Frequently Asked Questions
Fixed Line
What is Proximity Marketing ?
What is Proximity Marketing ?
Proximity Marketing is where marketing or other messages can be sent to consumers by marketers using Bluetooth (wireless) technology.
Bluetooth can be used to send and receive data from devices that are within range or proximity of each other.
The marketer sets up a system which transmits messages by Bluetooth to all those people with a Bluetooth device within the range of the signal.
This does not use public communications networks such as the mobile phone network however; mobile phone handsets are among the many devices with this technology capability.
A example application of this technology would be where; within a shopping centre shops set up a system whereby messages about special offers in the shopping centre that day; can be sent to those with Bluetooth devices.
The normal practice would be that the receiver gets an initial message asking if you wish to receive a message from X; the recipient either rejects or agrees to receive the message.
Consumers should be aware of the capabilities of their handset and are advised to switch Bluetooth off when they do not require to use it.
Currently there is no legislation specifically regulating this type of communication and legislation would be a matter for Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. However, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner DPC has published guidelines on its website :
