New regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aim to improve phone blocking and restrict fake calls. Requiring voice service providers to block calls from high-risk sources and inform callers of blocked calls, the Eighth Report and Order tightens rules for such businesses.
These changes aim as well to fight illegal robocalls since the problem continues. The most prevalent kind of robocalls from 2024 were fraudulent calls, numbering over 58 billion aimed against Americans. By using caller ID spoofing, crooks call individuals claiming to be legitimate businesses and deceive maybe innocent ones into disclosing personal or financial information.
Do-Not-Originate List Expanded Requirements
New criteria:
All voice carriers must presently actively block calls from numbers on a Do-Not-Originated (DNO) list per the FCC. This helps to protect against scammers using numbers that should never be used for outbound calls. By the updated rule, DNO enforcement is obligatory on all systems and any earlier provider discretion is gone.
The new policy compels providers to continuously check and maintain their DNO lists to mirror recently discovered fraudulent behaviors. Furthermore, they have to carry out live blocking systems stopping calls from these numbers from reaching the customers. Not following this could lead to FCC enforcement actions, fines, or regulatory fines.
Previous Rule:
Before, the FCC just advised suppliers to use DNO lists, but there was optional pliancy. Some businesses used them well, others totally disregarded them or followed them haphazardly. This one strategy let fraudsters keep spoofing numbers that needed to be banned.
Small carriers often didn’t also have the finances or technical expertise under the prior guidelines to keep current and correct DNO lists. This opened a loophole for fraud brainiacs used to present so-called legitimate calls using insecure networks. By requiring DNO compliance, the FCC is closing these loopholes and guaranteeing a consistent policy on fake call blocking.
DNO list groupings:
The FCC has determined three major sets of figures that should be part of DNO lists for effective enforcement:
- Inbound-only numbers: Anyone should never use them for outgoing calls. For government agencies, banks, utility providers, emergency helplines, and medical facilities. Usually trying to present themselves as reputable organizations, fraudster spoofs those numbers to entice people into giving out personal information.
- Unused or unassigned numbers: Hackers also frequently use unused or unassigned phone numbers to circumvent authentication methods. These figures should never be used for legitimate outbound calls since they pertain to no current subscriber.
- Previous flagged numbers linked with scamming: phone numbers known to be starting points of known scam calls should be rejected. One should list numbers already identified by telecom fraud specialists or law enforcement agencies during prior inquiries.
The FCC is also encouraging providers to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to expand DNO list criteria and share threat intelligence. By making DNO blocking a legal requirement, the FCC aims to shut down one of the most widely used scam tactics and reduce the volume of fraudulent robocalls that reach consumers.
Modified Call Blocking Notification Requirements
The FCC also modified call blocking notice requirements. Providers are now required to utilize SIP Code 603+ to notify callers when their calls are blocked.
Historically, providers were able to employ varying response codes (603, 607, or 608) that made it confusing for callers to understand the cause of call failure. The new requirement provides consistency and allows companies to identify and correct erroneous call blocking promptly.
Providers have to adopt this transition within 12 months of its release in the Federal Register.
Greater Emphasis on Preventing Robocall During Tax Season
Tax season sees robocall scams soar as scammers call claiming to be the IRS, tax professionals, or banks and bait victims into divulging sensitive information.
In order to combat this, the FCC has collaborated with the telecom companies to find out and block tax-related robocalls before reaching consumers. More than 3.6 million individuals (about twice the population of Nebraska) in the United States were robbed by robocall scams in 2024 alone, resulting in an estimated $10 billion (about $31 per person in the US) loss (source).
Through tightened enforcement and blocking measures, the FCC aims to lessen tax-related robocall fraud substantially in 2025.
FCC’s Commitment to Enhancing Robocall Protections
The FCC keeps urging enhanced consumer protection through cooperation with law enforcement and business communities. In 2024, the agency imposed fines of more than $200 million on companies that were breaching robocall rules.
With tighter policies and enhanced call authentication practices, the FCC is seeking to cut off illegal robocalls at their origin. The agency is still dedicated to monitoring bad actors and pursuing non-compliant providers.
STIR/SHAKEN’s Function in Call Authentication
STIR/SHAKEN is crucial in stopping caller ID spoofing. It verifies calls prior to reaching recipients so that displayed phone numbers are authentic.
Most big providers already implement STIR/SHAKEN, but the FCC is now stepping up enforcement on smaller carriers. Providers have to completely implement this system or face regulatory action. By increasing enforcement, the FCC wants to plug loopholes and increase call security throughout all networks.
Conclusion
FCC’s new call-blocking regulations are an important move to combat robocalls. With required DNO lists, universal call-blocking notices, and stronger STIR/SHAKEN enforcement, the commission is filling in the gaps that scammers have had open for so long.
For voice service providers, compliance is no longer optional. They must adopt stronger fraud prevention measures or risk facing penalties. ASTPP provides the necessary tools to navigate these changes, ensuring businesses remain compliant while delivering secure, high-quality telecom services.
By working together, regulators and telecom providers can create a safer calling environment, reducing scam calls and protecting consumers from fraud.
How ASTPP Helps Telecom Providers Stay Compliant
ASTPP is a top-rated smart telephony platform built to help telecom operators comply with changing regulations. As FCC regulations on call blocking become more stringent, ASTPP provides critical features to help companies stay compliant.
With inherent fraud detection and call verification, ASTPP allows service providers to block scam calls efficiently. Through its sophisticated call routing and real-time monitoring, providers can detect and prevent unusual activity before it impacts end users.
ASTPP further integrates STIR/SHAKEN, making it possible for businesses to authenticate all outgoing calls. This keeps businesses from incurring penalties while enhancing customer trust by limiting scam calls.
For more information about our services and how we can assist you to meet with the compliances, reach us now.
