Rogers wants telemarketing proceeding expanded

Rogers Communications Inc. is asking the CRTC to expand the review of certain unsolicited telemarketing rules (UTR) to include text messages (SMS) and multimedia messages (MMS). In a document filed with the CRTC as part of Public Notice 2008-14, the communications giant threatens a Part VII if its request isn't granted. The move comes 10 days after Bell Canada and Bell Aliant submitted a similar request, asking for a review of certain rules governing the use Automatic Dialing-Announcing Devices (ADADs).Rogers says that it's timely to review the appropriate treatment unsolicited telemarketing using SMS and MMS. The company adds that when users register on the National Do-Not-Call List (NDNCL), they expect to receive no contact on those numbers from telemarketers. "As the Commission is well aware, the NDNCL rules currently explicitly include voice, fax, and voicecasting telecommunications: these telecommunications are all made and directed to phone numbers in the same manner as SMS/MMS communications," Rogers states in its letter to the CRTC.The company acknowledges that it doesn't have any figures regarding the level of unsolicited telemarketing via SMS or MMS, but notes anecdotally there is evidence to suggest this practice is increasing. "Based on complaints and calls received from its end-users, Rogers knows that SMS/MMS telemarketing is being used more and more by telemarketers and that this growth is unlikely to decrease, particularly in light of the NDNCL and efforts to work around the NDNCL," reads Rogers' letter.Bell Mobility and Telus Mobility came under fire earlier this year from then Industry minister Jim Prentice for deciding to charge for incoming text messages. Prentice was concerned that consumers would end up paying for messages they didn't want to receive. After meeting the heads of the two companies in August, the government was satisfied consumers wouldn't be adversely affected by this decision. But the message might not have reached the highest levels of government because during the recent federal election campaign, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said a re-elected Conservative government would ban charges on unsolicited text messages.Rogers alludes to this in its letter, seemingly implying that it would be better for the CRTC to deal with this issue now rather than wait for the government to get involved.The Public Interest Advocacy Centre has lent its support to the Rogers' proposal. "The Consumer Groups fully support Rogers' request to enlarge the present proceeding to consider this situation and underline the efficiency and timeliness of such a consideration given the present efforts by telemarketers to use other means to continue unwanted telemarketing," reads the November 3 letter.

Rogers wants telemarketing proceeding expanded

News | 11/11/2008 7:09 pm EST

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