Tired of those pesky telemarketing calls that always seem to come right at dinner time?
Starting September 30, Canadians will be able to prevent unsolicited calls by registering with a do-not-call list (DNCL), the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced on Wednesday.
Currently, consumers have to register with each telemarketer separately to avoid calls. With the national DNCL that can be achieved by registering on just one list.
However, because telemarketers have 31 days to update their calling lists, calls will not stop immediately upon registering, the CRTC said.
Any Canadian phone number can be registered, whether used with a landline, a cell phone or a fax machine. There will be no charge for the service.
Unsolicited calls will still be allowed from charities, political parties, polling or market research firms, newspapers seeking subscriptions and companies with which consumers have existing business relationships.
If consumers continue to receive non-exempt calls after 31 days, they will be able to file a complaint. If an investigation shows that violations have occurred, fines of $1,500 for individuals and up to $15,000 for corporations can be imposed.
Wally Hill, vice-president of public affairs and communications of the Canadian Marketing Association, said in a CBC News report that “telemarketing is far and away the leading source of calls and complaints about marketing that we receive at our organization.”
National do-not-call lists are in operation in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and India.
Registration on the list will be valid for three years. At that time, it will be up to consumers to re-register if they want their number on the list again.
The CRTC awarded Bell Canada a five-year contract to operate the list in 2007. Those who wish to put their names on the list can log on to DNCL as of September 30, or call 1-866-580-DNCL (3625).
