Silent Call Campaigner John Hemming MP has welcomed Ofcom's recent announcement

6.12.00pm GMT Mon 31st Oct 2005

Silent Call Campaigner John Hemming MP has welcomed Ofcom's recent announcement on banning silent calls. "All telephone users", he say " should welcome Ofcom's action that will finally end the nuisance of the Silent Call. The use of an informational message will eradicate the worry and stress in relationships caused by Silent Calls. In essence the UK has now implemented the rules used in the USA. Hundreds of thousands of people have been harrassed by these nuisances."

"This is a major step forward in resolving automated phone nuisance. It is, however, not the complete solution. What is important, however, is that people will know what is happening so they can take action against those companies which continue to harrass them. The cowboys in the industry have hidden behind anonymity. They will no longer be able to do so."

"I would like to offer thanks to Ofcom for acting. Questions could be asked about why it took so long, but I would rather focus on the future and recognise that now we are getting somewhere."

"The work done by David Hickson should also be recognised. He, as a consumer champion, has worked hard on this issue and this work should not be denigrated. We also should recognise that the main industry association the Direct Marketing Association has been positive about change as have software suppliers such as Amcat."

"The fact is that this is a change that will be welcomed by everyone except the cowboy call centre operators who will no longer be able to hide."

ENDS

Ofcom's press release is as below:

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2005/10/nr_20051031