Mobile Phone Numbers go public next month

I received this from a friend today:

REMEMBER: Mobile Phone Numbers Go Public next month.

REMINDER all mobile phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you may start to receive sale calls.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS (message bank etc)

Below is a link where you can enter your phone numbers online to put an end to telemarketing calls

https://www.donotcall.gov.au/

A quick google search came up with these links:

• Urban Legends
  
• Hoax-Slayer
  
• Victoria Consumer Affairs
  

From the Hoax-Slayer site:

Note however that while the claims in the email about the release of mobile phone numbers is untrue, the "Do Not Call" register itself is real and perfectly legitimate

There's also a reference on the Australian Communications and Media Authority. From this site is the following interesting comment:

While the email refers to the Australian Do Not Call Register website, it appears to have originated in North America a number of years ago and has been intermittently circulating since that time. The reference to consumers being 'charged' arises from the different charging regime for mobile calls in the USA, where often charges are incurred by mobile phone users for calls they receive. This charging regime does not apply in Australia.

So by all means put your mobile phone on the Do Not Call Register. This is a service provided by the Australian Government for phone numbers that are primarily for private or domestic purposes - business numbers do not qualify.