Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Deadline coming to register cell phones on No Call List
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 13 2008, 12:45 PM
You will soon be hearings news that the deadline is fast approaching for signing up for Wisconsin’s first No Call List that will include cell phone numbers. In the previous legislative session, the legislature approved a bill that was signed into law allowing cell phone numbers on the popular No call List. The state puts out a No Call List quarterly. To get on the next list that comes out October 1, 2008, cell phone users must register their numbers by August 31, 2008.
Consumers can sign up for the list free of charge by calling 1-866-9NO-CALL . They can also register at the Wisconsin No Call List Web site.
Again, as I have stated in the past, while the new law gives cell phone users the option of registering their cell phone numbers, I urge thoughtful consideration.
Federal law prohibits telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises that you may put your personal cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and now you may soon have the option to place your cell phone number on Wisconsin's No Call List. However, there is generally not a reason to do so.
Registering your cell phone is unnecessary and a very bad idea. Cell phone numbers are unpublished. If you provide your cell phone number to the national do not call list, suddenly, it becomes a published number. The lists of numbers must be purchased by telemarketers so they can comply with the do not call registry. It would be extremely easy for unscrupulous entities and foreign, international entities to get their hands on the numbers. Your best bet is to avoid registering your cell phone.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a news release stating: "Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. The national associations representing telemarketers have stated that their clients do not intend to start calling consumers' cell phones.”
I do suggest registering your residential land line number on Wisconsin's No Call List. You can sign up over the phone by calling 1-866-9NOCALL (1-866-966-2255), toll-free in Wisconsin or you can sign up at the Wisconsin No Call List website. Registration is free.
