OTTAWA-GATINEAU – Telus is not violating the country’s unsolicited telecommunications rule by using automated calling devices, the CRTC has determined after an investigation.
Automated calling devices are used to dial telephone numbers and automatically deliver a pre-recorded message. The CRTC’s Automatic Dialing and Announcing Device Rules prohibit telemarketers from using these devices to sell or promote a product or service unless a consumer has consented to be called by them. Telus has used these devices to notify its prepaid mobile customers of an actual or imminent service interruption and how to purchase more minutes to avoid such an interruption.
“We are pleased that Telus acted swiftly when our concerns were brought to their attention,” said Andrea Rosen, the CRTC’s chief telecommunications enforcement officer, in a statement. “This agreement is an example of how we are working with the industry to encourage compliance with the CRTC’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules.”
Telus did not admit fault regarding its use of automated calling devices and the Commission did not issue a formal finding of liability. Upon being notified of the CRTC’s concerns and as part of the agreement, Telus immediately volunteered to cease making these types of calls to its prepaid mobile customers without obtaining their prior express consent. It also made a charitable donation of $200,000 to establish a Telus scholarship fund at the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University to support graduate studies in the areas of policy and regulation, and pledged to review its compliance policies to ensure on-going adherence with the CRTC’s rules relating to automated calling devices.
