IDD Security

Most IDD service providers provide IDD security service for avoiding unauthorised use of IDD service accounts. Please check with your service provider for the details of the security service. To avoid unauthorised use of your IDD service account, you should take the following security measures -

1. always keep the IDD security service activated;
2. keep your IDD security service’s password confidential and change it regularly for better security;
3. check your IDD call log regularly, and report the case to your service provider immediately if you have found any unauthorised calls made; and
4. if you are using Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) service or IP Private Branch Exchange (“IP PBX”) system, additional security measures should be adopted to avoid unauthorised use of IDD service account via the internet. Please consult your service provider/IP PBX system supplier or maintenance contractor on the additional measures that should be adopted according to your own needs and actual situation.

Credit Limit of IDD Service

Some service providers may set credit limits for IDD services for protecting the interests of their companies and customers. Service may be suspended if the total IDD charges incurred exceed the pre-set credit limit. You are advised to contact your service providers direct for the details of the credit limits, including but not limited to the following -

1. whether they have put in place any credit limit arrangements;
2. what is the typical credit limit;
3. what steps are required for lowering or raising the limit, and how long is the processing time;
4. what are the consequences if the credit limit is exceeded; and
5. if service is suspended when the credit limit has been exceeded, what steps are required for resuming the service, and how long is the processing time.

Charging of IDD Calls Forwarded to a Voice Mail Box or Fax Machine

Whether a phone call is connected depends on whether the terminal of the called party has sent an “answering signal”. In normal situation, the “answering signal” is automatically sent when the receiving party picks up the call. The operator immediately starts counting the airtime. However, on some occasions, the receiving party may possibly be a fax machine, a voice mailbox, or an interactive voice response system or the calls may have already been diverted to these telecommunications equipment. Under such circumstances, when you call that number, your call is automatically connected or forwarded and a communication mode is then established, triggering off the transmission of an “answering signal”. Although you do not have actual voice communications with the receiving party, this call is regarded as connected and you will be charged for the call even though you may have hung up immediately.