The new guidelines cover both 'mobile termination' services (where users pay a premium rate to receive text messages) and 'mobile origination' services (where users pay a premium rate to send text messages).
They also outline how ICSTIS is likely to interpret its Code of Practice - the rules governing all premium rate services - when considering complaints about such services.
ICSTIS Deputy Director Paul Whiteing, confirmed that the document was designed to address concerns that had arisen since the first guideline was introduced in May last year. He explained:
"One major consumer concern, for example, was the difficulty encountered in trying to unsubscribe from services. We've therefore introduced a universal 'stop' command for all services. Another cause for concern, given the fact that so many children have mobile phones, was the potential ease with which children could access inappropriate services. We've therefore introduced a system under which service providers must use an age verification system to minimise this potential problem."
The guidelines also make it clear that an opt out message should be sent to customers after they have subscribed to a service, giving details of how to unsubscribe. This message should be sent free of charge.
A copy of the revised Guideline can be found here