FCC Wants Phone Companies to Verify Every Customer
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to make sure phone companies know exactly who their customers are to stop scammers from making illegal calls. They’re proposing tougher rules for checking and keeping customer info, especially for big users, and plan to fine companies for each bad call. Comments on these ideas are open until June 25, 2026, so changes could roll out soon and help protect your phone line.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 5 mixed.
Per-Call $2,500 Penalty Proposed
The FCC proposes to codify a base forfeiture amount of $2,500 per illegal call for violations of the KYC rule (Sec. 64.1200(n)(4)). The proposal would calculate penalties by the number of unlawful calls rather than on a per-customer basis.
Mandatory KYC Data Collection
The FCC proposes requiring originating providers to obtain and retain a customer's name, physical address, government-issued identification number, and an alternate telephone number from new and renewing customers before granting service. The proposal is meant to stop scammers from getting onto telephone networks and would expand what personal information providers must keep on file.
Extra Data for High-Volume Callers
For high-volume customers (including business and foreign customers), the FCC seeks to require originating providers to collect additional information such as the customer's intended use of the service (for example, marketing or political campaigns) and the IP address from which each call will be placed. These extra data requirements would apply before such customers get access to origination services.
Verification and Supporting Records Required
The FCC proposes requiring originating providers to verify customer identity with supporting records such as copies of government-issued IDs for individuals and corporate formation records, proof of good standing, or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for high-volume business accounts. The FCC also seeks comment on re-verification when red flags appear and on periodic re-verification (for example, annually).
Four-Year KYC Record Retention
The FCC proposes that originating providers retain KYC information and supporting records for four years following termination of the customer relationship, aligning with the four-year statute of limitations for spoofing or intentional violations of section 227(b).
Risk-Tiered KYC for High-Risk Callers
The FCC seeks comment on a tiered, risk-based approach that would impose more stringent KYC on higher-risk customers—such as callers using specific dialing equipment, foreign-based callers, or callers above a high-volume threshold—and whether measures like requiring an EIN for high-volume accounts should apply.
Prepaid SIM and SIM-Box Concerns
The FCC is considering whether KYC requirements should differ for prepaid versus postpaid services, and how to address bulk purchases of SIM cards or SIM-box use that can enable fraudulent SMS or voice traffic. If applied, prepaid purchasers (including retail third-party purchases) could face new identity checks.
Downstream Blocking for Noncompliance
The FCC seeks comment on whether downstream providers should be required to block traffic from any originating provider that fails to comply with KYC requirements—potentially extending blocking beyond the immediate downstream provider. This would increase isolation of noncompliant providers but could disrupt legitimate traffic from providers judged noncompliant.
Possible Safe Harbor for Accredited KYC
The FCC is considering whether compliance with enhanced KYC obligations, use of an accredited third party to verify identity, or the use of effective AI/automated systems should create a regulatory safe harbor from enforcement actions. Such a safe harbor would reduce enforcement risk for providers that follow those methods.
Implementation Timing and Scope
The FCC asks whether any new KYC rules should apply primarily to customers acquired after the effective date or to renewing customers, and whether rules should take effect six months after OMB approval of any Paperwork Reduction Act requirements. These timing choices would affect when providers and customers must comply.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20591, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for TV stations using Next Gen TV technology to make sure they're not too tricky or time-consuming. Businesses, governments, and nonprofits involved with local TV broadcasts might need to share info, but the FCC wants to keep it simple and clear. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 7, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
2026-20590, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for your thoughts on how it collects info about radiofrequency safety rules. This affects individuals, businesses, and governments who must report or share info sometimes. They want to make the process easier and clearer, especially for small businesses, and need your comments by December 7, 2026.
2026-20676, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for cable companies and local governments to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps keep things fair and smooth for everyone involved.
2026-20607, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork plans to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want feedback by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the time and hassle of filling out forms. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary paperwork and save everyone time and money.
2026-20681, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on a paperwork update aimed at making things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your thoughts by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the hassle and keep everything running smoothly. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money.
2026-20486, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. This review affects companies, nonprofits, and government groups, especially small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by December 7, 2026, and the FCC aims to keep things clear, quick, and fair without costing too much time or money.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10401, Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Family Assistance Programs
The government wants to make family help programs easier to use by cutting out old, confusing rules. This change affects states and families who get assistance, aiming to speed up help and reduce paperwork. Comments on these ideas are open until June 25, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before changes start.
Next: 2026-10408, Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Division Engines
The FAA wants to keep Pratt & Whitney engines safe by fixing a problem with sensors that can cause fires or engine shutdowns. If you own or operate certain PW engines, you’ll need to replace these pressure burner sensors soon. Comments on this plan are open until July 10, 2026, and the fix helps avoid costly and dangerous engine troubles.