ACM withdraws premium-rate numbers after abuse

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has withdrawn 22 premium-rate telephone numbers (0900 series) belonging to a total of 9 different companies. Several of these premium-rate numbers were used for offering expensive directory assistance services with a rate per minute. This is not allowed. Callers also had to pay a rate, even though no service whatsoever was provided.

This spring, ACM launched an investigation into the proper use of premium-rate telephone numbers. In an initial inspection, based on concrete indications from consumers, 22 numbers did not meet the relevant rules and regulations. ACM immediately took these numbers down to prevent further financial harm to consumers. After further investigation, ACM has formally withdrawn the premium-rate telephone numbers. As a result, the users of these numbers will no longer be able to use these numbers in the future. Henk Don, acting Chairman of the Board of ACM, adds: "Abusing premium-rate telephone numbers is a serious matter. Going forward, ACM will perform additional inspections to make sure 0900-numbers are used for the right purposes."

Policy rule

Since December 2017, stricter rules are in place for the use of the 0900, 0906, and 0909 premium-rate telephone numbers. At the time, ACM informed number users and holders about these rules, and it announced inspections. ACM has established that number users and holders have adjusted their methods and rates, but that, in some cases, regulations are still violated. Enforcement therefore continues to be necessary.