Government News

Other Recently Adopted TCPA Rules Remain Unaffected

	Order on Reconsideration (FCC 03-208) [pdf]

Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has extended to January 1, 2005, the effective date of its new rules requiring written consent before sending advertising faxes.

This action does not change the effective date for the comprehensive telemarketing rules, including other rules regarding faxes, adopted on June 26, 2003.

This action also does not change the October 1, 2003 effective date for the national do-not-call registry.

The extension of time permits entities sending fax advertisements more time to comply with the new rules and obtain written consent and signatures from parties to whom they wish to fax. It will also allow the Commission time to consider any petitions for reconsideration and other filings that may be made on this issue.

The extension keeps in effect, until January 1, 2005, the exemption that allows entities to send unsolicited fax advertisements to individuals and businesses with which they have established business relationships. Until January 1, 2005, those transmitting faxes do not have to obtain the express written consent, including signatures, from recipients with whom they have established business relationships. Regardless of the extension, however, fax transmitters still must obtain prior express permission from fax recipients with whom they do not have established business relationships.

Source: FCC