Regulator pins Vodafone on Do Not Call breaches

news The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a statement noting that it has accepted an enforceable undertaking from Vodafone to restrain errant dealers telemarketing products from Vodafone and 3 Mobile.

The ACMA, Australia’s regulator for broadcasting, radiocommunications, the Internet and telecommunications, had received complaints about unsolicited calls from consumers who were on the Do Not Call Register. Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman said that telecommunications carriers need to consider enforcing compliance with the Do Not Call Register Act (2006) across their entire dealer network.

“The cornerstone of the undertaking is that VHA [Vodafone] will be auditing and reporting back to the ACMA on all its dealers’ telemarketing activities. If it finds any of its dealers potentially breaching the Do Not Call Register Act, it must report the dealer to the ACMA immediately,” said Chapman.

As per the enforceable undertaking, Vodafone has also committed to require all its subsidiaries and dealers to maintain comprehensive records of the telemarketing calls made. Vodafone will also implement robust procedures involving VHA’s customers’ consent to be called by, or requests to opt out of receiving, telemarketing calls from the company, its subsidiaries or any dealer. If Vodafone fails to meet these obligations, the Federal Court can enforce the undertaking. Members of the public can call 1300 792 958 or visit www.donotcall.gov.au to list their telephone and fax numbers on the Do Not Call register. The ACMA website has the enforceable undertaking available from today.

This constitutes the ACMA’s second warning for Vodafone in two months. In December 2011, the ACMA had directed VHA to comply with the telecommunications protection code, or risk paying potential fines of up to $250,000. This was after the ACMA had discovered that Vodafone had not made available accurate and timely information about its network status during the network issues it had experienced in late 2010 and early 2011.

Image credit: Matt Wakeman, Creative Commons