Not For Public Consumption: Conspiracy Theory

Sales Whip (SW): We need more numbers, with live hard candy (Ed: sucker) on the other end.
Marketing Brain (MB): What if I could get 50 million clean numbers, guaranteed.
SW: Guaranteed? You've been reading our call scripts.
MB: For FREE!
SW: Fifty million clean, free numbers, guaranteed? You have been reading our scripts and drinking.
MB: What if... we plant the idea of a national Do Not Call List at the FTC. Let them get it rolling, generate some media hype on how the little guy will win back his phone and get everyone to sign up. To implement it they will need to give us the numbers, for a nominal fee, so we can "not" call the marks. At the last minute we sue on first amendment, free commerce grounds. The program is put on ice and eventually dies. Only, we walk with the numbers.
SW: You are insane, brain. I'm glad you're on our side. Just stay away from my daughter.

A federal judge has ruled that the Federal Trade Commission overstepped its authority in creating the national do-not-call list against telemarketers. The ruling Tuesday came in a lawsuit brought by telemarketers who challenged the list of 50 million people who said they do not want to receive business solicitation calls. The list was to go into effect Oct. 1."
- MSNBC 24 Sep 2003

It is too late to add your number to the current list, but you can get it added to the next round, if there is one. If you are a business, you can buy the list for $7,000.