some robocalls will stop

The Federal Trade Commission has new rules about how marketers can place calls. There's good news, and...if you read carefully...some exceptions that will permit some calls to continue.

Per their press release:

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New Rule Prohibiting Unwanted "Robocalls" to Take Effect on September 1

Telemarketers Must Obtain Prior Written Approval from Consumers Who Want to Receive Such Calls

...prerecorded commercial telemarketing calls to consumers – commonly known as robocalls – will be prohibited, unless the telemarketer has obtained permission in writing from consumers who want to receive such calls...

The rule amendments going into effect on September 1 do not prohibit calls that deliver purely “informational” recorded messages – those that notify recipients, for example, that their flight has been cancelled, an appliance they ordered will be delivered at a certain time, or that their child’s school opening is delayed...as long as they do not attempt to interest consumers in the sale of any goods or services...the rule amendments also do not apply to calls concerning collection of debts where the calls do not seek to promote the sale of any goods or services.

In addition, calls not covered...including those from politicians, banks, telephone carriers, and most charitable organizations...The new prohibition on prerecorded messages does not apply to certain healthcare messages...

After September 1, consumers who receive prerecorded telemarketing calls but have not agreed to get them should file a complaint with the Commission, either on the donotcall.gov Web site or by calling 1-888-382-1222. (To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP/1-877-382-4357.)

The Commission’s 2008 press release announcing the changes to the TSR’s prerecorded telemarketing provisions and a link to the related Federal Register notice can be found on the FTC’s Web site at: http://www2.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/tsr.shtm.

emergency preparedness

After the earthquake in California, AT&T sent some good advice and suggestions via Twitter:

We are seeing network congestion on both the wireline and wireless networks, which is very common after an Earthquake.

During this high volume calling period, AT&T recommends that people only make emergency or urgent calls.

In times of emergency, AT&T asks customers to use text messaging to let friends and family know you are okay.

Texting is the most reliable form of communication during peak use and keeps lines open for emergency personnel.

Tip sheets and more from AT&T on disaster preparedness available at http://att.com/vitalconnect...

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Their "Emergency Communications Planning Tips" document suggests:

Be sure that you have at least one corded telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of an electrical power outage.

...that you have a working, battery-operated radio...

Develop an emergency communications plan, including communications methods and individuals to call. Post it on the refrigerator, keep a copy with emergency supplies and provide copies to each family member.

Agree on a physical and virtual meeting place such as a voice mailbox or online chat site. 

Forward your home number to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation...

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Their "Family communications planning" document has templates for cards that you can print for your wallet/billfold/purse/etcetera, and complete with emergency contact information.

The "Holiday Season Safety Tips" document has information about decorating, poisonous and toxic materials, fire safety, dangerous toys, older adult safety, food preperation and safety, alcoholic beverages, and how to avoid stress.

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Buh-bye, Boost

July 1, Virgin Mobile USA will launch a new $79.99 per month unlimited prepaid plan.

I noticed they also have a "pay as you go with roll forward" plan:  "As long as you buy another Minute Pack within 30 days, any unused minutes will roll forward for the next 30 days (up to 5000 minutes). If you don’t purchase another Minute Pack within 30 days, your unused minutes will expire at the end of the 30 days."  For $20 per month, you get 200 minutes with additional calls at $.10 per minute.

To that, you can add unlimted text and messaging ("pix, email, and IM") for $20 per month.

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35th Anniversary Of The First Public Cell Phone Call

With around half the world’s population expected to be carrying a mobile phone by the end of this year, it’s hard to believe that its just 35 years since the first ever public cell phone call was made. Yesterday (4/3/08) marked the anniversary of the historical call made on the streets of New York by portable cell phone inventor Martin Cooper, then general manager of Motorola’s Communications Systems Division. Not surprisingly the device used was a far-cry from the slim-line handsets of today - making even the “bricks” of the late 80’s and early 90’s seem ultra-portable. Weighing in at two and a half pounds and 10 inches long, the phone could be used for only 20 minutes before the battery died.

T-Mobile, $100/month unlimited (text included)

...This offer will be available beginning Thursday, Feb. 21...

...domestic roaming and long distance charges are included. Unlimited messaging includes text messages (SMS), picture messages (MMS) and instant messages (IM).