The operator financially compensated one of its subscribers for the traffic generated towards 902 numbers, when the regulations prohibit it
MADRID, 1 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has fined Dialoga Servicios Interactivos 55,000 euros for offering a client company the contracting of 902 lines in exchange for an economic benefit.
The regulations expressly prohibit remuneration to companies for calls to this ‘smart network number’, in which the consumer pays for the entire call, according to the organization chaired by Cani Fernández.
Companies hire 902 lines to centralize the services they offer their customers under the umbrella of the same number throughout the territory in which they provide services. It is an ‘intelligent network number’ that also allows companies to know from which geographical location the call is made or at what time and this information allows them to improve their customer service.
However, as explained by the CNMC, the price of calls to a 902 number is higher for consumers than calls to geographical numbers. Calls to these numbers are not included in the flat rates and their prices are not regulated, and this allows the operator to set the price it deems appropriate. In addition, the price may be different if the call is made from a landline or mobile phone.
The regulations do not provide what services must be provided through this numbering, but it does expressly include the prohibition of remuneration to the subscriber (individual or company) that contracts the 902 numbering, for calls directed to these numbers.
This means, according to the CNMC, that the company to which the user calls to receive information cannot receive remuneration for the call. In other words, the user has to pay the full cost of the call to his telephone company.
The sanctioned events occurred between January 2021 and February 2022 and represent a serious violation of the General Telecommunications Law. This resolution has been approved with the particular vote of a member of the Council of the CNMC.
