BT to block ‘withheld’ numbers

BT is risking the wrath of certain sections of the telemarketing industry by launching a new handset, which will allow customers to block unwanted calls from ‘withheld’ numbers.
The idea is to cut out the number of so-called nuisance calls, by allowing customers to choose when they do not want to be disturbed; calls will be silently directed to voicemail. However, outbound telemarketing calls will also be blocked.
The company claims the BT6500 landline will allow a user to block 80% of unwanted calls.
BT consumer division managing director John Petter said that nuisance calls cause frustration and even anxiety. “When people feel as though they are being harassed in their own homes they need to be able to take action and block the offending callers,” he said.
“The BT6500 puts the customer in control of the types of call they receive. We believe this phone gives customers the peace of mind that when the phone rings it should be someone they want to speak to.”
The new device also comes with parental controls that allow users to block outgoing calls to selected numbers.

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