Before long, Wisconsin residents will be able to avoid calls from telemarketers. The state’s “No Call” list, which will become effective Jan. 1, 2003, will notify telemarketers of whom they cannot call.

The state installed 144 telephone lines for citizens to call and register to be placed on the list, which will be updated quarterly and distributed to telemarketers.

Those who register for the list prior to Dec. 1 will be on the list that comes out New Years’ Day.

Once the distribution list begins, it will take anywhere from 30 to 120 days for the names to be put on an updated list and distributed to telemarketers.

Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Jim Harsdorf said people can begin signing up for the service immediately.

“If you want your name to be on the list that tells telemarketers you do not want to be called, you can sign up now,” said Harsdorf. “Simply go online at NoCall.Wisconsin.gov or dial 1-866-966-2255 (1-866-9No-Call). This toll-free number is available 24 hours a day.”

Harsdorf said there is plenty of time for everyone interested to sign up prior to the deadline.

“We purposely created a four-month window for signup before the program actually starts,” said Harsdorf. “Consumers have until Dec. 1 to register and can register anytime after that to get on the updated list.”

Harsdorf and state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton,who authored the law, announced the hotline opening yesterday.

Consumer Protection administrator Fran Tryon said the calls made by telemarketers top the complaint list each year, but this program will help with the frustration.

“While the No Call program won’t completely eliminate telemarketing calls, it will cut down on them substantially,” Tryon said.

After dialing, callers will be asked only for their zip code and telephone number.

The service is free for those who register.