Here’s everything you need to know about Universal Call Blocking and how it will impact you, including protecting you from unsafe calls.

What is Universal Call Blocking (UCB)? 

Universal Call Blocking is a CRTC mandate (CRTC decision 2018-484) to block all incoming voice calls that have malformed calling line ID information. This applies to all Canadian service providers. Malformed calling line ID information contains telephone numbers that do not comply with North American or International numbering plans.

How will Universal Call Blocking affect me? 

Universal Call Blocking will prevent you from receiving calls from numbers whose Calling Line ID has illegal dialing.

How does Universal Call Blocking work? 

With Universal Call Blocking, the recipient’s service provider will block any incoming call with non-compliant calling line identification.

 How do I know if a number is not compliant?

As a rule, any number that does not comply with North American numbering plans or international standards will be blocked. For example, 000-000-0000, 111-111-1111 or numbers longer than 15 digits are not compliant.

Can I opt out of Universal Call Blocking? 

No, Universal Call Blocking is a CRTC- mandated service that applies to all customers.

Will Universal Call Blocking work on any device? 

Yes, Universal Call Blocking is a network-level solution that applies to all incoming voice calls on wireless and landline phones over IP (Internet Protocol).

Will I pay a fee for this service? 

No, the Universal Call Blocking is free of charge. 

Will Universal Call Blocking impactRogers customers roaming in the U.S. or another country? 

Yes, Universal Call Blocking rules will still apply while roaming calls abroad.

Why am I still getting nuisance calls from legitimate phone numbers?

Universal Call Blocking only blocks calls with non-compliant Caller ID. Unfortunately, this does not intercept all nuisance calls. See this article for more information on how to protect yourself from unwanted calls.

For Rogers for Business customers:

If I use extension dialing for intra-office communication, will it be impacted by Universal Call Blocking? 

No, Universal Call Blocking will not scan any intra-office calls. Extension dialing within the office network will not be impacted.

Are customers expected to make any changes in their handsets, wireline phone instruments or IP phones? 

No, Universal Call Blocking is applied at network level. You aren’tt required to make any changes in settings on their end. 

  If you have a programmable Calling Line ID, you must ensure that a compliant Calling Line ID is displayed – otherwise outgoing calls may be blocked by other Canadian voice service providers.

If I am a Rogers Unison customer, can I access or make changes to Universal Call Blocking using the Rogers Unison portal? 

No, Universal Call Blocking is a new CRTC mandate (decision 2018-484) requiring telephone service providers to block all incoming voice calls that have malformed Calling Line ID (CLID) information.

Who can alter their caller ID? 

If you have a phone system that is capable of modifying the outgoing Caller ID (through a physical PBX or in the cloud), then calls with a malformed Caller ID may be blocked by universal call blocking. 

  It is important that you use a number compliant with the North American Numbering Plan, e.g. your 10-digit main telephone number to avoid any service interruption.