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KEEP IN TOUCH

Use SMS to send a quick text message to your friends or family.

SEND PICTURES

Use MMS to send pictures or video messages while on holiday.

SEND EMAILS

Use MMS to send and receive your emails via your mobile phone when you are out and about.

PAY FOR THINGS

Use Premium SMS to purchase things, such as ringtones or games.

ENTER COMPETITIONS

Use Premium SMS to enter competitions.

SUBSCRIBE TO SERVICES

Use Premium SMS to subscribe to services (e.g. sports results) and unsubscribe when you don't want to receive the information any more.

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Many of you will know this already, but you can use your mobile phone to type in a short text message (an SMS), select who the message will be sent to, and send the message.

Each handset has a slightly different way to complete these steps, so ask the sales assistant to show you when you are in the store or review your handset manual.

You can use your mobile phone to take a picture (if it has camera capability). Then you can select a picture or video to send to someone. Select who the message will be sent to, and send the message.

Each handset has a slightly different way to complete these steps, so ask the sales assistant to show you when you are in the store or review your handset manual.

Most mobile phone plans allow you to pay for things using a Premium SMS message. This is a way to pay for mobile services (such as games or ringtones) on your phone using a special 6 or 8 digit SMS number starting with 19. The cost of the item that you purchased will then be added to your mobile phone bill.

You can send a Premium SMS simply by sending a SMS message to a number beginning with 19.

Sometimes a Premium SMS will be sent to you after you have accepted a charge for a service.

Always make sure that you know how much you will be charged before sending or requesting a Premium SMS message.

You can unsubscribe from a subscription service at any time: just Text 'STOP' to the relevant Premium Text number (shortcode) and you should be unsubscribed within 24 hours.

You can unsubscribe from a subscription service at any time:

a. Text 'STOP' to the relevant Premium Text number (shortcode) and you should be unsubscribed within 24 hours, or

b. Call the premium service provider's helpdesk.

With messaging, you pay per message.

The cost of sending and receiving messages on your mobile phone depends on your mobile carrier and your price plan. For example, usage may be included within your plan, or you may pay for each message you send or receive.

SMS and MMS:
Sending an SMS or an MMS message to a normal mobile number starting with 04 will be charged at the standard rate according to your particular mobile plan. Some plans include a certain number of free text messages within your plan. Check with your mobile carrier to see what you will be charged for SMS and MMS messages on your plan.

Premium SMS:
You can send a Premium SMS to make a purchase, (such as a ringtone or game). The costs for purchases made via Premium SMS vary by the item you are purchasing.

You can also send a Premium SMS to receive a subscription service. This can either be for monthly access to an information service, such as bus and ferry timetables, or subscription services can be used to receive material on a weekly or daily basis. The costs for subscription services vary by the service you are subscribing to.

International:
If you are using your mobile phone to send messages internationally, the costs can vary by country, plan and carrier. Please contact your mobile carrier to get the pricing details relevant to your plan.

If you are calling a number starting with ‘19’ or texting a key word to a mobile shortcode to cast your vote on a TV show, enter a competition or order products like ringtones, wallpapers and alerts, this will cost you money!

To make sure you spend what you want and get what you want, use your phone brain.

Always:

• Keep your eyes open.
• Check out the price.
• Have you got enough credit? Is your phone compatible? (Will the product you want to buy work on your phone?)
• Know what you're getting. (Is it a subscription service?)
• Know what it costs.

It's important you keep track of how much you're spending in total.

One way to stop yourself from getting an unexpected huge bill is to get a prepaid account. With a prepay account you are less likely to get yourself into trouble, because you know what you are spending every month.

There are a range of ways in which you can be charged for Premium SMS Services, these include:

Flat Rate - this is where you are charged a fixed amount for each Premium SMS. For example, you could be charged $5.00 for a ringtone or, if you use a chat service, you could be charged $1.20 for each SMS you send.

When you see an ad for a Premium Service always check the costs before sending the Premium SMS. The costs for Premium SMS must be listed with the number so make sure you check the price first.

The responsibility for your mobile, and the cost of services paid for with your mobile, ultimately rests with you. This includes Premium Services used by family and friends, even when made without your knowledge. If your phone is lost or stolen you must let your carrier know straight away, you don't want somebody else racking up your phone bill.

There are a number of specific rules that relate to the provision of Premium SMS Services aimed at ensuring that customers are fully informed about the price and content of the services. If these rules have been broken, you may not have to pay for the service. Naturally you aren't liable for charges resulting from a fault or billing error.

To discuss any concerns you have about Premium SMS Services and/or the costs you have incurred, please contact your carrier or the provider of the service.

If the carrier or the service provider are unable to resolve the matter you can contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO). The TIO is an office of last resort for complaints about the telephone and internet services.

You can also contact the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for information on telecommunications issues. The ACMA is a Commonwealth government agency responsible for regulating the telecommunications industry.