Do Not Call Fines: Bell and Telemarketer

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Do Not Call Fines: Bell and Telemarketer

Postby jon » Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:05 pm

CRTC announces that Bell Canada has paid a $1.3 million penalty for violating the National Do Not Call List Rules
Bell Canada also makes a $266,000 payment for its use of automated calling devices without consent

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, December 20, 2010 —The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that it has reached a settlement with Bell Canada over the company’s unauthorized telemarketing practices. The CRTC has issued a notice of violation, and Bell Canada has paid an administrative monetary penalty of $1.3 million to the Receiver General for Canada.

Between January and October of this year, calls were made to consumers who had registered their numbers on the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) or who were or should have been on Bell Canada’s internal do not call list. These telemarketing practices are contrary to the National DNCL Rules. The CRTC’s investigation found that the calls originated from independent telemarketers hired by Bell Canada to promote and sell its television, telephone, wireless and Internet services.

“All telemarketers must respect the wishes of Canadians who have registered their telephone number on the National DNCL or requested that a telemarketer include their number on its internal do not call list,” said Andrea Rosen, the CRTC’s Chief Telecommunications Enforcement Officer. “Even though the calls in this instance were made by third parties, Bell Canada must ultimately ensure that the rules are followed. We appreciate Bell Canada’s willingness to work with us to address our concerns.”

In a separate investigation, the CRTC also found that Bell Canada had used automated calling devices to communicate with its prepaid mobile customers without obtaining their prior express consent. Bell Canada has not admitted fault with regard to its use of automated calling devices. However, upon being made aware of the CRTC’s concerns, Bell Canada voluntarily undertook to:

* immediately cease making these types of calls, and
* make a monetary payment of $266,000 to the Institute for Information and Systems Engineering at Concordia University.

In addition, Bell Canada has undertaken to review its compliance policies to ensure ongoing adherence with the CRTC’s telemarketing rules. Some of Bell Canada’s improvements have already been implemented and further enhancements are forthcoming.

The CRTC investigates complaints and applies the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules, which include the National DNCL Rules, in order to reduce unwanted calls to Canadians. According to the established enforcement process, the CRTC can discuss corrective actions with telemarketers, which may lead to a settlement that includes a monetary payment.

Consumers may register on the National Do Not Call List or file a complaint about a telemarketer by calling 1-866-580-DNCL (3625) or visiting http://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca.

ref. - http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/com100/2010/r101220.htm (includes some links on Do Not Call)
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Re: Do Not Call Fines: Bell and Telemarketer

Postby jon » Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:07 pm

CRTC announces that Xentel has paid a $500,000 penalty for misuse of the charity exemption to the National Do Not Call List Rules

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, December 17, 2010 —The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that it has reached a settlement with Xentel DM Inc. over the company’s unauthorized telemarketing practices. The CRTC has issued a notice of violation, and Xentel has paid an administrative monetary penalty of $500,000 to the Receiver General for Canada.

A CRTC investigation found that Xentel made calls to consumers who had registered their numbers on the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) and promoted events on its own behalf or on the behalf of organizations that were not registered as charities with the Canada Revenue Agency. The National DNCL Rules provide an exemption for registered charities.

“The rules are quite clear as to what types of calls are exempt from the National Do Not Call List,” said Andrea Rosen, the CRTC’s Chief Telecommunications Enforcement Officer. “We appreciate Xentel’s commitment to change its telemarketing practices in order to address our concerns. Education is an important part of any compliance program, and we are working with the industry to make certain that telemarketers understand their responsibilities.”

As part of Xentel’s voluntary cooperation with the CRTC, the company has agreed to publish corrective notices in newspapers and on its website. It will also implement a compliance program to ensure that its telemarketing practices adhere to the rules and verify that its representatives are properly trained.
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Re: Do Not Call Fines: Bell and Telemarketer

Postby Mike Cleaver » Mon Dec 20, 2010 5:45 pm

I find it ironic that Bhell runs the "Do Not Call" registry and yet breaks the rules itself.
It claims no wrongdoing because it wasn't Bhell employees making those calls but employees of a company contracted by Bhell.
Corporate crap at it's finest.
Mike Cleaver Broadcast Services
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54 years experience at some of Canada's Premier Broadcasting Stations
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