June 18, 2018

The PSA is consulting on introducing two new Special conditions for directory enquiry services (DQ services). This follows a review of the sector that the PSA launched alongside Ofcom in May 2017.

This consultation document sets out the PSA’s review findings and considerations and consults on proposals to introduce two new Special conditions. In summary these are:

• a requirement that DQ services promoted using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) messages, or other means, on geographic numbers only use numbers that are active and already in use for purposes other than such promotions;
• a requirement that DQ services provide the consumer with the cost of any onward connection, giving them reasonable time to consider and decline, before any such onward connection takes place.

The PSA says that the proposals are intended to reduce the incidence of consumer harm through misleading practices and improve consumers understanding of DQ service pricing when calls are connected via the DQ service.

The consultation closes on 22 August 2018. To access the consultation, click here.