Phone carriers can now block robocalls by default

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a Declaratory Ruling that will allow phone service providers to block robocalls by default. Reasonable call analytics will be used by the services providers to determine if default blocking will be allowed. There is currently no clarification of what constitutes “reasonable” or “wanted” which puts the burden on… Continue reading Phone carriers can now block robocalls by default

FCC Proposes Robocall Blocking by Default

On May 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) submitted a proposal that would allow phone carriers to block unwanted robocalls to their customers by default. Most phone service providers offer call-blocking as an opt-in service, but this new initiative would allow robocall blocking by phone carriers without opt-in. The proposal will not compel phone companies… Continue reading FCC Proposes Robocall Blocking by Default

FCC Call Blocking Notice: The Industry Responds

As you recall, the rules provided FCC approval for phone companies to block calls that appeared to originate from invalid, unallocated or unassigned numbers. The FCC, in recognition of potential pitfalls, sought comment on the call blocking mitigation options, including the need for a challenge mechanism for erroneously blocked calls.

TCPA Watch List: Issues For 2018

The TCPA continues as the statute of choice among plaintiffs and class action attorneys. Many of the problems that were inherent of the TCPA in 2017 are still with us as we move forward into what we expect to be a better year for businesses and telemarketing in particular.

7 Point FCC Strategy to Defeat Illegal Robocalls

The FCC adopted the Consumer Advisory Committee’s (CAC) recommendation for unwanted call blocking during their September 18th meeting. The intent of the seven action items is to focus on the importance of allowing voice-service providers the flexibility to address illegal robocalls in a way that does not inadvertently block legitimate business-to-consumer calls. Background For some perspective,… Continue reading 7 Point FCC Strategy to Defeat Illegal Robocalls

FTC Escalates Fight Against Robocallers

The FTC begins August with an announcement that they are escalating the fight against illegal robocalls. Under a new initiative, when consumers file complaints about robocallers or Do Not Call violations with the FTC, the corresponding phone numbers will be reported daily to telecommunications carriersand other organizations that are working to block illegal robocalls. Included in the data… Continue reading FTC Escalates Fight Against Robocallers