Do-not-call doesn't apply to all

The CRTC's new national Do Not Call List (DNCL) takes effect today.

It took me a while to get our phone number registered online because the site kept crashing. I probably wasn't the only one registering ... but I kept trying! Success!

Here is some important information to know:

Do not expect calls to stop immediately.

Telemarketers have up to 31 days to update their lists and to make sure they do not call you. You could still receive calls within those first 31 days.

There's a fun article about the DNCL in today's Toronto Star.

Registering on the DNCL will not eliminate all telemarketing calls. According to the article, there are many exceptions:

For instance, charities can still call, which translates to a lot of organizations begging for your cash. Political parties and pollsters can continue to drum up support or canvass you for your opinions.

Newspapers get a special break, as do everyone you've done business with – banks, fitness centres, arts groups, utilities, department stores, car dealers, dress shops, credit card issuers and the guy who cleans your chimney.

Yes, you'll still get those calls from Bell Canada thanking you for using its services and wouldn't you really like to sign up for high-speed Internet right now?

And Sears and The Bay will probably try to sell you some insurance again.

If a business has an existing relationship with you – which covers a lot of territory – you can expect more reminders, notifications and friendly phone requests to come back for the next 18 months. (After 18 months those companies must stop calling unless you give permission.)

Hmmm ... that pretty well covers everyone who calls us!

Here's the FAQ and how to get on the list.

Here's more on how to get off telemarketers' lists.