Trai on Monday finally issued norms that simply require you to opt for the do-not call (DNC) registry service, which telephone companies will be obliged to provide free of cost once the rules are notified. Any unwarranted calls, after you have registered, could result in disconnection of phones used by telemarketers. To make the deterrence stronger, the regulator has suggested that violators be made to pay anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 for every call they make, till the complaint is processed and penalty imposed.

DO NOT DISTURB

• Trai issues norms that will enable you to shut out unsolicited calls on your mobile and landline phones.
  
• Once the rules are notified, you will simply have to opt for the do-not call registry service.
  
• Any unwarranted calls thereafter could result in disconnection of phones used by telemarketers and hefty fines.

The process has been kept simple to avoid experiences where cumbersome procedures put off the potential beneficiaries. On top of that, it comes free. While registering, all you need to do is give your name, phone number and area code and this data will then be handed over to the National Do-Not Call (NDNC) Registry, to be set up by the government.

The disciplining mechanism extends to the source of trouble: the telemarketers who would also have to register with NDNC and furnish a calling list.