The new rule that is being implemented by telecom companies from May 1 is called the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR) 2018. This regulation is aimed at curbing unsolicited commercial communication such as spam calls and messages to telecom subscribers.
Under the new rule, telecom subscribers will have the option to choose their preferred mode of communication for commercial messages such as promotional offers and advertisements. They can register their preference for SMS, voice calls or both. The telecom companies will have to ensure that commercial communication is sent only to those subscribers who have given their consent for the same.
The TCCCPR 2018 also mandates that all commercial communication must come from a registered telemarketer and contain a unique sender ID, so that subscribers can easily identify the sender. The regulation also requires telemarketers to maintain a record of consent obtained from subscribers and to honor the preference of the subscribers.
The implementation of this rule is expected to reduce the number of unsolicited calls and messages, and help in curbing fraud and spam communication
