Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC TAKES ACTION TO ALLEVIATE ROBOCALLS TO REASSIGNED 
PHONE NUMBERS
Commission Will Consider Creating a Comprehensive Resource that Businesses and 
Other Callers Can Use to Identify and Avoid Calls to Reassigned Numbers
  --
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission today took action to 
address the issue of robocalls to reassigned phone numbers in order to reduce unwanted robocalls 
that consumers receive and provide clarity for responsible callers. The Commission is seeking 
public comment on the idea of creating a comprehensive resource of reassigned numbers that 
businesses and other robocallers, such as schools, can use to avoid accidentally calling number 
that are no longer used by the consumer that gave their consent to receive these calls.   
When a consumer gets a new phone number that was previously used by another consumer, 
businesses and other callers frequently do not learn of the reassignment right away.  Today there 
is no single comprehensive resource for an up-to-date list of numbers that have been reassigned.  
Thus, callers may unwittingly continue to place calls without realizing the number has switched 
hands.  A business or other robocaller unknowingly calling a reassigned number can annoy the 
new consumer and deprive the previous consumer of an expected call.  
Today’s action, formally called a Notice of Inquiry, begins the process of receiving public 
comment on ideas to address problems related to reassigned numbers and robocalls.  The 
Commission is asking for input on whether voice service providers should report when a number 
has been reassigned and how that data might be managed and utilized appropriately.  This 
includes questions aimed at addressing privacy and security issues.  Following this public 
comment period, the Commission may move forward on further actions such as rulemakings.
Robocalls and telemarketing calls are consistently the top source of consumer complaints 
received by the FCC. Creation of a comprehensive reassigned number resource for businesses
and other robocallers could help prevent many unwanted calls that consumers currently receive.
In addition, more clarity will help callers communicate more effectively with consumers who 
have asked for such calls.
Action by the Commission July 13, 2017 by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 17-90). Chairman Pai and 
Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly approving and issuing separate statements.
CG Docket No. 17-59
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: 1-844-432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).