The Federal Communications Commission has amended its rules to require telemarketers to honor registrations with the National Do-Not-Call Registry indefinitely. The previous rules provided that registrations would expire after five years.
This rule change serves to minimize the inconvenience of consumers having to re-register their phone numbers every five years and furthers the underlying goal of the Registry to protect consumer privacy rights. You can register your phone number for free, and you may remove your number from the list at any time. Please note, however, that the Do-Not-Call Registry does not prevent all unwanted calls.
It does not cover the following:
- Calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship
- Calls for which you have given prior written permission
- Calls which are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements
- Calls by or on behalf of tax-exempt non-profit organizations
Subscribers may register their residential telephone number, including wireless numbers, on the National Do-Not-Call Registry by telephone or by internet at no cost. Consumers can register online by going to www.donotcall.gov. You must call from the number you wish to register.
Texans may also register for the Public Utility Commission-sponsored Statewide “Do Not Call” List by calling 1-866-896-6225 or visiting www.texasnocall.com. There is a registration charge of $2.25 for each phone number included on this list unless you register online.