The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Tuesday night issued an order in response to the USTelecom petition on call blocking requirements. CUNA filed comments and ex parte letters with the FCC calling on it to ensure the purpose-built notification methods ordered are retained.  

The FCC required voice service providers to notify callers of a blocked call using SIP Codes 607 and 608 (communications signaling protocol) notifications starting Jan. 1, 2022 In its December 2020 Order. Voice service providers have claimed the SIP Codes are not ready in the petition and related filings and sought to delay the requirement or be able to choose the method of notification.

The FCC declined to delay the call blocking deadline and retained the requirement to use SIP Codes 607 and 608 to indicate a call was blocked.

It also permits voice service providers to begin using SIP Code 603 to provide the blocked call notice, as well as the SIP Codes 607 and 608.

“It is ultimately positive that the FCC maintained the requirement to provide notice and deadline. Further, the FCC has continued to indicate its belief that SIP Codes 607 and 608 should ultimately be implemented,” said Elizabeth LaBerge, CUNA senior director of advocacy and counsel. “CUNA will continue its advocacy to the FCC to ensure the Service Providers develop SIP Codes 607 and 608 for use.”

Voice service providers blocking calls based on analytics must start sending notice of the blocking using SIP Code 603 starting Jan. 1.

“Credit unions might consider treating any received 603 Code as a notification that its calls are being blocked and contact the service provider to confirm the purpose of the code and seek redress of blocking,” LaBerge said.