InfoCision’s preparation: DNC Registry numbers to expire

The National Do Not Call Registry is comprised of more than 149 million phone numbers. When the FTC created the registry it came with the stipulation that all numbers added to the list would stay on it for a period of five years from the date the number was added. In June 2008, the first wave of phone numbers added will begin to come off. Those people wanting to remain on the list will need to re-register. 

Although some may believe the five-year renewal period is unnecessary, the Federal Trade Commission established it in order to account for changes, such as people moving or changing phone numbers. This has created some confusion among consumers because the registry was set up to automatically remove these numbers. The five-year renewal also allows consumers the option to change their mind and receive information regarding products and services they may need.

In September, Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa proposed legislation that would make registry enrollment permanent. 

Experts’ opinions

Copilevitz and Canter, LLC Attorney William Raney doesn’t believe the expiration of the National Do Not Call Registry will have a big affect on consumers or telemarketing companies.  “People are added and taken off the list all the time, this is just the biggest drop-off of people we have to this point,” said Raney.  In addition, people who registered in 2003 should not be concerned about having to register again.  “It’s as easy as pointing and clicking to re-register,” Raney adds.  In regards to the proposed legislation for the Registry to be permanent, Raney had this to say, “Having phone numbers permanently put on the registry will cause a lot of debate.”

Chief Executive Officer Tim Searcy of American Teleservices Association is taking a different approach to the registry being permanent.  “Re-registering does not make sense if the government is practicing good hygiene of the list,” says Searcy.  Having the registry permanent would be the optimal situation; however, the FTC hasn’t actually practiced good hygiene and until they do, the five-year expiration should stay in place.  He believes that the press to re-register is actually more damaging than making the list permanent because of the onslaught of new numbers that will likely be added.

InfoCision’s Regulatory Compliance Department agrees that the list should not become permanent because it is doubtful the FTC will remove disconnected or changed numbers once they pass five years.  The five-year renewal helps keep the list fresh and relevant and it is simple to re-register. 

 Keeping our clients compliant

With the registry’s renewal to begin in June 2008, our team is confident in the compliance assurance we offer our clients. As a third-party vendor it is our responsibility to be compliant with the registry and all other state and federal regulations. We take it upon ourselves to make sure each program meets specific industry compliance standards. Our dedicated compliance team stays on top of the latest compliance issues and updates our internal systems regularly to account for any changes in laws and regulations. We want you to know that when you partner with InfoCision, your compliance needs are in good hands. 

Back to Issue 6 / November 2007