- Following Government consultation in 2003, companies are now able to opt-out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls
- Both switchboard and direct dial numbers can be registered and must be suppressed from cold calling lists
- All calling lists must now be screened against the CTPS file within the 28 day period preceding the call
- Failure to screen against the CTPS can result in fines of up to £5,000 for every registered telephone number that is called
Following Government consultation on the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations in 2003, the DTI announced the launch of the Corporate TPS file in April 2004, enabling companies to opt-out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls.
Limited companies, plcs and not-for-profit organisations can now register switchboard and direct dial numbers by writing to the Telephone Preference Service. Each registration is valid for twelve months and must be re-confirmed at the end of the period to maintain the accuracy of the file.
Direct marketers making unsolicited business to business telephone calls must now ensure that all lists have been screened against the Corporate TPS register no more than 28 days prior to dialling. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £5,000 from the Office of the Information Commissioner.
In addition, screening against the Corporate TPS file will reduce call centre wastage and improve efficiency by removing non-responsive prospects from calling lists.
