The Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association of SA (WASPA) has moved to clarify its role in the industry, in reaction to consumers approaching it for assistance with problems relating to mobile phones and services.
Chairman of WASPA, Leon Perlman, explained that while WASPA makes every effort to assist cellular consumers, the self-regulating body has focused aims and currently a very specific jurisdiction that does not extend to the greater cellular industry. In general, this is the remit of the national telecommunications regulator, ICASA.
“As an industry body, WASPA’s represents the interests of South Africa’s providers of mobile Value Added Services (VAS) which mainly comprises content, applications and bulk SMS. As such its goal is to promote a vibrant and sustainable VAS industry. This often means protecting consumers from rogue services that negatively impact consumer confidence and the industry. In pursuit of the latter, WASPA regularly takes action against transgressors of its Code of Conduct to protect the South African mobile VAS consumer and to instill confidence in the industry,” explained Mr Perlman.
A statement from WASPA also clarified that its jurisdiction only extends to its own members and their activities. It currently does not regulate other industries, the mobile networks or their voice and data service providers.
Mr Perlman added that WASPA will soon apply to the Department of Trade & Industry for its Code of Conduct to be recognised under the Consumer Protection Act coming into effect in October this year.
