Simple and Effective

Simple-

1. Pass Federal Legislation (Federal as these calls cross state boundaries) and/or State Legislation that all “legal” robo-calls meet specific criteria. a. That the accurate caller ID (some are changed or blocked) is passed via the call b. That all “legal” robo-call organizations are mandated the register their proper business information and call telephone number associated with their operation. c. Any robo-call number must have the ability to be called back, answered by a live agent, or directed to a proper number for the organization calling. d. That any individual account greater than XX number of lines, or makes XX number of calls within XX period of time certify that they are not making robo-calls. Accounts found doing so will face extensive fines and or criminal prosecution.
2. Create a National Data Base for consumer complaints. a. Either have a toll free number, or a XX number to reach the database. b. Either have the “last call” information automatically entered, or have the consumer enter the number manually. c. After a threshold is met for a specific number (say 50), the data-base would match that number to the registered “legal” numbers. d. *optional if a legal number is identified via complaints, an auto outbound dialer would call the consumer back via a free to call with an automated message letting them know that xxx-xxx-xxxx is a “legal” robo-call
3. Contact the originating LEC and notify them that a number they are leasing out is violating federal guidelines. a. The LEC is required to immediately investigate if the reported number meets the criteria for legal robo-calls. If it does, that information is sent back that the number is cleared. b. If the LEC discovers the number does not meet criteria, the lessee is contacted via their CBR information on their account and given X period time to respond. If they respond in time and correct the criteria needed, the LEC will respond to the federal complaint that the number is cleared for legal robo-calls. The federal database will be updated to reflect this. c. If the lessee does not respond, or refuses to meet the criteria, the account is canceled for federal violations. d. If the LEC does not comply, or fails to meet the time period, they are fined $XXXX daily until they are found in compliance. e. Optional Offending lessees will be barred from business for XX period of time with that LEC.

Simple-although this will require legislation and telco buy-in, it will not require any change to switch technology. The offending parties will obviously not meet, nor want to meet the federal criteria and their accounts will slowly be eliminated. This will require a constant change of LEC’s, and a constant change of shell companies and it will eventually become not profitable to do the robo-calling.

This may even create jobs in the short term as the LEC’s will need departments to police the complaints.

Does it work? Yes- Legal robo-calls will continue and illegal robo-calls will eventually decrease as it will no longer be profitable to continue. All consumers will be protected on all phones. Robocallers will constantly have to change numbers, or have accounts canceled and therefore it will become cost infective to continue.

Easy to use? Consumers would get an easy 800 or *XX number to use. Very efficient and simple. Reported “legal” robo-calls would be allowed to continue and the consumer will be notified that the call is legit, in the event of an error. From a satisfaction stand point, the consumer will either be informed the call is “legal” or they will see a reduction in calls. People with disabilities will easily be able to use. Deaf users can report any calls not meeting criteria.

Can it be rolled out? Almost Immediately As soon as the legislation is passed and the server is up, this could begin. No switch changes needed, just cooperation with the LEC’s. This would have initial start up cost, but long term cost would be minimal and may even create federal and local jobs.