently being drafted, to be circulated to members shortly
  • Any other member feedback for the response to be sent to zoe@aimelink.org
  • Deadline 19th Jan 2011

ComReg – Premium Rate Services Code of Practice

  • AIME liaising with the Irish Phone-paid Services Association regarding our response
  • Any member feedback for the response to be sent to zoe@aimelink.org
  • Deadline 21st Jan 2011

Ofcom – Simplifying Non Geographic Numbers

  • AIME will be forming a working group to formulate a response
  • Deadline 10th March 2011
 

Closed Consultations

PhonepayPlus – A three-year Strategic Plan for 2011/14

  • AIME response submitted 12th Nov 2010
  • Await statement to be published

Ofcom – Changes to Numbering Plan to Facilitate VAT Increase

  • AIME response submitted 19th Nov 2010
  • Await statement to be published

Industry consultations & AIME responses can be found on the AIME website
AIME encourages members to also respond individually to consultations 
For further information please contact Zoe@aimelink.org

Back to the Top

Information & Networking

  • AIME Press Release – Industry Bodies, Operator & Retailers join forces to launch cross-Industry  M-Commerce initiative – PR coverage includes NMA, Mobile Entertainment, Mobile Marketing Magazine, Internet Retailing, Retail Technology, Retail Bulletin, Multi-Channel Retailer, Utalk marketing, 91 mobiles & Business Computing World
  • Supporting Association at Mobile User Experience, Information Innovation, Mobile 2.0, Digital TV Summit
  • Supporting Association & attendance at Social Technology, not for profit - 15th Nov
  • Supporting Association & attendance at T360; AIME Chair Edward Boddington on keynote panel & David Ashman, AIME Membership Manager on panel with PhonepayPlus for Regulatory session  - 16th Nov
  • Attendance at Information Innovation - 18th Nov
  • Supporting Association & attendance at The Media Festival - 17-19th Nov
  • Attendance at Dialogue Communications Networking event – 23rd Nov
  • Attendance at Designing the future of UK Media Business - 24th Nov
  • Supporting Association & attendance at Appsworld - 30th Nov - 1st Dec
  • AIME member networking & Christmas Drinks Evening – 1st Dec, sponsored by Harvest Media, Dialogue Communications, ImpulsePay & Venista
  • Attendance at Westminster Forum's Payment for content online 2011 - paywalls and new structures for digital business - 2nd Dec
  • Member emails included:
    • AIME News Bulletin: Ofcom Amendment to Rule 10.9 of Broadcasting Code  'App PTV'
    • AIME News Bulletin: PhonepayPlus Investigations Schematic 
    • AIME News Bulletin: VAT update
    • AIME News Bulletin: ILP Meeting Update
    • AIME News Bulletin: PRS Bad Debt Surcharge Update
    • AIME Consultation updates: Pp+ Strategic Review, Ofcom Changes to Numbering Plan (VAT), Ofcom ADR Call for Input, ComReg Premium Rate Services Code of Practice, Pp+ Business Plan and Budget 2011/12, Ofcom Simplifying Non Geographic Numbers
    • AIME Meeting updates: GM, Fixed Line Forum, Interactive Broadcast Forum, Pp+ 12th Code Guidance working group, Payforit Research working group
    • AIME End of Year Summary 2010

Back to the Top

Member News

Ubiquity and reach of SMS not yet realised

mBlox conducted a study* into the types of mobile services offered by UK banks and credit card providers and found a gap in the range of mobile services currently available to consumers. A sizeable 84% of UK banks and credit card providers do not offer SMS transactions or balance alerts as part of their customer service offering.

Integrated mobile and digital communications business, Mobile Interactive Group ( MIG ) today unveiled its Christmas Sock Report. The research evaluated the UK’s top 57 retailers* against their mCommerce capabilities, in particular testing them against the question: how easy is it to find and purchase the most popular Christmas present - a pair of socks?

- Mobile Interactive Group ( MIG ) ranked number one, with 26,885 percent growth
- Software sector continues to dominate the ranking with a 15 percent growth from 2009
- France has the highest concentration of companies in the Technology Fast 500

OpenMarket named Best Transaction Provider at the Mobile Entertainment Awards for its innovative mobile crediting promotional campaign

London, 19 November, 2010 – OpenMarket, the UK’s leading mobile transaction hub, today announced it has won the prestigious Mobile Entertainment Award for Best Transaction Provider with its hugely successful Gimme Credit Coca-Cola campaign.

Back to the Top

Dates for your Diary!

23rd Dec - 4th January - AIME Offices are Closed for Christmas break
24th - 27th January - Digital Content Monetisation, Europe - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
24th - 27th January - Clarion Gaming - AIME Supporting Association
14-17th February - Mobile World Congress - AIME Supporting Association
23-24th March - Changing Media Summit - AIME Supporting Association, member discount
10-11th May - MVNOs Barcelona - AIME Supporting Association, member discount

If you would like further information on any of AIME's activities, initiatives or benefits of membership, please contact me at zoe@aimelink.org

Kind Regards,

Zoe Patterson
General Manager

Back to the Top

Subscribe to receive all future AIME newsletters & information about our K&N events

Sponsors

MIG      bbc       itv     WIN   

  OpenMarket  OXYGEN8     

AIME - Success in Interactive Media


AIME | www.aimelink.org | Tel: 44 (0) 1273 685 328 | 28 Foundry St, Brighton, BN1 4AT