Phone-Paid Services Authority Overview and Regulation

The Phone-Paid Services Authority is responsible for regulating services such as premium rate phone services, SMS services, and mobile content services.

Its main goal is to protect consumers from potential harm or exploitation by these services.

To achieve this, the Authority has a clear set of rules and guidelines that service providers must follow.

These rules cover areas such as transparency, fairness, and customer consent.

The Authority also works to ensure that services are properly marketed and that consumers are aware of the costs and benefits of using them.

In 2019, the Authority implemented new rules to improve transparency in phone-paid services, requiring providers to clearly display prices and details of services before customers make a purchase.

A fresh viewpoint: Paid Web Traffic

The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) has a fascinating history that dates back to 1986, when regulation of premium rate services commenced under the Independent Committee for the supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS).

ICSTIS was established at the request of three network operators, British Telecom, Mercury Communications, and Vodafone, in response to public criticism of their profiting from premium-rate adult content.

The ICSTIS re-branded itself as PhonepayPlus (PPP) in June 2007, and later as the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) in November 2016.

The PSA's authority to regulate Controlled Premium Rate Services (CPRS) came from Section 120 and 121 of the Communications Act 2003 and through Ofcom's Premium Rate Services Condition.

The PSA regulated phone-paid services using a Code of Practice, approved by Ofcom, which set out the rules that all providers had to comply with, including clear and accurate pricing information, honest advertising, and service content.

The PSA investigated complaints about phone-paid services, and if it decided that the rules had been broken, it could fine the company responsible, bar access to its services, and bar the individual behind the company from running other services under a different company name.

The PSA regulated a subset of services using specific number ranges, including 087, 090, 091, 098, and 118, as well as five-, six-, and seven-digit mobile voice and text shortcodes beginning with a 6, 7, or 8.

Check this out: Authority Link Building

The PSA also regulated high-risk services, such as sexual entertainment services, chat lines, and call-connection services, regardless of call price or number range used.

The PSA's regulation of certain services, including internet dialler-operated services, was due to be phased out by 31 January 2025, as they had been deemed obsolete by Ofcom.

On 25 October 2024, Ofcom published a notice stating that it would formally withdraw its approval of the PSA Code on 31 January 2025 and take the regulation of Controlled Premium Rate Services (CPRS) back in-house on 1 February 2025.

The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) plays a crucial role in regulating the industry. It's a regulator, not an ombudsman, which means it won't help resolve your dispute directly.

However, the involvement of PSA can still help your case and that of others. This is because PSA recognizes that some companies try to "keep below the radar" by providing quick refunds to consumers who complain.

You don't need to attach a copy of your phone bill to make a complaint to PSA, but you do need to know the following: the premium rate service the number relates to, the name of the company providing the premium rate service, your personal details, and the name of your phone or mobile network.

Here are the details you'll need to report an issue to PSA:

The UK has a regulatory body that oversees media content, known as the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA). The PSA is responsible for regulating phone-paid services, which includes premium rate services and other paid-for content.

The PSA has 6 Practice Notes on Phone-paid Services Authority that provide guidance on how to comply with regulations. These notes are a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the regulatory landscape.

The PSA's regulatory framework is designed to protect consumers from unwanted or misleading content. It sets out clear rules for phone-paid services, including requirements for transparency and consent.

Consider reading: Paid Inclusion

The PSA also works with industry stakeholders to ensure that phone-paid services are delivered in a way that is fair and transparent. This includes monitoring complaints and taking enforcement action when necessary.

The PSA's regulatory framework is constantly evolving, with new guidance and rules being introduced regularly. This means that businesses and individuals must stay up-to-date with the latest requirements to avoid non-compliance.

The 6 Practice Notes on Phone-paid Services Authority provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory framework and how to comply with it. They cover topics such as consumer protection, advertising, and billing.

Expand your knowledge: Paid Listings

Complaining to PSA is a straightforward process. You don't need to attach a copy of your phone bill, but you do need to know some basic information.

The PSA website has a number checker that can help you get started. To use it, go to https://psauthority.org.uk/for-consumers/report-an-issue and enter your network and the shortcode you're complaining about.

You'll need to provide some personal details, such as your name, address, and contact information. Make sure you also have the name of the company providing the premium rate service and your phone or mobile network details.

If you're having trouble with the online process, you can also complain by phone on 0300 30 300 20 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays). This is charged as a normal landline call.

To make a complaint, follow these steps:

The Phone-paid Services Authority has a significant impact on the industry, and understanding its annual revenue can provide valuable context.

The Phone-paid Services Authority annual revenue was $17.1 million in 2025.

This revenue figure is a clear indication of the organization's financial standing and its ability to support its regulatory efforts.

The Phone-paid Services Authority has a dedicated team working to ensure compliance with regulations, and this revenue helps fund their operations.

Their annual revenue of $17.1 million in 2025 allows them to maintain a strong presence in the industry.

The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) is an essential resource for consumers who've been charged for services without their consent. You don't need to attach a copy of your phone bill to make a complaint to PSA.

To make a complaint, you'll need to know the premium rate service number, the name of the company providing the service, your personal details, and the name of your phone or mobile network. This information can usually be found on your text message confirmation or phone bill.

The PSA website has a number checker tool that allows you to search for the company responsible for the shortcode. You'll need to put in your network and the shortcode you're complaining about, and then click 'Search!' to proceed.

Here are the details you'll need to report a service to PSA:

If you find the online process too cumbersome, you can complain by phone on 0300 30 300 20 (Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5pm, excluding bank holidays). This is charged as a normal landline call.

The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) is responsible for regulating phone-paid services in the UK.

The PSA's primary goal is to protect consumers from unfair or misleading practices.

What questions do you have about the PSA's role in regulating phone-paid services?

The PSA investigates complaints about phone-paid services, including those related to premium rate services, SMS and MMS services, and other services that are paid for by mobile phone.

Consumers can file complaints with the PSA online or by phone, and the authority will investigate and take action if necessary.

Do you have concerns about a specific phone-paid service?