| Comment Number: | OL-112600 |
| Received: | 1/2/2005 8:50:51 AM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Burkowitz |
| State: | CA |
| Subject: | Trade Regulation Rule on Telemarketing Sales |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 310 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I urge the FCC to deny telemarketers permission to use pre-recorded messages to solicit consumers. The major difficulty lies in the operational aspects of the messages rather than the content. Once a pre-recorded message begins after the consumer answers the call, the telephone line is ceased for the entire duration of the message regardless whether the telephone remains off hook or on hook. Hook flashing does not disconnect the recording. This presents a potential risk to the consumer especially with long duration pre-recorded messages. Emergency telephone calls cannot be made nor received while the message is engaged. The industry's desire for pre-recorded messages is simply to eliminate the cost of maintaining cost centers staffed with live representatives. I am not interested in receiving unsolicited calls even from companies with which I do business. If I am interested in addtional products or services from them, I will make the contact. The potential risks from the pre-recorded messages far outweigh the benefit to the consumer. I urge the FCC to ban these message.