Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) remains one of the primary ways in which the mobile consumer accesses data services; yet the industry has been quiet on the issue for some time now.
This is according to the Wireless Application Service Providers' Association of SA (WASPA), which recently added what the body calls “strong consumer protection clauses”, relating to WAP, to its code of conduct.
“Version 12.0 of the WASPA code of conduct was ratified by members at a recent AGM with clauses 13.3.2 through to 13.3.4 specifically making provision for WAP 'push' messages sent to consumers to include a short code to which the recipient can send the STOP command to opt-out.”
In addition, says WASPA, the code of conduct emphasises that further information on how the recipient can opt out of future promotions must also be available from the WAP site. “Most importantly, the type of service (for example, subscription service) and the cost of service (for example, R7/day) must also be clearly displayed within the WAP site.”
Core clampdown
According to Russel Stromin, chairperson of WASPA's code of conduct committee, the recent amendments to the WASPA code of conduct represent further tightening up of the rules according to which WASPs conduct their business.
“The addition of new clauses pertaining to WAP services may seem relatively minor, but they are the latest in a very long line of enhancements to the WASPA code of conduct. What we are seeing now is further evidence of a long-term trend of active consumer protection by WASPA.”
Stromin says the thinking behind the new clauses represents a major and extended commitment towards ensuring South African mobile users feel secure when they interact with WASPA members' services. “Without codifying the framework within which WASPs operate, anything goes. In an industry where anything goes, nobody feels secure, especially consumers.”
The association says, while some clauses have been amended, the overriding objective of the WASPA code of conduct remains the same, as set out in Clause 1.2: “The primary objective of the WASPA code of conduct is to ensure that members of the public can use mobile services with confidence, assured that they will be provided with accurate information about all services and the pricing associated with those services.”
Furthermore, the code aims to: “equip customers and consumers with a mechanism for addressing any concerns or complaints relating to services provided by WASPA members...”
The WASPA code of conduct also sets standards for advertising mobile application services, and includes a framework for the provision of adult services, to ensure adequate protection of children from potentially harmful content.
Stromin says the current WASPA code of conduct is “essentially the most up-to-date mobile consumer protection document in the country right now”.
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