Telcos are the biggest 'Do Not Call' offenders

Telecommunications companies are the biggest violators of Australia's Do Not Call Register, research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has found.

More than half (55%) of complaints to ACMA about register violations have regarded telcos promoting phone plans and related services.

ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman said it was “unacceptable” that some telcos are violating the agreement.

“Businesses have had ample time to adjust to the new laws and by now should have robust compliance measures in place,” he said.

The authority revealed that based on complaints, it has issued four infringement notices to telcos over the last year, including a $147,400 penalty paid by Dodo Australia.

ACMA has accepted enforceable undertakings from Dodo Australia, Astron Communications and People Telecom.

It has also issued formal warnings to Global Telelinks, Ezycall and m8 Telecom.

“I strongly urge businesses at every level of the telecommunications marketing chain to take responsibility for their Do Not Call compliance,” Chapman said.

Reselling arrangements and the use of offshore call centres have made it harder for telcos to comply with the register, Chapman said.

But whatever any contracted companies may do, compliance is ultimately the responsibility of the telcos themselves, he said.

“We are looking for companies at the top end of the marketing chain to take a lead role in insisting on high standards of compliance amongst the businesses that depend on them.”