Phone operators called to account over bills The Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQatar) has proposed billing guidelines to reduce billing errors and ensure business and individual consumers do not pay for services they didn’t order. Included in the guidelines are: electronic access to billing information for everyone, prior notification to customers before service is disconnected, speedy resolution of disputes (within 30 days) with no payment required for disputed charges during the 30-day period, and improving accessibility of billing information for the disabled. ictQATAR's proposal sets minimum billing standards for service providers so customers receive their bills in a timely manner and in an easily understood and accessible format. ictQATAR has encouraged interested parties to submit comments regarding any aspect of the proposed billing guidelines by September 25, 2008. ictQATAR will review all comments. Once the guidelines are finalised, service providers will have 90 days to comply with them. The proposal details guidelines for service providers in ten important areas and can be viewed online at http://www.ictqatar.qa/output/NewsPage.aspx?PageID=792. ictQATAR's proposed billing guidelines are intended to serve as broad principles to allow flexibility for service providers to meet minimum requirements in a way that suits their needs and those of their customers. ictQATAR has encouraged service providers to build upon the proposed guidelines, using billing as a tool for creating a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Interested parties can submit their comments by preparing their own document or by filling in the comment submission form, which can be found at www.ictQATAR.qa. All comments must be submitted in writing no later than 3pm on September 25. Preferably, comments should be sent by email to [email protected]. Comments may be sent by post or courier to: Regulatory Policy and Economic Affairs Department, Regulatory Authority, ictQATAR, Al Mirqab Tower, Corniche Road, PO Box 23264, Doha, Qatar. The Pen

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