Licensing & Services

In accordance with the Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services and Electronic Communications Infrastructure) Act 2010, a specified premium rate service is a premium rate service, other than a service which is accessed only via an international call, whereby:

1. the service is accessed by a premium rate number (with a 15XX access code) and the price payable by the end user for each call* exceeds 25 cent** (inclusive of value added tax).
2. the service is accessed other than by means of a premium rate number and the price payable by the end user for each call exceeds 25 cent (inclusive of value added tax) for each call; or
3. the service is :
   a) a chatline service;
   b) a sexual entertainment service;
   c) a children’s service;
   d) a subscription service or
   e) operated by internet dialler software.
   
   * Call means any communication (whether voice, data, text or otherwise) which passes through an electronic communications network, whether initiated by an end user or initiated by or facilitated by a premium rate service provider, and a “caller” shall be construed accordingly.
   
   **The 25 cent threshold is based on Eircom’s charge from a standard Eircom fixed line.

There are certain exemptions in place for a premium rate service provider who provides:

1. a premium rate service which comprises directory enquiry services and relevant value added services that are provided using the number range 118XX; or
2. on-demand audiovisual media services, are exempted from acquiring a licence as the two services listed above are not classified as specified premium rate services.
   
   
   Please read the Communications Regulation (Licensing of Premium Rate Services) Regulations, 2010 for a more extensive definition.