User Initiated Robocall Blockage

FTC Robocall Challenge Title: User Initiated Robocall Blockage

As a software developer of over 30 years, I have found that the best solutions are often the simplest and very often are similar solutions that are already developed and in place in other applications.

I believe there is a solution to the Robocall issue which is simple, extremely cost effective, very easy to roll out and, best of all, will be controlled by the end user.

Currently, I have the ability to block emails sent to any of my email accounts. Quite simply, all I need to do is utilize the software to block the unwanted email from ever getting to me. I can block an exact email or use a mask to block emails that contain any combination of characters I wish to have never delivered to me. For instance, I can block a full email address such as Johndoe@yahoo.com. I could also use a mask to block any email starting with Johndoe. Or, I could block all emails starting with Johndoe with the exception of johndoe@yahoo.com. These types of masks are easy to set up and install.

The same solution can be applied to blocking Robocalls. Currently, I have the ability to (through my phone) forward calls, have conference calls, know what number is calling me (along with the associated name) plus many other services that can be controlled by myself, the end user. It would be simple enough for the service providers (Verizon, AT&T etc.) to add functionality that would allow the user to block incoming calls from ever reaching me based on exact phone numbers or utilizing a mask (similar to that described above) to mask groups of calls. For instance, if the user wanted, they could block all calls that meet the mask 8xx-xxx-xxxx. Where all numbers starting with 8 would be blocked. The exception option could be added where the user could block all numbers starting with 8 but allow certain ones that are acceptable to you.

This technology is already developed, tested and installable. In simple terms, the service provider would need to maintain a database of numbers or groups of numbers associated with the customers phone number to be blocked and never allowed to reach or ring the users phone. This could be maintained, but not recommended, in a software data base package as simple as Excel. The government would not need to be further involved once service providers are mandated to provide the option. In addition, this solution should not cost the government anything once implemented.

As I stated above, sometimes the best solutions are the simplest and the ones that have been well tested in other arenas.