In order to protect consumers and maintain the credibility of Premium SMS amongst mobile phone users, global wireless carriers have adopted stringent guidelines for third parties who wish to perform mobile billing. Guidelines include:

Double Opt-in:

In order for a Premium SMS billing event to be considered valid, a “double opt-in” is required from the mobile subscriber. A double opt-in can be achieved in two ways:

- YES method: End-user receives a text message with rate information and other disclosures, prompting them to reply “YES” in order to be charged for the service. Once an end-user replies YES via text message, the Premium SMS billing event ensues.

- Pin-code method: End-user enters his/her phone number and wireless carrier on a website form which contains rate disclosures and other information. A pin-code is subsequently sent to the end-user’s mobile phone via text message. Once the end-user enters the pin-code successfully on the website form, the Premium SMS charge is made.

GoLive! Mobile’s Concierge platform contains many tools for you to implement Premium SMS campaigns using both of the double opt-in methods mentioned above.

HELP & STOP Commands

Every Premium SMS campaign must respond to the HELP and STOP commands as required by the Carriers. For example, if you have been sent a billing message from a short code, you can at any time text HELP to the short code to receive custom care information. You can text STOP the short code to remove your phone number from the campaign, as well as any future messages that might be sent from the billing party.

GoLive! Mobile’s Concierge platform enables you to easily create customized HELP and STOP messages for your Premium SMS campaigns.

Rate Disclosures

Prior to billing a mobile phone user via Premium SMS, you must fully disclose the pricing details clearly and boldly in all promotional materials, as well as in the confirmation text message sent to end-users. In the U.S, you must also disclose that “standard messaging rates apply,” which is meant to indicate that if the mobile subscriber is not on an unlimited text messaging plan, he/she will be charged normal text messaging rates by the wireless carrier for all messages sent/received.