WASHINGTON–The Federal Communications Commission is set to hold an Open Commission Meeting today and if credit unions and other organizations had their way one item would not be on the agenda. But it appears there may be some potential relief.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET, the Commission will consider a Declaratory Ruling and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking clarifying that voice service providers may block illegal and unwanted calls—better known as robocalls—as the default before they reach consumers' phones. The proposal includes a safe harbor for providers that block calls that fail call authentication while ensuring that emergency and other critical calls reach consumers, according to the FCC.
Both credit union trade groups and others have expressed strong opposition to the proposal in its current form, arguing credit union calls to members could be blocked without either the credit union or the member being aware of it. Moreover, credit unions worry they may find themselves inadvertently in violation of the rules.
But the FCC has reportedly made a move to allay the concerns raised. During an interview with Fox News Channel, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the ruling would contain a “safety valve” to allow to allow legitimate callers to file complaints with voice carriers over erroneously blocked calls.
“We will closely review the modification that Chairman Pai is proposing, but based on what he said on Fox News, we view this as a positive step and a reflection of the impact that our grassroots efforts have had,” said Ryan Donovan, CUNA chief advocacy officer.
As CUtoday.info reported earlier, CUNA’s comment letter includes draft language that would allow for a mechanism for voice providers to unblock erroneously blocked calls that includes:
- Notification to callers that their calls are being blocked and what provider is responsible for the blocking;
- Readily ascertainable contact information for a caller to submit to the voice provider a request to lift the erroneous block; and
- A prompt, reasonable timeframe for the voice provider to resolve the claim of erroneous blocking.
Meeting With FCC
Earlier, NAFCU Director of Regulatory Affairs Ann Kossachev and Regulatory Affairs Counsel Mahlet Makonnen met with Pai's staff to discuss ongoing issues related to robocalls and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) ahead of the meeting.
During the meeting, Kossachev and Makonnen explained that the draft Declaratory Ruling, in its current form, "would harm consumers by resulting in the erroneous blocking of lawful calls."
"NAFCU informed FCC staff that if the Declaratory Ruling goes into effect as is, credit unions and their members may not be aware if their calls are erroneously blocked, which could lead consumers to miss time-sensitive notifications," the trade association said.
As CUToday.infor reported here, CUNA also told the FCC it has “significant concerns” with the proposal.
CUToday.info will have coverage of the meeting, as well as reaction.