FCC to Strengthen Critical Protection Against Robocallers’ Access to U.S. Phone Networks
Commission Aims to Enhance Robocall Mitigation Database As Central Hub for the FCC’s Anti-Illegal Robocall Efforts
   
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2026—The Federal Communications Commission voted today on new proposals to further strengthen its Robocall Mitigation Database, a critical tool for keeping bad actors out of U.S. phone networks.  The new proposals aim to enhance the protections that prevent bad actors from gaining access to the database and transmitting illegal calls on the U.S. voice network.

All voice service providers are required to file in the Robocall Mitigation Database to provide critical information about their business and their robocall mitigation practices.  Downstream providers – those receiving calls from other providers – are only permitted to accept calls from providers whose filings appear in the database and have not been removed by a Commission enforcement action.  As such, the database has become a key instrument for the Commission to find and remove bad actors in the voice network.

As the importance of the Robocall Mitigation Database has grown, the Commission’s rules and existing functionality must stay ahead of bad actors’ ability to submit and maintain filings in the database and then transmit illegal calls to consumers.  The proposal adopted today takes the next step toward strengthening filing obligations and deterring bad actors and non-compliant providers from entering or remaining in the database.

These proposals continue the FCC’s efforts to crack down on the scourge of illegal robocalls by tackling the problem at every stage of a call’s lifecycle.  This includes a number of enforcement actions that removed companies from the Robocall Mitigation Database and thus from participation in U.S. phone networks.  

Action by the Commission July 22, 2026 by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-49).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

WC Docket Nos. 24-213, 17-97; CG Docket No. 17-59

###

Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov / (202) 418-0500
@FCC / www.fcc.gov