The proposal is designed to reduce unwanted robocalls and allow callers to verify a telephone number is eligible for reassignment using the database.
11/26/2018 15:00
After more than a year of review and collecting comments from consumers and industry stakeholders, the Federal Communications Commission has released its final report and order on creating a reassigned numbers database for consideration at its Dec. 12 meeting.
“The commission will consider a second report and order that would create a comprehensive database to enable callers to verify whether a telephone number has been permanently disconnected, and is therefore eligible for reassignment, before calling that number, thereby helping to protect consumers with reassigned numbers from receiving unwanted robocalls,” according to a news release from the FCC.
The FCC first launched an inquiry into the issue of unwanted calls and reassigned numbers in July 2017 and adopted a second further notice proposing to establish a reassigned numbers database seeking comment in March of this year.
ACA International filed comments with the FCC in support of its efforts to combat illegal and fraudulent calls, while reiterating the need for clear interpretations of the TCPA. ACA supported efforts to develop a concise reassigned numbers database in June, urging that it be reasonably priced, accurate and easy to use and include a safe harbor. The FCC indicated that it will address the issue of a safe harbor in its order concerning the ACA lawsuit, which is expected in early 2019.
According to the report and order issued by the FCC Nov. 21 some of the requirements if approved include:
- Establish a single, comprehensive reassigned numbers database that will enable callers to verify whether a telephone number has been permanently disconnected, and is therefore eligible for reassignment, before calling that number.
- A minimum aging period of 45 days before permanently disconnected telephone numbers can be reassigned.
- Voice providers that receive North American Numbering Plan numbers and the Toll Free Numbering Administrator would report on a monthly basis information regarding permanently disconnected numbers to the database.
- Select an independent third-party administrator, using a competitive bidding process, to manage the reassigned numbers database.
ACA will continue to review the current proposals and provide coverage of the Dec. 12 meeting. Subscribe to ACA Daily for updates and see more FCC news on our FCC Resource Center page.
Related Content from ACA International:
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Proposes Reassigned Numbers Database
ACA to FCC: Focus on Onerous TCPA Interpretations Before Reassigned Numbers Database