Second operator MTN has introduced a token based billing (TBB) system to address what it says is the "simmering distress experienced by its customers who claim that they are being unwittingly billed for content services they have not subscribed for by unscrupulous Wireless Application Service Providers (WASPS)".
MTN explains that WASPs previously used event based billing as a mechanism to bill MTN customers for purchases or subscription services without getting their expressed consent. "This normally occurred when customers unknowingly clicked on a link or URL which automatically triggered an unsolicited subscription."
MTN says TBB will shelter customers from service providers who "ruin the experience of our unsuspecting customers".
Chief enterprise business officer Kanagaratnam Lambotharan says the company is confident the service will help clamp down on malpractice and give customers peace of mind.
MTN says, through an added value self-service option, making use of the new USSD string *141*5# to view, activate or cancel any WASP subscriptions, MTN customers can now ward off unwanted WASPS subscriptions. "We are giving our customers the freedom to manage their subscriptions without the need to call MTN customer services or the WASP providers directly to unsubscribe," adds Lambotharan.
The new TBB system has additional controls and checks in order to protect customers and systems from abuse.
The system will generate a token for customers to opt-in and approve their purchase or subscription to any WASP service before a customer will be billed.
MTN says customers will now have access to the following information before approving a purchase or subscription:
- The name of the WASP providing the service;
- The service or product being purchased;
- The frequency of the service;
- The amount to be charged per frequency once agreeing to purchase or subscribe; and
- Disclaimer and/or terms and conditions being agreed to in terms of authorising the purchase or subscription.
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