Sprint implements Multi-tariff Short Codes

Sprint now supports multiple price points on the same short code. Their implementation is based on 'extending' the 5 digit short code with 3 digits which will signal the price. Example: A service operating with short code 33333, billed at $1.99 and at $2.99 will be visible to the consumer as short code 33333199 and 33333299 respectively.

Quios customers need not worry about extending the short code since Quios will strip the price from the MO messages or add the price to the MT messages, and hence the implementation will be transparent for our customers.

Tmobile and Operator Chat

Tmobile announced that they will aggressively crack down on non-authorized operator chat applications by the end of the year. Following guidelines will need to be strictly adhered to:

• Absolutely no adult content allowed.
• Operator chat with live operator is ok, with automated/bot replies is not ok.
• Monthly spending caps need to be respected.

Tmobile plans on auditing all existing chat services towards the end of the year to verify compliance with the playbook and with the MMA guidelines (BTW, the 18+ requirement was dropped based on feedback from Tmobile's counsel).

From Tmobile's perspective, the content provider and aggregator are on the hook for any damages due to unauthorized adult content being distributed on their network.

Another playbook update is expected in early Q1. No news what changes will be included.

Carriers Adopt Content Guidelines

CTIA, the association of wireless carriers, today announced Wireless Content Guidelines, a voluntary pledge by the carriers to provide tools and controls to manage access to wireless content.

Content will be divided in 2 broad categories: (i) Generally Accessible Carrier Content; and (ii) Restricted Carrier Content. The content categorization guidelines will be developed by a carrier-independent 3rd party. Carriers pledge not to provide any Restricted Carrier Content until sufficient tools and controls are in place to restrict content to 18+ year old consumers.

While there is no specific announcement on timelines or applicability to Premium SMS, it is generally understood that this opens the door to offering adult services and bill for them through Premium SMS as soon as parental controls are in place.

Carrier Freeze Notification

Many carriers freeze any network changes around the end of year to be able to deal with increased year-end volumes, and reduced staff. This will delay the provisioning of short codes. Please take this into account if you plan on launching new short code services towards the end of the year or the beginning of next year.

The carrier announced freeze dates are :
Alltel: 12/19 - 1/1
Cingular: 11/22 - 11/27 and 12/22 - 1/1
Dobson: none
Sprint/Nextel/Boost: 11/21 - 11/25 and 12/21 - 1/1
T-Mobile: none
Verizon: none

We will continue to process any new campaign orders and submit them to the carriers during that period.