PhonepayPlus, the UK regulator of premium rate telephone services (PRS), is urging all PRS providers to register their organisation as soon as possible with the regulator if they have not already done so.

The enforcement date for the new Code of Practice and Registration Scheme is 1 September, just 10 days away. Registration is mandatory under the new Code of Practice, and failure to register could incur sanctions, including fines.

Over 1,000 providers have already registered on the first ever industry-wide Registration Scheme, with the regulator working with providers and trade bodies to encourage registration throughout the value-chain.

“We are delighted with the co-operation shown by the PRS industry in getting on-board and supporting the Registration Scheme. The level of registrations and engagement so far demonstrates that this is regulation enjoying wide industry support,” says PhonepayPlus chief executive, Paul Whiteing. “From the outset, we knew that an effective Registration Scheme would need to capture the whole value chain.

“The requirement to register – only 0871, 0872 and 0873 providers are exempt – means that a provider cannot do business with any other provider who is not registered. We know some providers have made it clear that they will no longer contract with clients after 1 September 2011 if they are not registered with us. We are therefore continuing to work hard with our industry partners in the countdown to the enforcement date to ensure that there is business continuity as we move to the new Code.

“We join with the PRS industry in asking any stragglers who have not yet registered with us, and who want to continue to do business in the UK PRS market, to register with us as a priority.”

To help all providers, the PhonepayPlus website also has ample guidance on all aspects of registration, including ‘How to Guides’ and Registration FAQs. All of this is available here.