The Framework Agreement is an important document.
It sets out the terms under which the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) agree to provide the Charity Text Short Code services.
In summary these are as follows:
1. The charitable or other qualifying organisation applying for the service must be registered on the HMRC website.
2. The service is provided under normal commercial contract conditions. The MNOs and the Aggregators (sometimes called Connectivity Providers) who connect these services to the MNOs are running their normal day-to-day business.
3. As with any contract or sale, the sellers (MNOs) have the absolute right to refuse to provide a service if they do not believe it is in the public interest or it contravenes their own business ethics.
4. The burden of proof of the eligibility of the charitable or other qualifying organisation rests with the Service Provider (Aggregator or Connectivity Provider) who must keep a record of the HMRC registration for audit purposes.
5. HMRC rules for VAT-exempt donations broadly state that to comply, nothing must be given in return for the donation - for example a 'free' ringtone or wallpaper for download would contravene the rules. Only a simple text acknowledgement is acceptable. Full details can be found on the HMRC website.
Download the full agreement (pdf document) here
Framework