Many of us find our phones constantly buzzing with unwanted marketing messages. Whether it’s promotions for services we’ve never heard of or companies trying to sell us products, the bombardment of unwanted texts can quickly become frustrating. Thankfully, if you’re based in the UK, there’s a simple solution to stop these intrusive messages: the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) text-to-register service.

What is the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)?

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free service set up by Ofcom to enable individuals to opt out of unsolicited marketing calls and messages. Once you’re registered with TPS, your number is added to a database that prohibits UK-based companies from contacting you for marketing purposes without your express consent. It is a legal requirement for all UK companies not to send marketing messages to numbers registered on the TPS database.

For many years, the TPS has been a reliable and effective tool for people wishing to block unwanted calls to their landlines. However, with the growing use of mobile phones, there was a clear need for a similar service that catered to mobile numbers, as the volume of marketing messages sent to mobiles has risen significantly.

This led to the creation of the TPS text-to-register service, a simple method that allows users to register their mobile numbers with the TPS via text message, helping to stop the influx of unwanted marketing texts.

How Does the Text-to-Register Service Work?

Registering your mobile number with the TPS through the text-to-register service is incredibly straightforward. It requires only a few seconds and can be done directly from your mobile phone. Follow these steps to register:

  1. Text your mobile number to 85095. This should be done from the mobile phone number that you want to register.
  2. Wait for confirmation. After sending the text, you will receive a confirmation message from the TPS confirming that your number has been successfully registered.
  3. Registration complete. It’s as simple as that! Your number will then be placed on the TPS register, and within 28 days, UK companies are legally obliged to stop sending you unwanted marketing messages.

Once registered, the process is seamless. The service doesn’t require any additional app downloads or the creation of online accounts. And best of all, it’s entirely free.

Why Register Your Number?

There are a number of reasons why registering your mobile number with TPS is beneficial, particularly if you’re tired of receiving unwanted marketing texts:

  • Peace of mind: Constantly receiving unsolicited marketing messages can be annoying and disruptive. By registering your number, you can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted communication you receive.
  • Legal protection: Companies that ignore the TPS register and continue to send marketing messages to your registered number are breaking the law. This gives you an added layer of protection and recourse if the messages persist.
  • Simplicity and convenience: The TPS text-to-register service is quick, easy, and free, meaning you can take control of your mobile communication without any hassle.
  • Environmental impact: Unwanted marketing messages contribute to the digital carbon footprint. By reducing the amount of unnecessary communication, you’re also doing your bit for the environment.

Is There Anything Else You Should Know?

While registering with TPS can significantly reduce the number of unsolicited marketing texts you receive, it’s important to note that it won’t stop all messages. There are a few exceptions to the rule, including:

  • Messages from companies you have consented to receive marketing from: If you have given your explicit consent to receive marketing messages from a specific company, that company can still contact you even if you’re registered with TPS. To stop receiving these messages, you will need to contact the company directly to withdraw your consent.
  • International messages: TPS only covers UK-based companies. If you receive marketing messages from overseas businesses, they won’t be affected by your registration with TPS.
  • Scam or fraud messages: Unfortunately, registering with TPS will not prevent fraudulent or scam messages. Always be cautious when receiving messages from unknown numbers and never click on suspicious links or provide personal information to unverified sources.

What to Do If Unwanted Marketing Messages Continue

If, after registering with the TPS, you continue to receive unsolicited marketing texts from UK-based companies, you have a few options:

  • Report the message to your mobile provider: Many mobile networks allow you to forward spam texts to them for investigation. Check with your provider for the specific number to forward messages to.
  • Report to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): The ICO is the UK’s data protection regulator. You can report companies that are still sending marketing messages after your TPS registration. The ICO has the authority to investigate and fine companies that break the law.
  • Block the sender: Many mobile phones allow you to block numbers directly. While this won’t stop all unwanted messages, it can prevent persistent offenders from contacting you again.

Conclusion

The TPS text-to-register service is a simple, effective tool that helps you regain control of your mobile communication by stopping unwanted marketing messages. It’s quick to register, free of charge, and provides legal protection against intrusive marketing practices. While it won’t block all unwanted messages, it offers significant relief from the constant barrage of promotional texts and allows you to enjoy a more peaceful mobile experience.

If you haven’t already registered your number, now is the perfect time to take action and stop those unwanted marketing messages for good.

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