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If robocalls are overwhelming your real calls, the recent ruling from the Federal Communications Commission passed on Thursday might be of interest. Effective immediately, phone companies are now allowed (and encouraged) to automatically block robocalls.
Until now, consumers could opt in for robocall blocking, but phone companies didn’t offer this as a default for everyone. With the new rule, phone companies can block unwanted calls automatically, as long as customers are informed and given the option to opt out. They can also provide services that block calls from any number not saved in subscribers' contact lists.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai explained in a YouTube video that combating scam robocalls is his primary priority for consumer protection. 'Almost every American with a phone, even at the FCC, gets them,' he stated, with a look suggesting he might be receiving most of these calls himself and is thoroughly fed up with the situation.
Pai also mentioned that phone companies plan to roll out upgraded caller ID technology later this year, making it easier to distinguish between spam calls and those you actually want to answer.
Don’t expect this to be free, no matter what.
One unclear aspect of the ruling is whether, or how much, customers will have to pay for automatic robocall blocking on their accounts. Pai has previously commented, 'We certainly encourage companies to offer this for free,' but that statement holds about as much weight as a gentle breeze.
All four major carriers provide paid versions of their call-blocking features, which could easily become an added monthly charge unless you choose to opt out.
Verizon offers Call Filter, a call-blocking app that provides basic services for free, but charges $2.99 per line for advanced features like identifying unknown numbers.
AT&T offers free fraud blocking and suspected spam warnings, and charges $3.99 per month for enhanced caller ID and reverse number lookup.
Sprint’s Premium Caller ID service automatically screens robocalls for $2.99 per month.
T-Mobile’s Scam ID and Scam Block services are free, but the Name ID service, which identifies phone numbers and sends certain calls straight to voicemail, costs $4 per month.
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all make it clear that these services are available exclusively to post-paid customers.
Beyond the major carriers, there are plenty of apps you can download and methods you can use to fight robocallers on your own. In the meantime, keep an eye on your phone bill in the coming months for any changes in default service offerings or billing hikes.
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