This post is from our compliance team. Their job in life is to keep out the bad people, so the good people can enjoy happy sending. At least that is how they put it.
With the recent launch of our voice broadcasting service, we put our compliance team on notice that our customers need to know the rules before sending their first voice campaign.
Sure enough, they were "compliant" and put the basics on what you need to know when it comes to voice broadcasting.
(imagine the rest of this blog post in a very serious Sean Connery-like voice)
SimplyCast's voice broadcasting application allows you to record or upload an audio file (your own voice perhaps) and then have it automatically transmitted over phone lines to a list of contacts that you provide. The service also provides an automatic unsubscribe mechanism that makes it easy for your contacts to stop receiving calls from you if they are no longer interested. This is a must when doing voice broadcasts of any kind, that is why it is included. For example, pressing 9 before the message starts.
When using SimplyCast, it is up to you, the sender, to ensure that all Federal and State/Provincial laws are followed. Most aspects of voice broadcasts are heavily regulated, including the times of day you can call, content of the call, and limitations on where you can call. With SimplyCast's service being considered an automatic dialing system, these would be the rules you would be most interested in reading before using our service.
We have included some links below to help you ensure you meet the telemarketing requirements for the country you are targeting.
In Canada: https://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/trules-reglest.htm
In The USA: www.fcc.gov www.ftc.gov
Once you read over these laws, not only do you get a gold star for staying awake, you will be better prepared to embark into the world of voice.
If you are doing telemarketing, it is advised that you contact an attorney who specializes in telemarketing issues before engaging in any broadcasts. It is also advised that you to check with and comply with laws both in the jurisdiction you are in and the ones you are dialing to, as well as complying with "do not call" regulations.
Done properly, voice broadcasting can be a powerful medium to inform or alert a large number of people. Done wrong, it will get you in very hot water with the voice police and of course, your customers. Play nice and use your voice for good.
Got a question for our compliance team? Send an email to compliance 'at' simplycast.com and we will set you on the path to best practice-ville.
