Telephone Preference Service –
What is it?

The UK Telephone Preference Service is a central register of consumers who have chosen not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing phone calls, or cold calls as they’re also called.

Since its introduction in 1999, almost 14.5 million consumers have registered their phone number with the Telephone Preference Service. So if you use B2C telemarketing or sales calls to target consumers, chances are you’ll encounter TPS registered numbers on a daily basis.

Consumers, including sole traders at their residential address, can register with the TPS free of charge. Businesses can also register their telephone numbers with the Corporate Telephone Preference Service.

If you call a TPS registered number on an unsolicited basis, you’ll be in breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, which states it is unlawful to make unsolicited direct marketing calls to individuals who have indicated that they do not want to receive such calls. If found to be in breach of these regulations, your business could face legal action and even a £5000 fine.

The Telephone Preference Service is operated and funded by the direct marketing industry, and regulation is overseen by the Information Commissioners Office.

TPS check before you call

Before you call consumers at home, make sure they’re number isn’t registered on the TPS. Subscribe to 1check online or call 01304 382211. Then get calling.