COOLING OFF PERIOD FOR TELEMARKETERS

Written by Adam Gosling

Friday, 21 October 2005

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has registered three industry codes that will bring about the introduction of ‘cooling off’ periods for sales of certain telecommunications services. The three codes - ACIF C515: 2005 Pre-selection Industry Code, ACIF C531: 2005 Commercial Churn Industry Code and ACIF C570: 2005 Mobile Number Portability Industry Code were developed by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF). Registration of these codes by ACMA makes them enforceable. ‘The new cooling off rules will apply when telecommunications providers use telemarketing to encourage consumers to switch mobile phone providers or to pre-select alternative service providers on their landline phones,’ said Lyn Maddock, Acting ACMA Chair. Ms Maddock said that the changes promoted informed decision-making by consumers. ‘The new rules give consumers greater time to consider their purchasing decisions. If the consumer is not satisfied with the services offered by their new provider, they now have the option of having their old services restored without penalty during the cooling-off period.’ ACIF CEO Anne Hurley said: ‘These are sensible changes which underline the fact that providers and their customers have a vested interest in maintaining fairness in their dealings with one another. These codes represent a practical outcome from a consultative, cooperative process.’ A copy of each code is available at the ACIF website - www.acif.org.au Related news items Tiny Rugged UMPC WIth Vista -10/10/2007 Consumers Want FMC: Companies Don't See The Benefit -02/10/2007 Nokia Buys Map Company For US$8 Billion -02/10/2007 Seven In Unwired Takeover Bid -26/09/2007 Ultra-Mobile Sales Ready To Rocket -16/09/2007 Newer news items RECORD MOBILE PHONE CALLS -24/01/2006 PANASONIC ABANDONS GSM -12/12/2005 DESTRA TO SELL MUSIC FOR PHONES -27/11/2005 MOTO, INTEL COLABORATE ON WiMax -27/10/2005 NOKIA LOVES ITS NEW PHONES -20/10/2005 Older news items BROADCOM BACKS TV & WiFi FOR MOBILES -19/10/2005 MOTOROLA ON A ROLL -19/10/2005 NOKIA TARGETS CORPORATE EMAIL -13/10/2005 PALMSOURCE TURNS TO MONTAVISTA -15/08/2005 BELKIN WIRELESS TRAVEL ROUTER -24/07/2005 Tag This Now: