Ofcom believes that the increased maximum penalty should pose a greater deterrent to companies using automated diallers (which can cause silent and abandoned calls). It will also enable Ofcom to more effectively tackle the serious problem of silent calls, strengthening the level of sanction of those in breach of Ofcom’s rules. The increase to £2 million is also more consistent with Ofcom’s existing fining powers in other areas.
Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: “Ofcom welcomes the decision to increase the maximum penalty to £2 million for companies breaching rules on silent and abandoned calls.
“The increase reflects the potential seriousness of the harm caused to consumers by the unsolicited and intrusive nature of silent and abandoned calls and enables Ofcom to regulate these activities more effectively.”