In an effort to combat smishing and spam in the telecommunications space, UK regulators have issued updated Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines that will be implemented in 2024. This is the result of the need to better regulate unsolicited SMS communications from companies and protect individuals against nefarious practices.
The complete Ofcom regulatory information can be accessed through the following link: Ofcom - Good Practice Guide
What is a regulatory update?
Telecom regulatory updates refer to changes, amendments, or new regulations implemented within the telecommunications industry by regulatory bodies or governmental agencies. These updates can cover a wide range of areas, including:
- Licensing requirements
- Spectrum allocation
- Consumer protection measures
- Data privacy regulations, and more
Therefore, we have to stay updated on these changes as telecom companies, service providers, and consumers to ensure compliance and understand how they may impact operations, services, and rights within the telecommunications sector. These updates are mandatory to continue using the services regulated by them.
Submitting regulatory documents for UK KYC
- Starting May 27, 2024, all new UK number purchases will require an approved Regulatory Compliance (RC) document prior to purchasing
- Starting September 30, 2024, all new and existing UK numbers must be connected to an approved UK RC bundle to be able to send messages or make voice calls.
- This regulation is only applicable to UK numbers which include local, national, mobile, and toll-free phone numbers
Customers are expected to submit the regulatory requirement by submitting a compliance request: Submit a request - Number purchase, Porting & Compliance
Regulatory requirements
-
Individual Account
- Proof of Identify - requires government-issued documents, such as a Passport
-
Proof Address - government-issued document to include:
- Utility bill
- Tax notice
- Rent receipt
- Title deed
- Individual Address must be a valid UK address for Local and National numbers
- Individual Address must be a valid address anywhere in the world for Mobile (+447XXXXXX) and Toll-Free numbers
-
Business Account
-
Business name - Proof entity to include an excerpt from the commercial register
(Documentation is required for businesses not using a UK Companies House Registration Number) -
Registration Authority
(Documentation is required for businesses not using a UK Companies House Registration Number) - Business Address must be a valid UK address for Local and National numbers
-
Business name - Proof entity to include an excerpt from the commercial register
Business Address must be a valid address anywhere in the world for Mobile (+447XXXXXX) and Toll-Free numbers
Note: non-profit organizations (e.g., charitable companies) that are not registered with the UK Charity Commission should provide Aircall with a registration certificate or tax document.