New rules issued by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) last year are about to take effect. These rules will make it more difficult for businesses to make telemarketing calls and texts to wireless customers and to certain residential customers by requiring express written consent (1) to make telemarketing calls using an autodialer or prerecorded message to wireless callers, and (2) to send prerecorded message calls to residential subscribers. Previously, any form of consent was permitted for these calls, and, in the case of prerecorded messages to residential subscribers, a business could rely upon an “established business relationship” to place such calls.

With the rise in class action cases for alleged TCPA violations, businesses engaging in telemarketing should review their practices for obtaining customer consent prior to implementation of the new rules on October 16, 2013.

For more information, click to read our client advisory.

Express Written Consent Requirement for Telemarketing Calls and Texts to Take Effect October 16, 2013