The Federal Communications Commission is threatening to block 2,411 domestic voice-calling services unless they comply with rules meant to stamp out robocalls.
The FCC flagged the providers today for failing to properly file with the agency’s Robocall Mitigation Database, which requires voice service operators to certify how they block robocalls.
If the providers fail to act over the next 14 days, the FCC will remove them from the mitigation database, which would force legitimate voice service providers to block their call traffic. “Providers must be active partners in the fight against unwanted and illegal robocalls. If they are not, they should not be allowed to participate in our phone networks. Full stop,” said outgoing FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
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Many of the 2,400 providers are little-known companies that provide VoIP services for businesses and niche use cases. The FCC is concerned that scammers could abuse them to fuel robocall schemes and unleash spam messages on consumers.
“This is the largest such action taken by the FCC, making clear the importance of providers’ obligations to mitigate unwanted robocalls to protect consumers,” the commission adds.
To avoid the crackdown, the flagged voice providers will need to describe their robocall mitigation practices and provide other information that the FCC can use to monitor compliance. The commission’s order also notes that it already notified all 2,411 providers last year about certifying their robocall mitigation plans after they failed to meet two deadlines.
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The US regulator announced the potential enforcement on the same day state prosecutors in New Hampshire and South Carolina called out four voice providers for transmitting suspected robocall traffic. All four providers have received a notice, warning that the FCC could force other providers to cease accepting their call traffic.
To strengthen its robocall rules, the FCC is also proposing a new rule that would “institute base fines of $10,000 for submitting false or inaccurate information, and $1,000 for failure to keep information current” in the Robocall Mitigation Database.
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About Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
