1. What are Multimedia Information Services (MIS)?
MIS are services that offer access to content via SMS, MMS and voice. MIS are usually provided at an increased charge by third companies/MIS providers, who are solely responsible for the content of their services and the way they are provided.
Indicatively, the content may be in the form of Audiotext or Videotext services, participation in television and radio shows, astrology services, games, ringtones, wallpapers, etc.
MIS are provided via fixed destinations, and specifically the numbering series:
901 ΧΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ, 909 ΧΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ (adult services), 806 ΧΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ, 812 ΧΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ, 825 ΧΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ, 850 ΧΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ, 875 ΧΧΧ ΧΧΧΧ, 14 ΧΧΧ, 54 ΧΧΧ, 19 ΧΧΧ
MIS may be charged in one of the following ways:
- via a fixed amount per call
- via charge per unit time, with or without minimum call duration
- via a fixed cost per SMS/MMS message sent and/or received.
2. How does COSMOTE protect me from unwanted MIS charges?
Responding to its subscribers’ needs, COSMOTE offers ways to protect against unwanted MIS charges:
- We send free SMS notifications to our subscribers when they are charged for incoming messages from the five-digit (short code) SMS numbers of third companies.
- We enable you to selectively bar MIS.
3. How can I unsubscribe from a subscription service?
COSMOTE gives you full control of MIS through our My COSMOTE App and What’s Up App apps, fast and easy! Download the application for free, select Shop, and in the Protection Services category:
- and you will find a complete list of all the 5-digit MIS to which you have access
- with a single click, you can block all charged incoming SMS messages
- whenever you want, you can choose the 5-digit MIS numbers to which you want or do not want access.
When you activate barring, you no longer have access to the services provided.
Access to MIS is initially open (default setting) to all of our subscribers, but even if you choose to block MIS and then change your mind, you can deactivate barring through the COSMOTE App or What’s Up App.
Alternatively, you can
send your request electronically or contact COSMOTE customer care by telephone.
4. How can I unsubscribe from a subscription service?
You can unsubscribe from a subscription service by sending the message “STOP” to the 5-digit number from which charged SMS messages are received. In this case, the company to which the service belongs will send you an SMS notification confirming that you have unsubscribed or requesting that an additional SMS message be sent with more information about the service from which you want to unsubscribe (e.g. stop wallpaper).
5. How are MIS distributed via SMS?
Message Information Services (MIS) via SMS fall into two categories, based on how charges are made:
- Services chargeable on sending of SMS (text message): Users send an SMS message to receive the information they want and are charged for each SMS message they send. They are not charged for the SMS message they receive.
- Services chargeable on receipt of SMS (text message): To receive the service they want, users send a free SMS text message to the 5-digit Short Code of the MIS provider. They then receive charged SMS text messages, either as a one-off or via a subscription that is automatically renewed – for example, on a weekly or monthly basis. Upon receipt of the charged SMS text messages, users have access to the service they have chosen.
Most of these services are subscription services that are renewed automatically, and in accordance with the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) regulation, the monthly cost cannot exceed €20 net value.
Charges are made independently of consumption of free embedded usage of plans or extra packs.
6. What are mobile Third-party Voice Services?
These are voice services provided via the COSMOTE network by partner companies that are solely responsible for the content of the services they provide. For example, calls to telephone directory services (118XX), calls to MIS with increased charge (14XXX), services for adults (909 number series).
See here all voice service destinations and their respective charges.
Call charges are made independently of consumption of free embedded usage of plans or extra packs.
7. What do I need to watch out for when registering for MIS?
We recommend that you carefully read the terms & conditions before entering your mobile phone number on websites and before making a purchase.
You should read the advertising content terms carefully and be fully informed as to the type of the service being purchased and the charges to be paid before making your selection.
Pay particular attention to the SMS text message the MIS provider is obliged to send you during the process of your registration for a subscription service and on a monthly basis after that, as well as to notifications sent to you by COSMOTE
8. I have a question or complaint regarding MIS. Who can I contact?
If you have a complaint regarding the service provided:
- contact the service provider directly. Enter the number you are interested in and find the contact information of the provider to whom the number belongs.
- make a relevant request via My COSMOTE
- send us your request electronically
- contact COSMOTE customer care by telephone.
9. How can I find out about SMS codes and their charges?
See all the available SMS short codes per provider and the respective charges.
SMS text messages to and from MIS short codes are charged independently of consumption of free embedded usage of plans or extra packs.
10. How can I register for MIS subscription services?
The procedure for registration for subscription services is determined by the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) Code of Ethics.
Having first received the required notification from the service provider, users must send an SMS confirming their registration for a subscription service. Users are not charged until the registration process is complete.
Instructions from the EETT and more information on increased-charge services via 5-digit SMS short codes are available here.
11. What do I need to watch out for when registering for MIS?
We recommend that you carefully read the terms & conditions before entering your mobile phone number on websites and before making a purchase.
You should read the advertising content terms carefully and be fully informed as to the type of the service being purchased and the charges to be paid before making your selection.
Pay particular attention to the SMS text message the MIS provider is obliged to send you during the process of your registration for a subscription service and on a monthly basis after that, as well as to notifications sent to you by COSMOTE.