Global content businesses target one of the world's most advanced content markets.
PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services, launched a mandatory registration scheme for all PRS providers last year in order to avoid a repeat of some of the malpractice of the first era of mobile content.
Now, its annual report has revealed there have been almost 4,000 registered providers, with 14 per cent located in 75 overseas countries including Australia, Russia, China, India, Nigeria, Argentina and the US
Why? It could be because of the enthusiasm of the UK public for such services. PhonepayPlus's own research says the average PRS revenue per capita (based on 20 bench-marked countries) is $4.57; in the UK it is $18.70.
And it's getting easier for internationals to do global business, because of the nature of mobile payments.
Paul Whiteing, PhonepayPlus’ chief executive, said: "When we look at the map of PRS providers active in the UK market, we see a picture of a market that is increasingly global…The opportunities for the UK to lead the way in m-commerce and digital micropayments, such as PRS, are significant.
"To realise this potential, we need to ensure regulation remains fit for purpose, allowing business innovation to flourish while robustly protecting consumers. We need to do this with an eye, not just to the domestic market, but to a digital economy that is global and indifferent towards state borders."
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