Please note that the following blog is an opinion piece. It is NOT intended as legal advice.
Effective and personal communication with stakeholders is essential to the success of any organization. With ringless voicemail, organizations can leave voice messages without ringing the receivers’ phones and provide stakeholders the opportunity to engage at their convenience.
While ringless voicemail can provide a legal and non-intrusive way to communicate with stakeholders, it is crucial to be aware of the laws and regulations concerning voicemail to avoid potential lawsuits and maintain ethical communication practices.
As other telecommunications service like calling and texting, ringless voicemail is regulated primary by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) founded in 1934 is an independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Its primary mission is to ensure reliable and efficient communication services across the U.S. The FCC's regulatory power over telecommunications services includes setting rules for the allocation of wireless spectrum, enforcing fair competition, protecting consumers, promoting innovation, and overseeing mergers in the telecom industry. It ensures compliance with laws like the Communications Act and can impose fines or other penalties for violations.
One of the many initiatives the FCC is involved in is addressing scams from calls and texts.
The FCC regulates spam calling and texting through several key measures aimed at protecting consumers from unwanted and illegal communications:
• Robocall Regulations: The FCC regulates the use of automatic dialing systems. Telemarketing automated calls require prior consent from consumers. Other types of calls such as informational, reminders, notifications, political or emergency are subject to specific, less restrictive rules.
• Caller ID Authentication (STIR/SHAKEN): The FCC has implemented the STIR/SHAKEN framework to help combat spoofing, a technique used by scammers to disguise their caller ID information. This framework ensures that calls are authenticated and can be traced back to their source.
• TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act): The FCC enforces the TCPA, which prohibits unsolicited calls, faxes, and texts without prior express consent. This law also places restrictions on the times telemarketers can call and the use of automated systems.
• Collaborations with Other Agencies: The FCC works with other entities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state authorities to enforce anti-spam measures and improve strategies to combat spam calls and texts.
Slybroadcast is a ringless voicemail technology that allows users to send a customized voicemail from one to hundreds of recipients without ringing their phones.
Slybroadcast includes several standout features like the ability to send pre-recorded messages, Caller ID customization, analytics, and more.
In addition, slybroadcast has implemented STIR/SHAKEN requirements 6 months ahead of when regulation was required.
Slybroadcast has implemented Robocall Mitigation Plan as required by the FCC. It is a comprehensive approach to combating the issue of illegal robocalls, in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines and regulations. Our plan is submitted to the Robocall Mitigation Database portal and outlines the "reasonable steps" we have undertaken across various facets of our service to mitigate illegal robocall traffic. Here, we detail our strategies and measures, consistent with our prior obligations and in alignment with the specific requirements laid out by the FCC.
Slybroadcast employs advanced call analytics systems across our network to identify, assess, and block illegal robocall traffic. These systems are equipped with:
• Machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition and anomaly detection.
• Real-time blocking of calls identified as illegal or fraudulent.
• Ongoing refinement of analytics models based on new data and emerging trends in robocall tactics.
Ringless voicemail has nearly limitless possibilities and is used efficiently in various industries. Below are some industries that utilize ringless voicemail for outreach, marketing campaigns, and much more!
Ringless voicemail technology is legal; however, it is subject to regulations and legislation issued by primary the FCC. The FCC has multiple tools at its disposal to mitigate calling and texting scams. Some of these tools are directed to users of telecommunications services, such as the TCPA, others are focused on telecom providers – STIR/SHAKEN and Robocall Mitigation Plans. Slybroadcast is the only ringless voicemail provider that has implemented STIR/SHAKEN and a stringent Robocall Mitigation Plan.