#OFCOM - how to solve silent calls

OFCOM are still fussing about the problem of marketing companies generating more calls by computer than their staff can pick up. This leads to the silent call (or if you are lucky (!), a pre-recorded message).

The idea is to limit silent calls from any 1 firm to one domestic address to no more than 2 in a 24 hour period.

I've got a much simpler idea. Force all compute generated calls that are not immediately passed to a call centre staffer to play a short message to the recipient asking them to press # to prevent further calls. The called number then to be shared with all other companies performing the same nuisance within a week. As a bonus, the if you press * then you are added to the telephone preference service (http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/) system and will no longer get normal marketing calls.

This will allow the hassled homeowner (or sometimes frightened pensioner) to opt out of the problem, and force the marketing firms to properly resource their call centres, or accept that sometimes their hardworked staff might just get a break.