FCC Warns 2,411 Companies on Robocall Mitigation Filings, Proposes Tighter Requirements
The FCC Enforcement Bureau announced possible action against more than 2,400 voice service providers because they did not file properly in the Robocall Mitigation Database. In addition, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed a further tightening of the database’s filing rules,…
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said an order and news release Tuesday. The 2,411 providers must correct their filings or show why they shouldn’t be removed from the database, the order said. The filings are incorrect because companies didn’t submit updated certifications and robocall mitigation plans. “Removal of a Company’s certification from the RMD would require all intermediate providers and voice service providers to cease accepting all calls directly from the Company,” the EB order said. The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force also announced Tuesday that it resolved investigations of several voice service providers over transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic on their networks. “The Task Force issued notices to these providers informing them that the Task Force has shared the results of its investigations with the FCC,” the release said. “A number of the providers on notice from the Task Force are included in today’s FCC enforcement action.” In the release, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said phone providers "can’t put their profits first and turn a blind eye to the illegal robocallers they allow on our phone networks." Stein added, "I’m pleased that the states and the FCC are working together to confront these companies that are frustrating Americans with millions of scam calls.” The report and order circulated to the 10th floor Tuesday would require “timely updates to company information,” and institute base fines of $10,000 for false or inaccurate submissions, and $1,000 for failing to keep information current, said the release. The circulated order would also require companies to certify their submission's accuracy, institute a $100 filing fee, and direct that the Wireline Bureau establish a dedicated reporting mechanism. A draft version of the order was not released. Providers “must be active partners in the fight against unwanted and illegal robocalls,” said Rosenworcel. “If they are not, they should not be allowed to participate in our phone networks. Full stop.”