Call spam, also known as robocalls or scam calls, has become one of the most pervasive problems in the telecommunications industry. With an increasing number of unsolicited and fraudulent calls, people across the United States are feeling overwhelmed and unsafe. Whether it’s an automated message about a supposed bank account issue or a fake prize notification, these calls have reached epidemic levels.
Telecom companies have noticed the growing concern and are rapidly developing and implementing innovative technologies to tackle this issue. In this blog post, we’ll explore how telecom companies are innovating to prevent call spam and provide insights into the tools and strategies that are being used to combat the rise in these unsolicited and often malicious calls.
The Rise of Call Spam and Its Impact
Before diving into the innovations, it’s essential to understand why call spam has become such a significant problem. In 2023, Americans received over 66 billion robocalls, an alarming statistic that has prompted both consumers and industry leaders to seek effective solutions. Call spam isn’t just an inconvenience; it can also have serious financial and emotional consequences.
While robocalls are often associated with telemarketers, scammers have also adopted these methods to deceive consumers. The rise in spam calls, along with the sophistication of fraudsters, means that telecom companies are facing a constant battle to protect consumers from these intrusions.
The Growing Efforts by Telecom Companies
Telecom companies are taking a multi-faceted approach to tackle call spam. From network-level strategies to the deployment of advanced technologies, companies are working to mitigate the impact ofrobocalls. Here are some of the key ways telecom companies are innovating:
STIR/SHAKEN Technology: Authenticating Calls
One of the most significant innovations in recent years is the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN technology. STIR stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited, while SHAKEN refers to Signature-based Handling of Asserted using toKENs. This technology was mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to verify the authenticity of calls and ensure that callers cannot spoof (fake) their phone numbers.
STIR/SHAKEN works by authenticating the caller’s information as the call travels through the network. Telecom providers can now verify if the number calling you is legitimate or if it has been manipulated. If the call is flagged as suspicious, the network can either block the call entirely or flag it for review.
This technology has proven to be one of the most effective measures to curb call spoofing. Telecom companies have already started implementing it, and while it’s still in its early stages, it has made a significant impact on reducing spam calls.
Robocall Blocking Tools and Apps
Another avenue of innovation comes in the form of robocall blocking tools and apps. Many telecom providers now offer integrated services designed to identify and block spam calls before they even reach the consumer’s phone. Services like AT&T’s Call Protect, Verizon’s Call Filter, and T-Mobile’s Scam Shield all leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to recognize potential spam and stop it in real-time.
These services use massive data sets to identify the most common patterns of robocalls. With each scam call, the AI learns more about the tactics used by fraudsters and adjusts its algorithms accordingly. For consumers, this means fewer calls that disturb their daily lives and more security in avoiding scams.
Spam Identification and Labeling
Telecom companies are also focusing on providing greater transparency for consumers. One of the innovations in this area is the use of spam labeling. Apps and services are now able to identify calls that are likely to be spam or scam calls and label them accordingly.
When a consumer’s phone rings, the caller’s information is cross-checked against a database of known spam numbers. If the number is flagged, the phone will display a warning like “Spam Risk” or “Scam Likely.”
This method doesn’t prevent spam calls from coming through, but it does give consumers a heads-up, allowing them to decide whether or not to answer the call. The enhanced visibility has significantly transformed the experience for individuals seeking to steer clear of unwanted calls.
Collaborating with Government Agencies
Telecom companies are also collaborating with government agencies like the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address the call spam issue more effectively. These collaborations help ensure that telecom providers are adhering to regulations and are equipped with the latest tools to fight robocalls.
In 2021, the FCC passed new rules requiring telecom providers to adopt STIR/SHAKEN technology and offer robust call-blocking features. Additionally, the industry has rallied behind the Do Not Call Registry, a national initiative that allows consumers to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls.
Call-Blocking Devices and Consumer Tools
While telecom companies are doing their part to reduce the number of spam calls, consumers are also seeking ways to control the situation. Many people have turned to call-blocking devices like the CPR Call Blocker to protect themselves further.
