SoylentNews

RandomFactor [soylentnews.org] writes:

Finally, the FCC has stopped teasing America and passed a plan to limit robocalling [theregister.co.uk] to our mobile phones.

The decision will allow mobile networks to block calls based on "reasonable call analytics" – in other words, identifying unusual call patterns – as well as provide a contacts-only whitelist. A related notice will see mobile carrier add a caller ID authentication system called SHAKEN/STIR before the end of the year. And the FCC will look a new "safe harbor" provision that means mobile companies can block spoofed calls.

While none of the aspects of the measure are new or innovative, making them legal is a big step. Unfortunately, the measure comes with a catch.

The FCC has purposefully left the way open for cellular operators to charge for its "service."

According to FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement [fcc.gov]

there is one devastating problem with our approach. There is nothing in our decision today that prevents carriers from charging consumers for this blocking technology to stop robocalls

Rosenworcel believes robocall solutions should be free to consumers.

"I think robocall solutions should be free to consumers. Full stop. I do not think that this agency should pat itself on the back for its efforts to reduce robocalls and then tell consumers to pay up. They are already paying the price—in scams flooding our phone lines; wasted time responding to false and fraudulent calls offering us what we did not ask for, do not want, and do not need; and a growing distrust in our most basic communications."

Expect to see carriers add additional fees to the list of unavoidable charges currently on your bills which include

- A 911 fee: which funds emergency services in your area.
- Universal Service Fund: An FCC fee that is used to subsidize phone and internet access in low-income communities. This doesn't need to be added to your phone bill, but most mobile carriers do it anyway.
- State Telecommunications Excise Surcharge: Also called Gross Receipts Tax Surcharge. This is how some phone companies get you to pay their state and local taxes.
- Regulatory Charge: Which sounds official but isn't. It is mobile carriers charging their customers for cover the cost of them complying with government regulations
- Administrative Charge: an admin fee covering network maintenance and such like.
- State and local taxes: if you local area has any additional taxes, they will just stick them in here.

which already result hidden fees and advertised prices being dramatically lower than actual monthly bills.

To make it even more attractive (to the carriers)

The FCC not only leaves the door open for cellular networks to charge for blocking robocalls but it also doesn't require the companies identify any such charge.

so while it is possible the companies will add a 'Robocall Charge' line item, it could just be added to the general 'Regulatory Charge'.

One can hope that this will, over time change the effectiveness and economics of robocalling to the point that it fades away as a marketing and solicitation strategy. Naturally we can expect any fees associated with robocall blocking to similarly fade away with the practice.

Previous Coverage [soylentnews.org]

Original Submission