FCC Adopts Two Key Rules

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday adopted two items regarding robocalls and spam texts.

First, the FCC adopted a Second Report and Order to establish a single, comprehensive database that callers can use to avoid calling reassigned telephone numbers. Callers will have a safe harbor from liability from any calls to reassigned numbers caused by database errors. AFSA has strongly supported the creation of this database. Establishing a reassigned numbers database will help ensure that fewer calls are placed to the wrong consumer and may also cut down on the number of Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) lawsuits.

Second, the FCC denied a request to classify text messaging services as “telecommunications services” subject to common carrier regulation. The FCC found that designating text messaging as a telecommunications service would make it more difficult for carriers to combat spam and scam texts. The FCC will instead continue to classify text messaging services as “information services.” Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel dissented from this decision.

In addition, the FCC is currently drafting new TCPA regulations that will amend the 2015 rules released under the Obama administration.

Click here for FCC Report 1

Click here for FCC Report 2