Fraudulent calls
Customers with internet connection have recorded a number of cases of fraudulent direction to the lines with higher tarriffication.
Lately the customers with internet connection have recorded a number of cases of fraudulent direction to the lines with higher tarriffication. The problem relates in particular to internet access by modems over standard telephone lines (HTS) or digital lines (ISDN). Customers connected in another manner, e.g. by fixed non-dial-up connection or high-speed connection by O2 Internet are not endangered by this fraud (safe high-speed connection is conditioned by disconnection of the analogue or ISDN modem from the PC in use).
Similarly also a trustful customer of voice services may be defrauded, who, as a consequence of incorrect information (e.g. leaflet on win) dials a line with a special tariff, at which only the voice message is played.
Principle of fraudulent calls (misuse of the line of special tarriffication)
Fraudulent calls are caused by the services of telephone lines with a special tarriffication which are normally used, for instance, for provision of information services or for charity. That is a regular form of paying services, the billing of which is conducted through telephone billing. Thanks to restrictions in Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. network, the misuse of lines with special tariff occurs in particular in networks of alternative operators.
Interconnection fees for Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s.
Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. then does not have any direct influence on the use of lines of special tarriffication provided and operated by the other operators in their networks. The operators lease them to other entities within their commercial terms and conditions and Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. is not involved in provision of their mutual commissions. Specifically that means that only the fees for network interconnection belong to Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. and a percentage of the risk of non-selection, for instance, out of the sum of 57 CZK/min. it is about 5 up to 8 CZK/min.; the rest of roughly 49 up to 52 CZK/min. goes to the alternative operator, which then gives the commission to the "content provider".
Relations and activities with alternative operators
The activities that Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. ensures for alternative operators:
- Based on concluded interconnection agreements with alternative operators, access to the telecommunications services provided by those alternative operators
- These alternative operators are responsible for the content and quality of the services
- Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. conducts also billing of some services provided by the alternative operators
- Billing of these services includes also telecommunications services that are provided also by alternative operators
- The callers obtain billing of fees of telecommunications services from Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s.
- Customers make complaints at Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s.
- Customers make complaints about services provided by an alternative operator with the respective operator
Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. cannot spontaneously forbid access to the lines in the network of an alternative operator, even if it has a suspicion of the line misuse. In addition to that, Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, a.s. is forced and obliged to do billing also of the services provided in that manner.
