Ofcom must look closely at this because it is a ludicrous provision in the context of a commercial call. If necessary we should legislate to make it compulsory. On its own this would contribute greatly to improving the situation.
In addition the industry in partnership with Ofcom and telephone companies could set up its own complaints body, so that complaining customers are not simply told to register with TPS. Their complaint could be looked into quickly, compensation paid if appropriate, and league tables of the worst offending companies published with sanctions for real offenders.
Without a quick and effective way to complain – potential customers will simply opt out – and that is what more than 7 million have already done.
I said at the outset that I have not called for a ban on unsolicited calls; or even for an opt-in system as in some other European countries. But there are plenty of others who will do so unless the industry stops knocking on people’s doors and running away. |