Media Contact: Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509 will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC FINES ROBOCALLING PLATFORM ALMOST $3 MILLION FOR ILLEGAL CALLS Company Facilitated Unwanted Robocalls Despite Commission Warning WASHINGTON, July 13, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission today issued a $2.88 million fine against a New Mexico-based company, Dialing Services, for facilitating unlawful robocalls. Robocallers used Dialing Services’ calling technology platform to make millions of illegal robocalls to mobile phones without express prior consent from consumers. In 2013, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau formally warned Dialing Services that it could be held liable for robocalls its customers were making in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The TCPA prohibits autodialed phone calls, robocalls, or texts to wireless phones in most instances unless the caller has the prior express consent of the called party. Following the citation, the Bureau investigated and determined that Dialing Services’ platform was still being used to make unlawful robocalls. The fine reflects the Commission’s determination that Dialing Services was involved in making 180 unlawful robocalls after being warned to stop. The Commission has made clear that a third party, such as a platform provider, may be liable under the TCPA if the platform provider is so involved in the placement of a call that it essentially made the call. The Commission determined that Dialing Services played a significant role in the illegal robocalls, and thus should be held liable for violating the TCPA. For example, Dialing Services’ platform automatically blocks the originating telephone number and enables caller ID spoofing. Consumer complaints are an essential tool in the FCC’s enforcement efforts. To file a complaint with the FCC, go to https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/, call (888) 225-5322 for voice, (888) 835-5322 for TTY; fax (866) 418-0232; or by writing us at: Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554. Information on robocall rules and tips for consumers are available at: www.fcc.gov/robocalls Action by the Commission July 13, 2017 by Forfeiture Order (FCC 17-97). Chairman Pai and Commissioner Clyburn approving. Commissioner O’Rielly dissenting. Chairman Pai and Commissioner O’Rielly issuing separate statements. ### Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 ASL Videophone: (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).