Fax Away!

Two weeks ago I warned you about a new Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulation that was to go into effect today. The regulation prohibits commercial faxes to existing customers without prior written consent.

On June 23, 2005, the United States Senate passed legislation by unanimous consent restoring the "established business relationship" exception, thus allowing businesses to send unsolicited commercial faxes to existing customers. The bill then moved to the House where it was passed on June 28, 2005.

The bill is now waiting for signature by the President before it becomes law. As of 4:48 EDT yesterday, the President had not yet signed the bill although his signature is expected.

In the meantime, it is reported that the FCC has granted a six-month stay extension delaying the effective date of the FCC fax ban. As a result of the extension, businesses are free to continue to send faxes to existing customers while the bill is waiting for the President's signature.

In short, you are free to fax away to your existing customers. Please remember, however, that regulations prohibiting commercial faxes to parties with whom you do not have an existing business relationship remain in effect.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!