Launched in 1995 and managed by the DMA (UK), the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) was originally created as a voluntary, self-regulatory mechanism that enabled consumers to opt-out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. The file is updated daily and received over 3 million new registrations in the twelve month period between September 2005 and September 2006.

Since the introduction of the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 1999 [replaced by the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003], organisations have been legally obliged to ensure that all consumer and non-limited company telephone numbers are screened against the TPS file no more than 28 days prior to dialling. Failure to comply with the legislation can result in fines of up to £5,000 per offence from the Office of the Information Commissioner.

In addition to avoiding fines and meeting legal requirements, regular screening of customer data against the TPS minimises wasted calls to unresponsive recipients, reducing costs and ensuring that potential customers are not annoyed by unwanted calls.