Premium rate services (“PRS”) are goods and services that you can buy using your landline, mobile phone, the Internet or interactive digital TV. ComReg is responsible for regulating the content and promotion of PRS which costs more than 25c per call/text.
Examples of PRS services include:
For premium rate voice services – the numbers start with 15 (for example 1590)
For premium rate text message (“SMS”) services – the numbers are five-digit codes beginning with the number 5 (for example 57976 and 57977).
Charges vary depending on which service you are using. Here is a set of charges which you can expect to incur when you call certain PRS numbers. Network charges may vary, so contact your landline telephone service provider or mobile network operator to check the charges.
Numbers starting with |
Cost per call not exceeding |
| 1512 | €0.50 |
| 1513 | €0.70 |
| 1514 | €0.90 |
| 1515 | €1.20 |
| 1516 | €1.80 |
| 1517 | €2.50 |
| 1518 | €3.50 |
| 1520 | €0.30 |
| 1530 | €0.50 |
| 1540 | €0.70 |
| 1550 | €1.20 |
| 1560 | €1.80 |
| 1570 | €2.40 |
| 1580 | €2.95 |
| 1590 | €3.50 |
Sending or receiving a text from a PRS (for example, to enter a competition or cast a vote) may cost more than the normal cost of a text message. You will also be charged to receive a PRS text.
Outlined below are a set of charges that you can expect to receive when you text certain premium rate text services:
| Number | Cost per text not exceeding |
| 50XXX | Free (thus not regulated by ComReg) |
| 51XXX | Not exceeding €0.16 (thus not regulated by ComReg) |
| 53XXX | €0.80 |
| 57XXX | €0.80 or above |
| 58XXX | Variable price |
| 59XXX | Variable price |
If you receive a text message, check it for important information (such as a helpline number for the company that has sent the message). Use our service checker to find out who the PRS provider is and to get contact details for them.
You can also check your bill to find the name of the company.
If you cannot identify the sender, contact your mobile phone company for information on the sender and if it costs you anything to receive the message.
Most premium rate services operate without causing consumer harm, but consumers should be aware that PRS costs more. You can refer to our information on scam calls and texts.
Some premium-rate services are not intended for children. If you try to order a service that is not intended for children (i.e. for those who are over 18 years of age) you will be asked to confirm your age or to provide proof that you are over 18 years of age to receive the service. If you win a prize in a competition or quiz for those over 18, then you will not be able to claim your prize if you are under 18.