The Corporate TPS Telephone Preference Service LegislationHere is the formal statement from the Office of the Information Commissioner 29 April 2004
FREEZE ON 'COLD CALLING' From June this year UK businesses will get the same right as individuals to block 'cold calling' by marketing firms under a new measure announced today by Communications Minister Stephen Timms. The move comes in response to concerns expressed by small businesses that they do not have the resources to cope with high volumes of cold calls. UK businesses have the choice to opt out of direct marketing calls by writing to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and registering the relevant phone numbers. The TPS was set up in 1999 and direct marketing firms have a legal obligation to check and comply with the list before calling. Communications Minister Stephen Timms said: "Well targeted phone marketing can be a powerful tool but not all businesses are geared up to this and for small businesses in particular unwanted cold calls can be a real burden. Extending the right to register on the TPS to corporate subscribers will give businesses the right to opt out if they do not want this form of marketing." Additional notes.
1. The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is an opt-out register for subscribers who do not want to receive unsolicited direct marketing by phone. The TPS was originally introduced for private subscribers and has operated on a statutory basis since 1999 - direct marketers are under a legal requirement to check and comply with TPS registration. 2. The TPS (and the parallel Fax Preference Service or FPS) are currently run by the Direct Marketing Association under supervision by OFCOM. 3. Following consultation on the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations last year, the Government gave a commitment to open up the register to corporate subscribers including Limited Companies. The extension was supported by the British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. 4. Registration is free for corporate subscribers, as for individuals. However, corporate subscribers will be required to register in writing (e.g. by post, e-mail or fax) in order to safeguard against bogus or inappropriate registrations (individuals may also register by phone or on-line). The change will take effect from 25 June 2004 Automatic Corporate TPS Call Screening for your Business: APPLY NOW | 
