Call to block unwanted calls

GONE are the days when the region’s residents have to ask telemarketers, “What is the sound of a truck reversing?”

The Do Not Call Register is designed to protect people from unwanted telemarketing calls.

More than 4.3 million home, mobile and VoIP numbers are listed on the register.

But it is time to sign up again, even for users who joined in 2007, as registration only lasts three years.

Australian Communications and Media Authority chairman Chris Chapman said more than one million numbers were listed when the register was first launched in May 2007.

“It’s now time to re-register your numbers if you want to make sure you don’t receive telemarketing calls,” Mr Chapman said.

“Any numbers not re-registered by their three-year expiry deadline will be automatically removed from the register.”

According to a recent ACMA survey, 93% of people who registered their landlines noticed a marked reduction of telemarketing calls.

For more information, go to the website or telephone 1300 792 958.