Mobile phone users can send a simple text message to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls following the launch of the ‘text-to-register’ service, launched by the Telephone Preference Service and Ofcom.
The service enables mobile phone users to add their number to the UK’s official ‘do not call’ database by texting ‘TPS’ and their email address to 78070.
According to Ofcom research, only half (48%) of people familiar with the TPS are aware that mobile numbers can be registered, compared to almost nine in 10 (88%) for landline phone numbers.
Only 2.9 million mobile numbers (around 3%) are registered on the TPS database, compared with 18.5 million landline numbers (around 85%).
By introducing the quick and easy text-to-register process, the TPS and Ofcom aim to raise awareness of the preference service among mobile users and drive registrations.
John Mitchison, head of the TPS, said: “Rogue callers operate illegally and against the interests of ordinary people. Texting will make it easier for people to register their mobile numbers on the TPS, which is the only official no-call list, and help us stamp out rogue callers once and for all by giving the ICO more ammunition to prosecute these cases.”
Baroness Neville Rolfe, Minister responsible for data protection, said: “Nuisance calls are incredibly intrusive and can cause significant distress, particularly to elderly and vulnerable members of society.
“Government is committed to tackling this problem, and we have introduced a series of measures that have already seen record fines handed out to combat these rogue callers.
“This new service from the TPS and Ofcom will help protect people with mobile phones, making it easier for them to register via text and opt out of the call list.”