The ability to verify the accuracy of consumer mobile phone numbers has become essential in order to reduce the potential risk of violating TCPA rules and regulations.
Beyond the changes to TCPA, the recent surge of fines and settlements can be attributed to how quickly phone numbers are now recycled. In 2011, the FCC reported that 37 million phone numbers are recycled each year. Number recycling can occur for a number or reasons, including when consumers change to a new carrier or shut down landlines. This number has risen considerably with more consumers primarily using a mobile phone. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, as of July 2014, two out of every five U.S. households utilize a wireless phone only. Once a landline is shut down, a mobile provider can pick it up and recycle it in as quickly as 90 days. Adding to the complexity, VoIP numbers can also be transferred to mobile numbers.
Betty Chan-Bauza, vice president of product development, Mobile Solutions, at Early Warning, said, "With The Wall Street Journal reporting that almost 37 million phone numbers are recycled each year, Early Warning recognized the significant challenges faced by organizations to ensure the accuracy of mobile numbers on file. Our Mobile Number Verification Service helps mitigate the risk of incurring fines as penalties escalate."
Early Warning, with direct connectivity to the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), enables organizations to verify, in real-time, if the mobile number on file matches the last verification with the consumer. Organizations gain the insight to know if the mobile number on file is a match/no-match based on if there have been changes to the account since the last contact with that consumer as well as the network status of the number (deactivated or suspended).
For more information, contact an Early Warning Account Manager at