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NAFCU and several other trade organizations wrote to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that companies can contact consumers with vital information using the telephone method. In the letter, NAFCU and the trade associations specifically opposed USTelecom’s petition to have the FCC reconsider certain aspects regarding blocked calls, including eliminating requirements on notifications when a call has been blocked.

In its Fourth Report and Order, the FCC required voice service providers (VSPs) to use specific session initiation protocol (SIP) codes to notify the caller that its call has been blocked and a specific integrated services digital network user part (ISUP) code to notify the caller that its call has been blocked.

In the letter, the group urged the FCC to ensure that notification is transparent and effective for callers, as required by the TRACED Act, by:

• continuing to require VSPs to use session initiation protocol (SIP) codes 607 and 608, and integrated services digital network user part (ISUP) code 21; and
• identifying one or more alternative standardized notification mechanisms that may be used ending implementation of the SIP codes, should the Commission conclude that VSPs need additional time to implement the codes and map them to ISUP Code 21.

NAFCU previously sent a letter to the FCC calling for an urgent fix to the commission's order codifying exemptions to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). 

The association has actively worked with the FCC on efforts to modernize the TCPA for many years and has continuously called for the agency to protect legitimate callers and ensure consumers receive important information following the FCC’s recent order and fourth further notice of proposed rulemaking (FNPR) on methods to target and eliminate unlawful robocalls.

NAFCU will continue its advocacy to ensure credit unions can contact their members regarding important, time-sensitive information, without fear of frivolous litigation.