Users of the database can test the functionality of preventing unwanted calls to consumers without cost through September.
6/18/2021 9:00
The Federal Communications Commission is offering a test drive of its reassigned numbers database, which enables callers to verify the status of a phone number and helps protect consumers with reassigned numbers from receiving unwanted calls, from July 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021.
In December 2018, the FCC released an order to establish a single, comprehensive reassigned numbers database to address the problem of unwanted calls to consumers with numbers reassigned from a previous consumer, according to a news release from the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau.
In its 2018 comments on the database proposal, ACA International argued that despite the commission’s actions to operationalize a new reassigned numbers database, callers continue to face the prospect of class-wide Telephone Consumer Protection Act litigation exposure based on a single call to a reassigned number, ACA previously reported.
Participation in the beta test will enable callers and caller agents to understand their usage needs prior to signing up for a paid subscription, and to test the system and provide feedback to the administrator, among other advantages. The beta test will also allow callers to qualify for a safe harbor from TCPA liability as provided in the commission’s rules, according to the FCC.
The beta test will also enable the reassigned numbers database administrator to determine appropriate subscription tiers and rates for the database when it is fully operational for paid users. Callers will be required to pay to use the database.
After the testing period, callers using the database will have a safe harbor from liability under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act if the number has been reassigned and the original user of that number had provided consent to call.
Callers and caller agents interested in participating in the beta test can go to https://www.reassigned.us/ or email [email protected] for more information.