3 May 2007
Massive public response to national Do Not Call Register
Due to an overwhelming response to the release of online registration details for the national Do Not Call Register today, the Australian Communications and Media Authority is aware that some members of the public have experienced delays in accessing the Do Not Call website, at www.donotcall.gov.au
Over 50,000 consumers with Australian fixed line and mobile numbers have already listed their fixed and mobile telephone numbers on the register this morning.
The very high volume of responses has led to slowness in the system. These issues can be expected in any new online system dealing with a large number of registrations and are being actively addressed by the service provider Service Stream Pty Ltd.
If people have experienced unacceptable delays today, ACMA asks for their patience in this initial phase and suggests they try again later. As the register becomes fully operational on 31 May, there is still plenty of time to get on board.
In addition to web-based registration, people can now register by mail (a form is available from both the ACMA and Do Not Call Register websites) and by telephone from 22 May 2007.
Telemarketers will be able to submit their calling lists to the register operator for checking against the register. This process of ‘washing’ calling lists will help telemarketers comply with the Act and will be available from 25 May 2007.
Under the legislated scheme, it will generally be unlawful to make telemarketing calls to numbers placed on the register from 31 May 2007.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.
