From Ars Technica · · 1 min
FCC to Grade Phone Companies on Robocall Blocking
A new proposed FCC scorecard will rate phone carriers on how effectively they block illegal spam calls.
In brief
A new proposed FCC scorecard will rate phone carriers on how effectively they block illegal spam calls. The FCC is developing a public scorecard to grade retail phone carriers on real-world robocall blocking performance and accuracy. Originally reported by Ars Technica.
FCC plans robocall scorecards
The FCC announced plans to create a public scorecard rating phone companies on how effectively they block illegal spam calls.
“The Scorecard will empower consumers and encourage providers to continue to combat illegal robocalls”
Moving past paperwork checklists
The proposed scorecard will rate wireless, wireline, and VoIP providers on measurable call-blocking outcomes rather than administrative paperwork.
“In practice, that means moving beyond a simple administrative checklist”
Preventing legitimate call blocking
Regulators plan to evaluate blocking accuracy, ensuring carriers block illegal robocalls while avoiding accidental filtering of legitimate calls.
“Data on provider blocking practices specifically, tracked over time, may also help identify which approaches are most effective”
Retail carriers targeted first
The scorecard will apply strictly to domestic voice providers with consumer retail accounts, leaving wholesale-only networks exempt for now.
Evaluating conduct and outcomes
The framework balances conduct-based metrics like specific anti-robocall steps taken with outcome-based metrics measuring real call reductions.
Sourcing reliable call statistics
The FCC is seeking public comment on data sources, including carrier self-reporting, call analytics vendors, and government complaint logs.
“Are providers themselves a good source of such data? In some cases, are they the only source?”
Tracking enforcement and tracebacks
Data sources could also include STIR/SHAKEN caller ID verification compliance, official enforcement actions, and industry traceback group records.
Shaming telcos into action
Consumer advocates hope public grades will pressure lagging phone providers into improving spam protection, especially since switching carriers is difficult.
“Maybe the point of the scorecard would be to shame providers into doing better. And that would be a good thing.”
Prominent scorecard displays wanted
Advocates argue carriers should be forced to post their robocall scores directly on bills, marketing materials, and websites.
The headline
The FCC is developing a public scorecard to grade retail phone carriers on real-world robocall blocking performance and accuracy.
