TPS, CPTS, FPS, MPS, BMPS: So Many Acronyms! Defined and Explained
There are many acronyms used within the call centre industry, often these buzzwords and abbreviations will regularly come up in conversation within this environment. These can be confusing to anyone new to the telecoms industry, hopefully the following glossary will explain a few of the three letter acronyms listed below.
TPS – Telephone Preference Service. The TPS is a central opt out register whereby individuals can register their wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. It is now a legal requirement that companies can not make calls to any numbers that are registered on the TPS.
CTPS – Corporate Telephone Preference Service. The CTPS is again a central opt out register, whereby businesses can register their wish also, not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls to either all their organisations telephone numbers, or to certain select numbers. Again it is a legal requirement that companies do not make such calls to any numbers registered on the CTPS.
FPS – Fax Preference Service. The FPS, is as above, the central opt out register whereby businesses as well as individuals, can register their choice not to receive unsolicited faxes. Under government legislation introduced in 1999, it is now unlawful to send an individual or business an unsolicited sales or marketing fax without prior permission.
MPS – Mailing Preference Service. The MPS is a free service that is funded by the direct mail industry to enable consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from lists used by the industry. It is supported by the Royal Mail and all directly involved trade associations and fully supported by the information commissioners office. The MPS will prevent the receipt of unsolicited direct mailings sent from member companies of the Direct Marketing Association, steps are also taken to prevent the receipt of unsolicited direct mailings from companies which are non-DMA members.
BMPS – Baby Mailing Preference Service. The BMPS is a service provided to help reduce the number of baby-related mailings people receive. Many parents to be are happy to hear from companies who can help them at an exciting time in their lives. However in the sad circumstances of a death, mailings to parents about baby products from well meaning companies can cause unintended distress. The MPS is a free service that is both sympathetic and effective.