Bulk unsolicited communications – or spam – are a source of irritation for internet and mobile users. Vodafone does not send spam to customers. Customers may opt in to receive marketing messages from Vodafone or from responsible third parties. This may include e-mail or mobile messaging, typically via SMS text message.
Most SMS spam is generated by third parties who use mobile networks to send unsolicited marketing messages to our customers. These third parties often operate internationally and disregard national regulations.
Tackling spam
To tackle SMS spam, we monitor unusual traffic patterns and apply commercial and technical policies to discourage spam being sent to our customers. Our Group anti-spam policy means customers can also report spam to their local Vodafone operating company. See more on the implementation of the policy by local operating companies.
Vodafone was involved in developing the mobile phone industry association GSMA code of practice on spam. The code commits network operators to work together to investigate cases of mobile spam transmitted across mobile networks and take action where appropriate. The code also commits operators to introduce anti-spam conditions into all new contracts with third party suppliers, enabling suspension or termination of the mobile contracts of those who originate spam messages.
Spam messages inviting customers to call a premium rate number or subscribe to premium rate services can be particularly problematic. This generates revenue for the spam originator and may mislead customers or be fraudulent. In line with our anti-spam policy, we withhold payments for such calls where we detect these messages or where they are reported to us.
Vodafone is lobbying European regulatory authorities to increase the level of consumer protection available to combat spam. We have suggested amendments to a proposed new European communications regulatory framework. We believe this should require operators to withhold revenue from third-party suppliers pending investigations of instances where unsolicited messages are used to solicit a premium rate service response.