BUSINESSES are to get the same right as individuals to block cold calling by marketing firms under new measures being brought in by the Government this month.
Communications minister Stephen Timms said the new measures will give businesses the choice to opt out of direct marketing calls by writing to the Telephone Preference Service and registering the relevant phone numbers.
Direct marketing firms have a legal obligation to check and comply with the list before calling.
Failure to do so can result in enforcement action by the information commissioner.
Mr Timms said: "Well-targeted phone marketing can be a powerful tool, but not all businesses are geared up to this and for small businesses unwanted calls can be a real burden.
"Extending the right to register on the TPS to corporate subscribers will give businesses the right to opt out if they do not want this form of marketing."
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