Comment Number: OL-103432
Received: 11/28/2004 11:01:47 AM
Organization:
Commenter: Charles Rowe
State: DE
Subject: Trade Regulation Rule on Telemarketing Sales
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 310
No Attachments

Comments:

Receiving unwanted phone calls is a nuisance. They interrupt other activities such as family discussions, studying, meals, sleeping, or just well earned leisure. Telemarketing calls can dangerous because other important messages may get missed. Just as junk mail gets tossed without being opened, ringing phones get ignored as just “another” telemarketer. The ignored call certainly has the potential to be a sick relative who needs help, or a public service warning. While this will not happen too often, when it does the price can be catastrophic. Ownership implies the right to control use of the asset. We have paid for the in-house equipment and wiring, and we pay a provider for our use of their wires and switching. It is only right that with these payments comes the choice of use. We are able to block individual callers if need be, but, at this time, there is not a method to block a class of caller such as telemarketers. Until we have the technology available to do that, the consumer needs protection of their right to use their equipment, as they deem appropriate. Recorded message calls are particularly annoying. While there are some recorded message calls that are important, such as public warning from designated officials, the vast majority of calls are inappropriate. Doctor’s reminders of appointments might be helpful for some and just another annoyance for many; perhaps an “opt-in” solution would be appropriate for these. Communications from other business that we deal with may be desired by some but, again, considered an annoyance by others; once again, a signed “opt-in” participation choice would be appropriate. The telephone owner needs your protection of their rights. We have little recourse to being used in a statistical mining operation other than your oversight. Wont you please help preserve our peace? Thank you, Charles S. Rowe Hockessin, Delaware