FCC's New Rules on RoboCalls

According to CNN.com, the FCC is set to approve new regulations limiting the use of robocalls, pre-recorded messages sent to consumers by an automated dialer rather than a human being. The new rule requires written permission before any company can contact a consumer via text or cell phone using this method. Previously, telemarketers would be able to do so simply if an established business relationship was in existence, for example, a bank could robocall its customers to sell them other products like insurance or a credit card.

In addition to the written permission requirement, companies must also include an opt-out option for every pre-recorded message sent. The new rules do not apply to phone calls made by human telemarketers, but consumers are advised to place their number on the National Do Not Call Registry if they wish to avoid these types of unsolicited sales calls.

Have you received robocalls on your cell phone? What do you think about the new regulations?

Bill to Allow Robocalls to Cellphones

A new proposed bill called The Mobile Informational Call Act would allow companies to use auto dialers to place pre-recorded calls to mobile phones. This type of activity has generally been outlawed in the past with few exceptions.  According to the Chicago Tribune, many consumer advocates oppose the bill that would potentially  "open the floodgates" to telemarketing and debt collection calls. Under the bill, anytime a person provides a wireless number as a means of contact, it would act as "prior express consent". In other words, if a person ordered a pizza and gave them their cell number, he or she would have just opened themselves up to receiving robocalls from the pizza shop and possibly any 3rd parties it does business with.

In light of changes in technology and the way people communicate, should companies be allowed to robocall cell phones?