Robust Reporting Systems for Consumers
Telecom companies are introducing user-friendly tools that allow consumers to report suspected spam calls directly from their phones. Services like Verizon's Spam Report feature or AT&T's Call Protect app allow users to flag unwanted or suspicious calls.
By empowering consumers to actively report spam calls, telecom providers can continuously update their databases and prevent similar calls in the future. This crowdsourced approach to identifying malicious numbers has proven helpful in reducing the volume of unwanted calls over time.
Advanced AI-Based Predictive Analytics
Beyond simple recognition, some telecom companies are deploying advanced predictive analytics powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to stop robocalls before they even start. By analyzing large volumes of call data and recognizing patterns of fraud, these systems can predict which calls are most likely to be spam or fraud.
Telecom companies like T-Mobile and AT&T use this predictive technology to not only block obvious robocalls but also to identify new forms of spam as they emerge. As AI improves, so too does its ability to detect and stop even the most sophisticated scams.
Call Spoofing Detection in Real-Time
In addition to STIR/SHAKEN technology, telecom companies are implementing real-time call spoofing detection systems. These systems analyze the caller’s number and other metadata in real-time as the call is made, assessing the likelihood of spoofing or fraud.
When a potential fraudulent call is detected, the system can instantly mark the call as suspicious or block it entirely. This process occurs in seconds, ensuring minimal disruption to the consumer while maximizing protection against harmful robocalls.
Opt-In Services for Call Filtering
Telecom companies are offering opt-in services that allow consumers to further customize their call filtering settings. Services like T-Mobile's scam shield and Verizon's call filter allow users to adjust the level of spam protection they want based on their preferences.
These settings range from blocking all suspected spam calls to only flagging the most obvious ones. By allowing consumers to customize their preferences, telecom companies give individuals more control over their phone lines while still offering powerful spam protection tools.
Collaborative Industry Initiatives
Beyond individual efforts, telecom companies are also collaborating on industry-wide initiatives to combat robocalls. The Robocall Mitigation Database is one such effort that aims to gather data from providers about their robocall prevention measures.
Telecom companies share best practices, threat intelligence, and network-level solutions to stay ahead of scammers. Industry-wide collaborations help to create more universal solutions that protect consumers across all carriers, reducing gaps in coverage and ensuring that people receive consistent protection from spam calls, regardless of their provider.
The Future of Call Spam Prevention
While significant strides have been made in preventing call spam, the battle is far from over. As fraudsters continue to develop new tactics, telecom companies will need to stay ahead of the curve with more advanced technology and smarter solutions. The use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and collaboration with government agencies will be essential for maintaining progress.
Moreover, telecom companies are expected to continue investing in consumer-friendly tools that allow individuals to personalize their call-blocking preferences. The rise of smartphone apps and consumer hardware like the CPR Call Blocker will only increase, providing more options for people seeking to protect themselves from unwanted calls.
Conclusion
Call spam is a widespread problem that continues to disrupt daily life for millions of people in the U.S. However, telecom companies are making significant strides in combating this issue through innovative technologies like STIR/SHAKEN, robocall blocking apps, and enhanced consumer tools. The collaboration between telecom providers and government agencies, combined with products like the CPR Call Blocker, is making it easier for consumers to protect themselves.
As technology continues to evolve, the fight against call spam will persist, but with ongoing innovation, consumers can look forward to a future with fewer interruptions and greater peace of mind.
The CPR Call Blocker Solution
One of the most effective tools available for preventing scam calls is the CPR Call Blocker. Designed to protect both households and businesses, this innovative device can block thousands of scam numbers with the push of a button.
Unlike many other call-blocking solutions, CPR Call Blocker allows users to manually block unwanted numbers, giving them full control over their phone lines. Additionally, it pre-programmes thousands of known scam numbers, guaranteeing users' protection from the start.
CPR Call Blocker provides a sense of peace of mind to households, especially those with elderly individuals who are often targeted by phone scams. Businesses benefit from reduced disruptions and improved productivity as fewer scam calls reach their phone lines.
Please browse our selection of products or contact us so we can assist you.