ACMA Media
Release
139 /2010
Page 1 of 2
28 October 2010
Spending limits important for users of mobile
premium services
New research by the Australian Communications and Media Authority into the use
of mobile premium services indicates that, while most people are satisfied with the
services, many have a strong interest in being able to more easily limit how much
they spend. Over two-thirds of parents think it is either very or extremely important
to limit their child’s expenditure on mobile premium services.
‘This research is very relevant to our continuing monitoring and assessment of
mobile premium services, but is also bridging to the future by indicating the
desirability of robust consumer safeguards for future mobile payment mechanisms,
particularly the ability to more generally limit expenditure,’ said ACMA Chairman,
Chris Chapman.
The research reveals:
A quarter of Australians used at least one mobile premium service, either
for a one-off purchase or a subscription service, in the 12 months to April
2010
Only one in ten users of mobile premium services indicated any level of
dissatisfaction
Almost two-thirds of respondents reported interest in having greater control
over how much they spend on mobile premium services
Parents are particularly interested in ways to manage their children’s
expenditure
38 per cent of users received an unrequested premium SMS or MMS
message in the last three months, and nearly a third of these had difficulty
stopping the unwanted service.
The ACMA has strongly encouraged mobile carriers to develop arrangements which
give mobile customers more control over how much they spend on premium
services.
It will also use the research findings to inform discussions about consumer
safeguards required for future mobile phone-based payment services.
‘Mobile phone-based payments will soon become increasingly common for a wide
range of day-to-day purchases. The ACMA is leading consideration of appropriate
consumer safeguards for the next generation of mobile phone-based payments, by
shining a light on the needs, expectations and behaviours of consumers in this
increasingly complex space,’ said Mr Chapman.
The Mobile Premium Services User Survey 2010 report and Community Research
Into Attitudes Towards Use of Mobile Payment in Australia report are available from
the ACMA website.
ACMA Media Release
139 /2010
Page 2 of 2
Information for consumers about mobile premium services is also available from the
ACMA website.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Donald
Robertson, Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980, 0418 86 1766 or
media@acma.gov.au.
The ACMA is Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, the internet, radiocommunications and
telecommunications. The ACMA’s strategic intent is to make communications and media work in
Australia’s public interest. For more information: www.acma.gov.au.
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