Insights

Strengthening the Fight Against Illegal Robocalls: A Major Leap Forward

Sep 09, 2025

On August 25, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced one of its most sweeping enforcement actions to date: the removal of over 1,200 non-compliant voice service providers from the Robocall Mitigation Database, effectively cutting them off from U.S. phone networks. These providers had failed to maintain accurate certifications or comply with robocall mitigation requirements, despite earlier warnings from the Commission.

This follows a preliminary removal of 185 providers on August 6, demonstrating the FCC’s continued resolve to eliminate non-compliant players from the ecosystem.

“Providers that fail to do their duty when it comes to stopping these calls have no place in our networks. We’re taking action and we will continue to do so.”

 – FCC Chairman Brendan Carr

Why This Enforcement Matters

The FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database is a cornerstone in protecting consumers from illegal robocalls. Service providers are required to:

• Implement STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication on IP-based portions of their networks.

• Submit detailed robocall mitigation plans for any areas not covered by STIR/SHAKEN.

Failure to meet these obligations can now result in the ultimate penalty: removal from the database and blocking of all traffic.

For the industry, this latest enforcement sweep represents both a challenge and an opportunity:

• A challenge, because providers must maintain airtight compliance programs and remain vigilant in updating their data and processes.

• An opportunity, because removing non-compliant carriers strengthens consumer protection and restores greater trust in voice networks.

A Broader Context: The Expanded Do Not Originate Order

Earlier this year, on March 6, 2025, the FCC expanded its Do Not Originate (DNO) Order, requiring all carriers in the call path, not just gateway providers, to block traffic from numbers that should never originate calls (Somos.com). This requirement will be enforceable in the near future.

While not directly connected to the August removals, the DNO mandate complements the FCC’s enforcement efforts. A robust robocall mitigation plan should include DNO blocking. Not only is it an easy way to block illegal calls, but thanks to an earlier FCC ruling, there is no notification requirement for calls blocked from a DNO list.

Taken together, these actions show how the FCC is using every tool in its toolbox, from database enforcement to expanded blocking requirements, to strengthen protections against illegal robocalls.

How Somos’ RealNumber® DNO Empowers Providers

At Somos, we’ve long anticipated the need for solutions like RealNumber® DNO to support regulatory shifts and help providers remain compliant in a rapidly changing environment. Our database is uniquely built to deliver the scale, accuracy and agility required.

RealNumber® DNO offers:

• Coverage of over 6 billion numbers identified as non-originating.

• More than 28 million DNO Toll-Free Numbers, over 6 billion local numbers and 4 million subscriber-set numbers flagged for non-origination.

• Inclusion of the Industry Traceback Group (ITG) Number Set, targeting numbers used in spoofing and other illicit activity.

• Real-time updating capability via DNO Live keeping providers aligned with evolving threats and regulations.

With RealNumber® DNO, providers can proactively block fraudulent calls, reduce operational risk and stay ahead of both regulatory requirements and industry expectations.

The Path Forward

The FCC’s August 25 enforcement sends a clear and uncompromising message: non-compliance will not be tolerated. At the same time, the March 6 expansion of the DNO Order ensures that every provider, at every step of the call path, must be part of the solution.

At Somos, we are committed to supporting providers with authoritative, real-time DNO data that empowers them to meet these obligations, protect their networks and help restore trust in communications.

Read the full FCC Enforcement Order: FCC Bars Over 1,200 Providers from Network Access (August 25, 2025)

Revisit Somos’ insights on the expanded DNO mandate: Strengthening the Fight Against Illegal Robocalls: FCC Expands Do Not Originate Order