Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) effectively prohibited 14 voice service providers from connecting to U.S. networks for failing to comply with FCC robocall rules. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau removed the companies from its Robocall
Mitigation Database and ordered U.S. voice service providers and intermediate providers to block calls from these companies.
The 14 companies removed from the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database had been ordered to correct deficiencies in their database certifications and show cause why they should not be removed. But these companies failed to respond or take meaningful steps to update their database filings. The removed providers are: Apps Communications, CFX Business Solutions, Conference America, Convergence Technology Solutions, CSB Technologies, Digital Division, Dixie Net Communications, HIGHCOMM, Inatech Solutions, makrodepot, Opex Communications, Reachme.com, SECURE, and Skycom Healthcare.
The FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database was established to promote transparency and effective robocall mitigation. This database is a critical tool through which the agency ensures providers are actively combatting robocalls and implementing STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication. Providers are required to certify that they have implemented STIR/SHAKEN on all IP-based portions of their networks. All providers must also submit robocall mitigation plans. Failure to meet these obligations can result in removal from the database and blocking of the provider’s traffic.