A CONSUMERS' group has called on Ofcom to get tough on companies who use computerised dialling systems that lead to silent calls.

The Consumers' Association, now known as Which?, said that the regulator for the UK communications industry should use its full powers to stamp out the trend.

However, they said it would be better if telemarketing firms and other companies which use predictive dialling software clean up their act themselves rather than wait for new legislation to be forced upon them.

Since the Daily Echo backed Radio Solent's Stop Silent Calls campaign this week, dozens of readers have contacted us to tell us they have been victims of silent calls.

The computer software is used because it enables more calls to be made but it comes at the cost of thousands of abandoned or silent calls as there are simply not enough operators to process them.

Yesterday it was revealed that government minister Mike O'Brien had promised to investigate and would urge the telecommunications business watchdog Ofcom to step in.

His call was backed by Allan Williams, senior policy adviser at Which?, who said: "We would like to see Ofcom use the powers that it has been given to deal with silent calls and punish the companies who abuse the predictive dialling software.

"Ofcom needs to investigate the matter fully as there are clearly some rogue companies around."

Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom has the power to deal with individuals and companies which persistently misuse an electronic communications network or service.

Since the Act was introduced two companies, MKD Holdings, a kitchen business, and Intelligent Marketing Solutions Call Centre have had action taken against them.

They were told to comply with the Direct Marketing Association's guidelines that not more than five per cent of all calls should be abandoned or silent.

However, both escaped the maximum £5,000 fine.

An Ofcom spokesman said: "We can only act within the powers we have under the Communications Act.

"We will investigate each case that comes before us on its merits.

"However, we understand that it can be a problem when companies withhold their caller identification number and that is why we working closely with the Direct Marketing Association to make sure marketing firms follow its guidelines."

CASE STUDY: BESSIE MOORE

PENSIONER Bessie Moore lives alone and has been getting silent calls for the last few months.

Every time she answers the phone the line goes dead.

Sometimes when the 81-year-old doesn't get any calls for a day she thinks that is the end.

But then the calls start coming again to her home in Bramley Crescent, Sholing, interrupting her in the middle of household chores, while she is watching television and when she is knitting for local charities.

"I am not a nervous person and the calls don't frighten me. But I do find them a real nuisance."

"It is a big concern because there are other elderly people who are living on their own who could get a real shock."

Now she is supporting our Stop Silent Calls campaign, saying that it is not fair that companies can continue to dial her number yet not have enough staff to take the calls.

End the Sound of Silence: Fill in the form printed on page 23 of today's Daily Echo.