FCC Looking To Block Robocalls By Default

Robocalls still remain a major problem for cellular users in the United States. Even though the FCC has taken steps to thwart them, the problem continues to exist. The Federal Communications Commission is now proposing a bigger step to properly tackle this problem. It wants to block robocalls by default.

The FCC basically wants to make it legal for mobile carriers to block unwanted robocalls by default. A declaratory ruling has been circulated by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai which, if it’s adopted, will give carriers approval to develop new tools to block unwanted robocalls. This ruling may also enable consumers to block calls from numbers that aren’t on their contact lists.

Major carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile are deploying the STIR/SHAKEN technology which labels calls from authentic numbers. However, other cellular service providers have held off on developing call blocking tools under the impression that they were not legal. The FCC wants to adopt this ruling to let them know that it’s perfectly legal.

By making it clear that such call blocking is allowed, the FCC will give voice service providers the legal certainty they need to block unwanted calls from the outset so that consumers never have to get them,” Pai said. This proposal will be considered by the FCC at its June 6th meeting. Even if it does get approved, it’s unclear when it will actually enter into service.

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