November 6, 2006 — DMA’s Ethics and Consumer Affairs Department has developed an easy-to-understand guide and graphic flowchart to help you navigate the complex rules for contacting wireless devices.
The rules for contacting wireless devices are complex and vary depending on the type of communication you send. For instance, the rules for sending a text message to a wireless device are different from those for sending an e-mail or placing a phone call to a wireless device.
Marketers need to be careful when contacting wireless devices because current technology makes it possible to accidentally call wireless devices when you think you are calling landline numbers; or, you can unintentionally send e-mail to wireless devices when you think you are sending to a computer.
DMA’s Alert for Telephone & E-mail Marketers covers:
· Telephone Communications, including DMA Guidelines, B. Federal Rules, C. How to Obtain Consent to Call a Wireless Device, D. How to Determine Whether You’re Calling a Wireless Number, Safe Harbor for Calling Ported Numbers, Wireless Numbers and the National Do-Not-Call (DNC) List, and Penalties for Violating Federal Rules;
· Text Messaging, and
· E-mail Communications: including Mobile Service Commercial Messages (MSCMs) and Messages Forwarded from a Computer to a Wireless Device
DMA’s flowchart entitled “Know the Rules for Contacting Wireless Devices by Telephone, Text Message, or E-Mail” provides an easy to follow reference for using telephone, text/SMS and e-mail.
· To access “DMA Alert for Telephone & E-mail Marketers Marketing Mistakes: Reaching Wireless Devices by Telephone, Text Message, or E-mail,” click here http://www.the-dma.org/guidelines/WirelessAlert.pdf
· To access the flowchart “KNOW THE RULES FOR CONTACTING WIRELESS DEVICES By Telephone, Text Message, or E-Mail,” click here http://www.the-dma.org/guidelines/WirelessFlowChart.pdf
· For additional information regarding this information, please contact DMA at mailto:teleservicesethics@the-dma.org.
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