Wants to create a 'one-stop solution' for info on regulatory guidelines in 24 countries.
The Regulatory Information Service Centre (RISC) will be an online archive that includes access to MEF guidance documents; links to third-party sources for further reading; as well as relevant regulatory contact detail.
The MEF announced the action a day after the UK regulator PhonepayPlus issued a new Code consultation. PPP's key proposal is the creation of a mandatory register for premium rate content businesses that market directly to consumers.
To date, it has only been able to pursue the messaging and billing aggregator rather than the content owner.
The idea has been broadly welcomed by the trade as it helps aggregators carry out due diligence on their partners and, as a result, rogue providers should find it very hard to operate in the UK premium rate industry.
Suhail Bhat, MEF’s policy and initiatives director, said: “We welcome the fresh approach taken by PhonepayPlus with a focus on future proofing and a recognition that the mobile industry is constantly evolving.
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"However there remain unanswered questions such as the definition of a premium rate service. In a world where content and services can be accessed and purchased on multiple devices, convergence is an increasingly disruptive force on legal definitions.
"We will be seeking clarity on the criteria determining which services will fall under the remit of PpP and its Code.”
The consultation closes on 8 July and MEF is hosting two events to gain maximum industry input and feedback for the regulators. For more details on RISC click here.
