Data Enhancement
Telephone Preference Service
Launched in 1995 and managed by the DMA (UK), the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
was originally created as a voluntary, self-regulatory mechanism that enabled consumers
to opt-out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. The file
received 1 million registrations in the six-month period between November 2003 and
May 2004 file, and is currently updated daily.
Since the introduction of the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations
1999, organisations have been legally obliged to ensure that all consumer and non-limited
company telephone numbers are screened against the TPS file no more than 28 days
prior to dialling. Failure to comply with the legislation can result in fines of
up to £5,000 per offence from the Office of the Information Commissioner.
In addition to avoiding fines and meeting legal requirements, regular screening
of customer data against the TPS minimises wasted calls to unresponsive recipients,
reducing costs and ensuring that potential customers are not annoyed by unwanted
calls.