TDS implements STIR/SHAKEN Robocall Blocking
Millions of illegal “spam” calls have been screened and blocked in June alone
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) has implemented STIR/SHAKEN Robocall Blocking on all IP-based phone service networks in compliance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates. Robocalling is the use of autodialing to make automated calls to deliver a prerecorded message. By implementing specialized software on all capable equipment, the TDS network identifies potential “spam” callers and stops calls from being delivered to customer lines at no additional cost.
“We’re pleased to be part of this important initiative,” says Andrew Petersen, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at TDS. “TDS is committed to the highest standards of service for our customers. Taking action to protect our customers from illegal robocalls is part of that commitment.”
In 2019 the FCC asked the telecommunications industry to implement controls to reduce unwanted robocalls for customers by utilizing STIR/SHAKEN. STIR/SHAKEN are acronyms for the Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN) standards.
TDS first rolled out STIR/SHAKEN Robocall blocking in California in January, then added the technology to all capable equipment across its networks in the 31 states the company serves in the preceding months at no additional charge to customers. Although TDS is not aware of illegal robocalls originating on its network, call mitigation programs such as STIR/SHAKEN focus on identifying and stopping illegal robocalls where they start.
By all measures, TDS’ program has been successful. In June, the company screened more than 30 million calls and blocked 4.9 million suspected illegal robocalls.
“Unwanted calls, including those that falsify Caller ID information, can result in fraud as well as pose a danger to public safety,” says Petersen “On behalf of TDS, I’d like to thank the members of Congress and the FCC for their leadership on this important consumer protection program.”
Robocall blocking does not stop calls from legitimate fundraising organizations, political parties, or non-profit agencies that adhere to FCC guidelines. These same organizations, including debt collectors, may also place calls to numbers that are registered on the national Do Not Call Registry. Visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 for more information.
To report someone who is making illegal calls or transmitting inaccurate Caller ID information, visit reportarobocall.com/trf. A customer may opt out of FREE Robocall Blocking by contacting TDS: 1-877-422-5282.
For more information on TDS Robocall Blocking services, visit https://tdstelecom.com/LP/service-related/norobocall.html. Please note there are technical limitations that inhibit program implementation in certain communities.
