News

Nathan Simington speaks to the Senate Commerce Committee

Simington Confirmed to FCC in Last Minute Vote

The Senate confirmed Nathan Simington as a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The confirmation vote, which fell along party lines 49-46, was somewhat surprising as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had not been expected to prioritize it over other procedural moves with the Senate’s limited time remaining before the end of this year’s session.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Drinks from a large mug with the Reese's peanut butter cup logo

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Will Step Down in January

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Monday that he will leave the commission on January 20, 2021, the date that Joe Biden is expected to be inaugurated as president. While Pai’s term as Chairman was not set to end until June 2021, this decision to step down follows the usual precedent when the presidency changes hands between parties.

a vintage looking "Greetings from San Diego, California" postcard

FCC Fines Telemarketer $10 Million for Caller ID Spoofing

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) levied an enormous fine against a San Diego-based telemarketer for violations of the Truth in Caller ID Act. The $10 million fine arises from a robocall campaign related to a 2018 election for a seat in the California Assembly.

2020 December Restricted Do Not Call Dates

2020 December Restricted Do Not Call Dates

State Restricted Do Not Call Dates

December 1, 2020 – Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day 

  • Alabama*

December 15, 2020 – Bill of Rights Day 

  • Pennsylvania**

December 24, 2020 - Christmas Eve

  • Louisiana - PROCLAMATION 163 JBE 2020

December 25, 2020 – Christmas Day 

  • Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah 

December 31, 2020 - New Year's Eve

  • Louisiana - PROCLAMATION 164 JBE 2020

Canadian Restricted Do Not Call Dates

December 25, 2020 – Christmas Day 

  • National 

December 26, 2020 – Boxing Day 

  • Ontario only 
A collection of old cell phones

Is the TCPA Only for Cell Phones?

The TCPA regulates all sorts of telemarketing activity, including calls to every type of phone number. This article will explain how the TCPA’s restrictions on the use of an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) to call cell phone numbers fits into the law’s overall regulatory framework.
A cell phone showing a failure to abide by a consent revocation

What Is TCPA Express Consent?

The most essential rule for avoiding Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) violations is to obtain the express consent of the called party before placing automated calls, text messages, or faxes. There are two kinds of consent: prior express consent and prior express written consent. Which kind of consent is required of a caller varies depending on the purpose of the call or text. But some sort of consent is always required.
A comic book couple discusses compliance

What Is TCPA Compliance?

This article will explain the main provisions of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) with which callers must comply, outline why compliance is so important, and offer some best practices for compliance.