Washington, D.C. – Today, the Federal Communications Commission proposed to assess a forfeiture of $780,000 against AT&T Corporation for apparent violations of the Commission’s Do-Not-Call telemarketing rules. This is the Commission’s first major Do-Not-Call enforcement action.

The Commission found that AT&T apparently made telephone solicitation calls to 29 consumers on 78 separate occasions after those consumers had requested that AT&T not call them again. The Commission therefore concluded that AT&T had apparently violated the FCC’s company-specific Do-Not-Call rule, section 64.1200(e) of the Commission’s rules. The Commission staff had initiated an investigation of AT&T’s telemarketing practices after a regular review of consumer complaint data revealed over 300 complaints in the previous several months alleging Do-Not-Call violations by AT&T. The Commission proposed a forfeiture of $10,000 for each of the 78 apparent violations.

Action by the Commission on October 30, 2003, by Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (FCC 03-267). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein.

The Federal Communications Commission announced today that it has proposed a $780,000 forfeiture against AT&T Corporation for violating the FCC’s Do-Not-Call rules. Chairman Michael K. Powell issued the following statement:

"Today's enforcement action demonstrates our resolve in the fight to protect consumers from unwanted and intrusive telephone calls. This puts telemarketers on notice that we will take all measures necessary to protect consumers who chose to be left alone in their homes. Together with our partners at the Federal Trade Commission, we will remain vigilant to ensure that telemarketers respect the wishes of consumers."