Wireless Do Not Call List Rumors Untrue

We love it, here at CUB, when we are able to respond directly to a query and open up a topic for public discussion. Particularly if we can soothe some fears in the process. Such was the case this past week: Bob Jenks met with a CUB ally who asked about the rumors circulating about the necessity of registering cell phone numbers with a separate Do Not Call List. Emails have been asserting that soon cell phone numbers will be released in the form of a national directory for telemarketing. The calls would be bad enough; that wireless users would have to pay for the privilege of receiving telemarketing calls would make it even worse. “If it’s true, why isn’t CUB talking about it?” she asked, “And if it’s not true, why hasn’t CUB let people know?” Luckily, it’s not true.

The day after the aforementioned meeting, the cell phone Do Not Call issue again came up, this time in a press release from the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The PUC stated that these rumors are untrue, and that cell phones are not about to become fodder for telemarketing. It is true that there has been some discussion among wireless companies of creating a national directory of wireless numbers, but so far this has not occurred, and it remains illegal for companies to use automated dialing to call wireless phones. The FCC, which has a page discussing this issue also, understands that a significant portion of the cost of telemarketing would fall on cell phone users who pay for all airtime, and we believe they will not approve something so inherently unfair.

There is one Do Not Call List, which was begun in June 2003. Over 100 million Americans have registered their numbers on the list, and anyone who wishes to have the extra protection may register their cell phone number on this list. The original plan was to have a 5-year limit on registration, but because it would involve kicking so many millions of voluntary participants off the list, the FTC is talking with Congress about options for extending registration beyond the June 2008 5-year anniversary.

So do not fear the terrible specter of receiving credit card offers and special travel deals while you’re waiting in line at the supermarket or rushing to get home for dinner. And if they call you during dinner on your home phone, register that number with the Do Not Call List - soon!

To keep up with CUB, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

• Share this post on Facebook.
• Share this post on LinkedIn.
• Share this post with email.

« Back