While consumers will have free access to the new national "do not call" registry, telemarketers will have to pony up. The Federal Trade Commission announced last week it intends require sellers to pay a $29 annual fee, per area code, for access to the national registry. The maximum annual fee would be $7,250. Beginning in July, consumers will be able to put their telephone numbers on the national registry via online or by telephone. The FTC will announce the Web site for online registration and the toll-free number in June. As of October, it will be illegal for most telemarketers to call a number listed on the registry. Consumers' names will remain on the registry for five years, or until they change their phone number. The registry will be available to telemarketers and other sellers in September 2003, and they will be required to "scrub" their call lists against the names on the registry at least once every 90 days. In October 2003, the FTC and the States will begin enforcing the national "do not call" provisions of the Amended TSR. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to $11,000 per violation. For more information visit www.ftc.gov/donotcal.
While consumers will have free access to the new national "do not call" registry, telemarketers will have to pony up. The Federal Trade Commission announced last week it intends require sellers to pay a $29 annual fee, per area code, for access to the national registry. The maximum annual fee would be $7,250. Beginning in July, consumers will be able to put their telephone numbers on the national registry via online or by telephone. The FTC will announce the Web site for online registration and the toll-free number in June. As of October, it will be illegal for most telemarketers to call a number listed on the registry. Consumers' names will remain on the registry for five years, or until they change their phone number. The registry will be available to telemarketers and other sellers in September 2003, and they will be required to "scrub" their call lists against the names on the registry at least once every 90 days. In October 2003, the FTC and the States will begin enforcing the national "do not call" provisions of the Amended TSR. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to $11,000 per violation. For more information visit