# 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.
- Title: FCC to Grade Phone Companies on Robocall Blocking — Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: fcc, robocalls, telecom, consumer protection, spam, technology, science, Grade, Phone, Companies, Robocall, Blocking
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/09/fcc-plans-robocall-scorecard-to-grade-phone-companies-on-spam-call-blocking
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fcc, robocalls, telecom, consumer protection, spam, technology, science
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The FCC is developing a public scorecard to grade retail phone carriers on real-world robocall blocking performance and accuracy.