Unsolicited calls and SMSes end today
 

Starting from Tuesday, mobile users will get relief from telemarketing calls and SMSes as new regulations on the pesky calls will come into force. The telecom minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, will formally launch the coming into force of the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulation’ on Tuesday.

The GSM operators association, COAI, said all its operators are ready to implement the recommendations of the Trai to curb the menace of unsolicited calls and SMSes.

The new regulations impose heavier penalties on telemarketers, who send commercial messages or calls to consumers who don’t want to receive such communications.

These new rules bar any telemarketing call and SMSes between 9 pm to 9 am. Also all the telemarketing calls will start with 140 number, which will help a consumer to identify that it is a commercial call.

For the first offence, the telemarketers will be charged Rs.25,000, which will increase on subsequent offences.

On commission of the sixth offence, the telemarketing firm will be blacklisted besides having to pay penalties.

The regulations also provide for an aggrieved customer to lodge a complaint with his service provider, who is required to act and inform the customer within seven days.

Freedom from disturbing calls All telemarketing calls will start with 140, to identify the call's origin Telemarketing calls and SMSes will be barred from 9 pm to 9 am for everyone You can block such calls fully or partially by calling up 1909 Telecom firms will act against violation within 7 days of the compliant and inform the complainant