Quote:For complaints about '09' premium rate numbers, ICSTIS are the appropriate authority, and I believe that they can impose strong sanctions such as fines and bans. ICSTIS rules require the price of premium rate calls to be declared.
ICSTIS, much like Ofcom, is a pointless body. It exists to serve its industry and that is all. It does not give a toss about the consumer. Sure, it makes a few examples of rip-off merchants and issues a few fines - most of which remain unpaid - but it cannot cope with the large number of complaints it receives from the public.
Scammers from Sao Tome to Tuvalu delight in the opportunities that the UK numbering system, managed by Ofcom, present so that a rapid profit can be made. Much like the 0870/0845 scammers, who can get away with extortion yet are outside the regulator.
For a developed country, the United Kingdom has the most ridiculous telephone numbering system that could possibly be imagined.
Clueless is the word that describes both Ofcom and ICSTIS.