FAQs about Universal Call Blocking

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.

Universal Call Blocking will prevent you from receiving calls with calling line IDs that have malformed numbers.

Any incoming call with a malformed calling line ID will likely be blocked by the destination party’s service provider.

Generally, any number that does not comply with the North American Numbering Plan or international standards will be blocked. 000 000-0000, 111 111-1111 or numbers with more than 15 digits are examples of non-compliant numbers.

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

Yes, Universal Call Blocking is a network level solution that is applied to all incoming voice calls for wireless, IP and landline phones.

No, the Universal Call Blocking is free of charge.

Yes, Universal Call Blocking rules will still apply while roaming out of Canada.

Universal Call Blocking only blocks calls with malformed calling line IDs. Unfortunately this may not stop all spam calls. Check out this article for more information on how to protect yourself against spam calls.