September 30, 2021
Background: At an open Commission meeting today, the FCC adopted seven items, several of which concern priority issues for USTelecom: (1) a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to examine the reliability and resiliency of communications networks during emergencies; (2) a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the Commission’s rules to protect Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) from unwanted robocalls; and (3) a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to stop illegal robocalls originating abroad from reaching U.S. consumers and businesses.
Promoting More Resilient Networks
Patrick Halley, Senior Vice President Policy & Advocacy and General Counsel at USTelecom said:
“Ensuring reliable and resilient communications infrastructure 365 days a year is core to our connectivity mission. Our member companies have led in this area, devoting significant resources to fortifying infrastructure in all corners of the country and improving coordination and cooperation with the power industry before, during and after disasters strike. We appreciate the FCC’s recognition in the NPRM that instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, it is necessary to strike the right balance between regulation and voluntary cooperative industry efforts.”
Shielding 911 Call Centers from Robocalls & Stopping Illegal Robocalls from Entering American Phone Networks
Josh Bercu, Vice President Policy & Advocacy at USTelecom said:
“Today’s robocall actions are another example of Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s commitment to tackling illegal robocalls from all angles. Our 911 emergency call centers exist to serve people in need, and it is critical to protect them from junk calls that block emergency lines. Our FCC-designated Industry Traceback Group (ITG) has been proud to help identify the source and shut down illegal telephone denial of service attacks targeting public safety agencies. We look forward to working with the FCC to identify effective ways to protect PSAPs.
“We’re also supportive of the Commission’s focus on keeping illegal robocalls from entering the country in the first place. The ITG spends a considerable amount of time tracing calls around the world and identifying the gateway providers that wittingly (or unwittingly) allow robocalls from overseas. We agree with the Commission that there’s more to be done to ensure that calls that enter the United States from abroad can be trusted.”
ABOUT USTELECOM
USTelecom is the national trade association representing technology providers, innovators, suppliers, and manufacturers committed to connecting the world through the power of broadband. Visit us at www.ustelecom.org.