The penalty was imposed after an investigation by Australia's Communications and Media Authority found that the company continued to sell its products and services within calls after consumers indicated they wanted to end the calls.

The ACMA also found Foxtel did not have adequate contractual arrangements in place with a call centre it used.

“Consumers have the right to end a telemarketing call at any time during the call. It’s unacceptable for a call to continue once someone has indicated they want it to stop,” said ACMA chair Nerida O’Loughlin.

This year, the ACMA has cracked down on businesses breaking telemarketing laws, with a total of $343,200 levied in infringements.

“Telemarketers are on notice to listen and respond appropriately to consumers and take their obligations seriously,” O’Loughlin warned.

The Telemarketing Industry Standard sets out minimum obligations for all telemarketing calls that list permitted calling times, the information to be provided during calls and when calls must be terminated.

Penalties for businesses in breach of Australia’s telemarketing laws include formal warnings, infringement notices or action in the Federal Court.