Telecommunications groups top Do Not Call complaints

As many as 55% of complaints received by the Australian Communications and Media Authority are related to telecommunications companies making unwanted phone calls.

As many as 55% of complaints received by the Australian Communications and Media Authority are related to telecommunications companies making unwanted phone calls.

The ACMA says that many of the complaints come after telecommunications companies have used phone campaigns to promote new phone plans and other related services.

The watchdog has issued four infringement notices to telecos, including a fine of $147,400 to Dodo. It has also negotiated enforceable undertakings with Dodo, Astron Communications and People Telecom.

Formal warnings have also been issued to Global Telelinks, Ezycall and m8 Telecom.

ACMA chairman Chris Chapman says these companies need to improve their service to avoid further action from the industry regulator.

“Consumers register their telephone numbers because they want to reduce the number of telemarketing calls they receive and it is unacceptable to see that some telcos are not respecting that decision. Businesses have had ample time to adjust to the new laws and by now should have robust compliance measures in place.

“I strongly urge businesses at every level of the telecommunications marketing chain to take responsibility for their Do Not Call compliance,” he says.

Chapman also says telcos must lead by example when complying with the Do Not Call register.

“ACMA will continue to seek an environment of accountability in the telecommunications industry when it comes to Do Not Call compliance. Where reselling arrangements exist, we are looking for companies at the top end of the marketing chain to take a lead role in insisting on high standards of compliance amongst the businesses that depend on them.”

The harsh notice comes after a busy week for ACMA, after taking Federal Court action against three mobile phone companies for allegedly sending spam text messages, and fining Optus $110,000.

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• Optus fined $110,000 for SMS spamming