Well, we knew it would happen sooner or later. Eventually those who can't bear to let a prospective consumer get away would get together and try to weasel their way back into your home. Telemarketing companies have found common cause and support from several industry groups, including the American Bankers Association, Direct Marketing Association, and the Community Bankers Association to try and do just that.
What is at issue is an amendment request to the 2003 Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The problem, some say, is that a few states have more stringent rules than the FCC. The business groups are complaining about having to conform to more than one rule, saying that it is too costly and unwieldy. Instead, they want the FCC to declare that the federal government, and only the feds, get to make the rules: essentially invalidating the stricter state laws. The telemarketing group denies that they are trying to nibble at the edges of the law and assert that there's no
proof that, were the state provisions invalidated, telemarketing calls would increase in frequency.
Last month the FCC decided to entertain the idea and solicited comments from the public. The deadline is July 29th.
So if you have been enjoying the peace, quiet, and privacy that the "Do Not Call" registry provides, pop on over to the FCC website and
comment. Look for "Telephone Consumer Protection Act - Docket 02-278".