New register to 'keep out telemarketers'


Thursday Feb 1 17:43 AEDT
The federal government has awarded a $12 million contract to build and operate its so-called Do Not Call Register to a subsidiary of Melbourne-based company Service Stream Limited.

The register will enable people to put their fixed lines and mobile numbers on a list to opt out of receiving a range of telemarketing calls.

The register is being established because of increasing community concern about the growth in unsolicited telemarketing calls.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said in a statement that Service Stream Solutions had been awarded the contract in a competitive tender process.

Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), Service Stream Ltd has a workforce of about 3,000.

The authority said Service Stream was contracted to operate the register for an initial four-year period for $12.1 million, with an option for an additional three years.

The register is expected to be self-funded after four years, as telemarketers will have to pay a fee to access the register.

The register is expected to be in action by the end of May 2007.

From that time it will be unlawful for any non-exempt telemarketer in Australia to call a number on the list.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=224951