FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN July 15,2015
The Honorable Claire McCaskill
Ranking Member
Committee on Special Committee on Aging
United States Senate
G31 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator McCaskill:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for a proposal that would clarify that
carriers can provide, at the consumer's request, existing robocall blocking technology without
violating the Communications Act or the Commission's rules. Your views on this issue are very
important. We have included your letter in the record of the related proceeding and considered
your views as part of the Commission's review.
I agree that market-based robocall blocking solutions can and should be offered by
carriers at the consumer's request so that consumers can take back control of their phones and
stop unwanted calls. We know that consumers value their privacy, regardless of whether
unwanted efforts to reach them target their home landlines or wireless phones. Let me assure
you that the Commission is committed to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act's (TePA)
goal of protecting consumers from unwanted calls.
With respect to the specific issue you raise, for the first time the Commission clarified in
its June 18,2015, Declaratory Ruling and Order, that nothing in the Communications Act or the
Commission's rules prohibits carriers or other service providers from implementing consumer-
initiated call-blocking technologies and developing comprehensive solutions. As such, wireline
and wireless carriers, as well as VolP providers, are free to provide consumers with services and
technologies to block unwanted robocalls. As you observed in the hearing before the Senate
Special Committee on Aging, the technology exists for carriers to offer robocall filters and
effectively combat robocalls, and the Commission's action allows for implementation of these
market-based technologies at the consumer's request and encourages the continued advancement
of industry-wide solutions.
The Commission's decisions on these issues were based on an extensive record in
response to the petitions, including numerous informative meetings with trade associations, small
business owners, state attorneys general, consumer groups, and other interested parties. Please
be assured that we have carefully considered the input of all stakeholders, including callers and
consumers alike.
Page 2-The Honorable Claire McCaskill
I appreciate your interest and support in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any
further assistance.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE CHAIRMAN July 15,2015
The Honorable Susan Collins
Chairwoman
Committee on Special Committee on Aging
United States Senate
G31 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairwoman Collins:
Thank you for your letter expressing support for a proposal that would clarify that
carriers can provide, at the consumer's request, existing robocall blocking technology without
violating the Communications Act or the Commission's rules. Your views on this issue are very
important. We have included your letter in the record of the related proceeding and considered
your views as part of the Commission's review.
I agree that market-based robocall blocking solutions can and should be offered by
carriers at the consumer's request so that consumers can take back control of their phones and
stop unwanted calls. We know that consumers value their privacy, regardless of whether
unwanted efforts to reach them target their home landlines or wireless phones. Let me assure
you that the Commission is committed to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act's (TCPA)
goal of protecting consumers from unwanted calls.
With respect to the specific issue you raise, for the first time the Commission clarified in
its June 18,2015, Declaratory Ruling and Order, that nothing in the Communications Act or the
Commission's rules prohibits carriers or other service providers from implementing consumer-
initiated call-blocking technologies and developing comprehensive solutions. As such, wire line
and wireless carriers, as well as VoIP providers, are free to provide consumers with services and
technologies to block unwanted robocalls. As you observed in the hearing before the Senate
Special Committee on Aging, the technology exists for carriers to offer robocall filters and
effectively combat robocalls, and the Commission's action allows for implementation of these
market-based technologies at the consumer's request and encourages the continued advancement
of industry-wide solutions.
The Commission's decisions on these issues were based on an extensive record in
response to the petitions, including numerous informative meetings with trade associations, small
business owners, state attorneys general, consumer groups, and other interested parties. Please
be assured that we have carefully considered the input of all stakeholders, including callers and
consumers alike.
Page 2-The Honorable Susan Collins
I appreciate your interest and support in this matter. Please let me know if! can be of any
further assistance.