Only one in five global mobile operators have implemented safeguards to protect their customers against mobile spam, while a third have no plan to tackle an increase in the future, claims new research.

A survey conducted by messaging firm Empower Interactive found that 80 per cent of operators agree that spam poses a serious problem.

Nearly two-thirds of mobile owners already receive up to five spam messages per week, a level perceived to be acceptable by 45 per cent of operators, according to the survey.

But over 70 per cent of subscribers find any spam unacceptable.

Telephone watchdog Icstis received more than 10,000 consumer complaints about mobile spam in the UK last year.

"The majority of the operator community currently points to legislation as a key means to control mobile spam," said Richard Shearer, chief executive of Empower Interactive.

"External regulation is important, but unless measures are also taken from within the industry this problem may eventually reach the epidemic proportions of internet spam."

The survey found that most operators do recognise the role new technologies can play in combating mobile spam. But opinion on which types of technical safeguards are most effective is divided.

Operators believe that legislation should take precedence over self-regulation - an opinion that is shared by over 60 per cent of consumers.