Mobile firms told to obtain users’ consent on value-added services

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday directed Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to send mandatory confirmation messages to their consumers to get explicit consent for opting for or activation of Value Added Services (VAS).

The CMOs have also been directed to submit compliance report within three weeks from issuance of the order, a press release said. PTA issued these orders after receiving user complaints that VAS, including third party content/games, were sometimes activated by mobile operators without prior consent of consumers.

PTA has taken serious notice of such complaints as activation of any VAS without explicit consent of consumers is violation of Clause 9 (3) (vii) of Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, 2009.

This step is expected to provide great relief to mobile consumers. PTA is committed to protect the interests of users of telecommunication services in Pakistan, the press release added.