Telecoms will be given wider latitude to block nuisance messages to their customers, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The preponderance of such messages—generating more than 215,000 official complaints a year—exposes the failure of the so-called "Do Not Call List," a system whereby consumers could opt out of a limited class of marketing-related communications.
Until now, though, texts and robocalls were not subject to the measure. Moreover, consumers will now be able to more easily opt-out of legally-issued spam.
The FCC's two Republican commissioners opposed the move, arguing that it goes too far and will prevent companies that use robocalls and autodialers for legitimate purposes…
Healthcare providers and other "emergency" notifications will remain exempt, though, so these guys are full of it.