From 27 September, 850 million phone subscribers across the country may finally get some relief from unsolicited commercial calls and messages.
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The last attempt, in 2007, to curb telemarketers by setting up a Do Not Call (DNC) Registry failed miserably. But the National Consumer Preference Registry, the latest effort that has missed many launch deadlines, raises hope for putting an end to pesky calls and messages.
TRAI has strengthened the DNC guidelines and revamped registration norms for the telemarketers. Here’s how the new set of guidelines will work.
New number for telemarketers
Telemarketers to be assigned a distinct series beginning with 140.
Penalty imposed
The minimum penalty for violations has been set at Rs 25,000 against Rs 500 at present. As the penalties will progressively increase, the sixth violation will attract Rs 2.5 lakh fine.
Blacklisting
Telemarketers can also be blacklisted for two years after the sixth violation. Service providers will be barred from providing any telecom resource to blacklisted telemarketers.
Restriction on number of SMSes
The number of text messages or SMSes that can be sent will be restricted to 100 a day for prepaid and 3,000 a month for post-paid telephone numbers.
Barred timings
No calls and messages are permitted between 9 pm and 9 am.
How to register for DND
Dial or send an SMS to 1909 to register with NCPR or register at www.nccptrai.gov.in
Choose categories of commercial messages/ calls to be blocked. Those already registered with National Do Not Call Registry (NDNC), need not re-register.
Blocked categories
* Banking & financial products
* Communication & entertainment
* Tourism or leisure
* Consumer goods
* Automobiles
* Real estate
* Education
* Health