Multiple Benefits from WASPA Membership

Membership of South Africa’s Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA) is recommended, and often compulsory, for any firm wanting to provide mobile content services to the country’s 35 million prepaid and contract cellular users.

Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom Mobile have all mandated that membership of a representative industry body with an enforceable Code of Conduct is required for wireless application service providers (WASPs). This is specifically for WASPs intending to offer aggregation services via direct network connections.

“While WASPA membership is recommended for content providers, and compulsory for all aggregators, members understand that it is good for the sustainability of our industry to become a member of WASPA, as it ensures that WASP activity is monitored and regulated to address any potential non-compliant behaviour,” said Ilonka Badenhorst, WASPA General Manager.

WASPA outlines benefits of membership below:

• WASPA is a proactive body representing the interests of its members and works for the common good of the industry as a whole.
• WASPA developed a Code of conduct for its members, and also enforces this code to ensure business is conducted in an ethical manner, maximising consumer confidence in WASP services.
• Members are able to contribute to the evolution of the Code and ensure their business needs are considered.
• WASPA runs a consumer complaints desk, ensuring that all users of WASP services have a single point where they can raise concerns and resolve complaints.
• Complaints are channelled to the relevant WASP, and WASPA provides feedback to the consumer during the resolution process.
• WASPA provides a media monitoring service, ensuring compliance of all WASP services to the WASPA code.
• WASPA maintains excellent relationships with the relevant authorities ensuring that the implementation of the many regulatory requirements, on behalf of its members, is dealt with as quickly and efficiently as is feasible.
• WASPA uses its credible reputation and expertise to negotiate with the appropriate governmental bodies for equitable solutions for its members.
• WASPA provides members with legal information and advisories.
• WASPA members are afforded the opportunity to discuss, express opinions and vote, thereby offering a democratic platform in which to deal with industry-related issues.
• WASPA members are encouraged to join one of the many working groups to contribute to the association’s initiatives and activities.
• WASPA has a regular newsletter and a frequently updated website keeping members informed on all relevant issues.
• WASPA provides a Public Relations function for the industry, promoting good press and resolving and commenting on issues.
• WASPA collaborates with the international mobile community to glean and share best practices, which ensures that we remain at world standard within a developing environment.

The fact that a 13 year-old industry association is still attracting new members at double-digit rates annually means the country’s WASPs see value in WASPA membership. The non-profit association was incorporated in 2004 to self-regulate the then fledgling wireless content and applications industry and recently passed the 400 member mark.

WASPA’s contact details and information regarding complaint lodging is available here: https://waspa.org.za/contact/