Vodafone reins in telemarketers

Vodafone Hutchison Australia has agreed to tighter controls over its telemarketers after an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found it had breached Do Not Call Register rules.

The ACMA investigated Vodafone Hutchison Australia in October 2009 and discovered that telemarketers operating under both the 3 and Vodafone brands had placed calls to numbers that were on the Do Not Call Register.

In an enforceable undertaking signed earlier this week and published by the ACMA today (PDF), Vodafone has committed to audit all of its dealers' telemarketing activities and report back to the ACMA. It will also be required to keep comprehensive records of telemarketing calls. If the company breaches any of its obligations, it risks being taken to the Federal Court for mandatory enforcement.

In a statement, Vodafone said it had completed its review to ensure its practices are compliant with the Do Not Call Act.

"Over the intervening two or more years since the complaints were received, Vodafone has completed a comprehensive review of dealers' telemarketing practices and made training available to ensure all dealers understand the importance of the Do Not Call Register Act 2006," Vodafone told ZDNet Australia.

It is the second warning for Vodafone from the ACMA in as many months. In December, the ACMA issued Vodafone with directions to comply with the telecommunications protection code, or risk potential fines of up to $250,000. The ACMA had found that the company had not provided timely and accurate information about its network status during its infamous network troubles in late 2010/early 2011.