WASPA (The Wireless Application Service Provider’s Association) was founded on the 26th of August 2004. The association aims to promote ethical business practices in the Mobile industry and also to protect the public. The mobile service industry is growing rapidly. Technology has made it possible for practically any form of information to be sent and received from and to cell phones. WASPA is the much needed guard dog of the mobile industry.

Wireless application service providers provide an information system service, in terms of Chapter 11 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002. As a provider of an information system service wireless application service providers may be held accountable for content. Aggregators can still avoid liability for their clients’ content as long as they act in accordance with the rules and regulations set out in Chapter 11. Chapter 11 covers subscription services. 

Subscription services refer to services that subscribers will receive on a regular basis. Subscribers are also automatically billed along with each message received. Subscription services are the most likely to cause confusion and upset subscribers. WASPA requires service providers to identify subscription services explicitly as subscription services. Service providers need to send a message notifying subscribers of the subscription. No sneaky once off messages linked to subscriptions.  

Secondly support services need to be provided in such a way that it will be easily accessible to subscribers.  Where termination of services is concerned service providers also have to watch their steps. Instructions must be readily available and easy to understand. To unsubscribe should not cost more than one rand. Termination devices are required to be functional and accessible at all times. 

These are but a few of the rules imposed by WASPA to protect subscribers against subscription messages. Integrat fully supports all of WASPA’s regulations and initiatives. At present only WASPS acting as aggregators are allowed membership to WASPA. Therefore aggregators carry a huge responsibility, not only in their own capacities but also for their clients who provide content. Knowledge is power and it is essential to know your rights. For more information visit WASPA’s website at www.waspa.co.za.