Robocall Update: We need actions, not empty promises (from Consumers Union)

We’re making progress, but there’s more work to do. After much build-up, the FCC’s Robocall “Strike Force” — a coalition of telecom and tech companies — presented the results of their new effort to block irritating and hazardous robocallers and keep them from interrupting our lives. Sadly, although there are billions of robocalls every month, the phone companies’ solution does nothing to stop them. Like much of the FCC, we’re holding the applause until the Strike Force commits to a deadline to make new consumer tools available to block unwanted calls for everyone, for free. The phone companies can do better. WAY better. Please join us in sending a message to AT&T, CenturyLink and Verizon telling them to make call blocking tools available immediately and to commit to concrete dates for ending unwanted calls. SEND A MESSAGE » During the meeting, federal regulators were unimpressed by the plan. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler insisted that the Strike Force reconvene within six months for another report, and said what companies had done so far was “only a start.” As Wheeler also made clear, consumers can’t wait for more half measures. We need solutions now and will fight for firm commitments from phone providers. Please tell the phone companies to make call blocking tools available immediately and commit to concrete dates for solving the larger robocalls problem. Thank you for staying vigilant in our campaign to end robocalls. Your activism is making all the difference. Tim Marvin, EndRobocalls.org Consumers Union, Policy and Action from Consumer Reports SEND A MESSAGE »