- Introduction of a charge for the “BT Privacy at Home” service
- Introduction of a charge for the “BT Answer 1571” service
- A 5.6% increase to the charge for the “Choose to Refuse” service
- A 5.4% increase to the charge for the “Anonymous Caller Reject” service
Whilst the fair telecoms campaign recognises the important role that individual remedies and mitigation measures play, it considers the issue of Nuisance Calls, made over the public telephone network, to be a public matter. The ICO and Ofcom have a part to play in addressing this, through enforcement of the terms of Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations and use of the Persistent Misuse powers. It has however been proved that these bodies, even with some adjustment to the respective regulations and policies, will never be in a position to have any serious impact on the issue. Existing sectoral regulators do however have the necessary, and more appropriate, powers to control the activity that causes nuisance to be experienced, either directly or indirectly. We believe that those who seek to truly understand the situation, and wish for a serious improvement, must cease dealing with relatively trivial points that are accepted and turn their attention towards what is necessary to address the issue in an effective manner.