The Federal Communications Commission undertook a number of actions yesterday related to blocking illegal and unwanted robocalls, including sending cease and desist letters to two carriers that “appear to be transmitting multiple unlawful robocall campaigns” and seeking updated information from all carriers and developers of call-blocking tools to learn more about the tools available to consumers and their effectiveness.
Among the questions the FCC is seeking answers to from the carriers and call-blocking app developers in regards to the efforts are:
- Whether the companies are offering call blocking tools to consumers at no charge.
- How the companies measure the effectiveness of blocking tools.
- What protections the companies have put in place to ensure that call blocking does not interfere with emergency services.
The information that the FCC receives from the carriers and developers will provide input for a report on call blocking that the agency is preparing. The FCC is also seeking input related to the efficacy of its efforts to combat illegal robocalls and other relevant information.
Along with seeking input, the FCC also put two carriers on notice regarding the transmission of illegal robocalls through their networks. The carriers — R Squared Telecom and Tellza — warning them that downstream carriers will be authorized to block all of their traffic if they do not take steps within 48 hours to “effectively mitigate illegal traffic.” The alleged illegal calls were offering the garden variety robocalls we all receive daily, such as those touting auto warranty services, credit card rate reduction offers, and calls offering fraudulent student loans and utility services.
“No one wants more unwanted robocalls in their life,” said Jessica Rosenworcel, the FCC’s Acting Chairwoman, in a statement
