More Parties React to FCC Robocalling FNPRM on Possible Unblocking of Calls
The FCC received wide and nuanced input on ways to ensure or facilitate unblocking of calls erroneously blocked by anti-robocalling measures. Many urged mandatory challenge mechanisms or other new rules to speed unblocking of legitimate calls, while others resisted potential…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
regulations. More comments were posted Tuesday and Wednesday in docket 17-59 on a November Further NPRM attached to an order encouraging providers to block illegal calls. Previous comments mostly expressed skepticism about unblocking regulation (see 1801230062). Noting a 2015 order authorizing consumer-initiated call blocking, collections group ACA International said the FCC should adopt "call blocking mitigation mechanisms that apply both to provider-initiated and consumer-initiated call blocking." The Professional Association for Customer Equipment, Alorica and the Consumer Relations Consortium urged the FCC to require carriers to offer call-blocking mitigation services for call originators and recipients, along with speedy agency complaint procedures. The Electronic Transactions Association backed an FCC challenge mechanism if it promotes "centralized feedback" as part of an industry standard. Hiya backed a challenge mechanism and the Retail Energy Supply Association urged numerous new FCC requirements. SiriusXM said it's being harmed by aggressive blocking of legal calls and proposed various rules to facilitate unblocking. NTCA said providers that block calls should be required to send callers with blocked numbers an "intercept message" notifying them of the action and possible remedial steps. Consumer groups don't oppose an unblocking mechanism if there are safeguards but sought new FCC actions to combat illegal robocalling. The National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions also urged the FCC to stay focused on cracking down on unlawful robocalls, and wait to undo harmful effects until litigation over the 2015 order is resolved. Colonial Penn Life Insurance backed the FCC initiative if it acts to ensure legitimate marketers aren't snared. USTelecom opposed a challenge-mechanism requirement and asked the FCC to back industry-led unblocking efforts. Verizon said the FCC should encourage industry efforts, saying much depends on whether blocking is opt-in or opt-out. NCTA said the FCC should monitor voluntary call blocking before deciding on new rules. Comcast opposed possible new reporting duties but suggested the FCC require voice providers to create their own user-friendly webpages for reporting erroneous call blocking. First Orion said industry parties need leeway to develop their own challenge mechanisms, and Transaction Network Services suggested a challenge mechanism is tricky to implement. ITTA opposed possible new industry reporting duties for voice providers. Incompas asked to hold off on such obligations for now, and "not rush to implement any solutions" that could harm upstart competitors until reliable robocall detection is available industrywide.