The Truth about Cell Phones and the National Do Not Call Registry

If you’ve received an e-mail telling you that your cell phone is about to be assaulted by telemarketing calls as a result of a new cell phone number database, rest assured that this is not the case. Telemarketing to cell phone numbers has always been illegal in most cases and will continue to be so. In response to recent e-mail campaigns urging consumers to place their cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission issue this advisory to give consumers the facts.

                                                                          One e-mail making the rounds says:

“JUST A REMINDER...In a few weeks, cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS... To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888/382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. PASS THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS...”

Another version claims:

“The Federal Trade Commission has set up a "do not call" list. It is called a cell phone registry. To be included on the "do not call" list, you must call from the number you wish to register.”

Here’s what you need to know about the National Do Not Call Registry program:

• FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent.
  
  
• The federal government does not maintain a national cell phone registry. Personal cell phone users have always been able to add their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry — the same Registry consumers use to register their land lines — either online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the telephone number they wish to register. Registrations become effective within 31 days of signing up and is active permanently. There is no cut-off date or deadline for registrations.
  
  
• Business-to-business calls are not covered under the Registry.

New Wireless 411 Service for Consumers

In the future, a new Wireless 411 Service will provide cell phone users the choice and the opportunity to list their cell phone numbers in the same nationwide voice 411 service they use today for their landline phones.

Cell phones are fast becoming the phone of choice for highly mobile individuals, small businesses, home-based enterprises and corporations.

According to a survey as many as 30% of cell users use their cell phones as their primary or only phone. Yet, no wireless voice 411 service exists to provide directory assistance services for people who choose to be listed and want to be contacted.

The Wireless 411 Service will offer consumers something they’ve never had before and do not have today with landline phones: Choice, privacy and security. Besides 411 with privacy, the service will offer cell phone users a host of new benefits including enhanced personal safety, wider contact during emergencies, new business opportunities and social interactions.

Choice, privacy and security are important to consumers and are the guiding principles of the Wireless 411 Service.

The right to choose.

• Consumers must formally opt-in to have their number included.
• A privacy policy clearly outlining rights will be made available.

   The right to change one’s mind.

• Consumers may choose to have their number removed at any time.
• When removed, no residual personally identifiable information will remain anywhere.

The right to security.

• Wireless data will only be used for a wireless voice 411 inquiry.
• No directory, either printed, electronic or on the Internet will exist in any form.
• A method will exist for consumers to remove their numbers or to register complaints.
• Opt-in requires authorization by a consumer 18 years of age or older.

The right to exercise these fundamental choices at no charge.

• No fee will be charged for listing, for additions or deletions.