AT&T* will add automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam-call alerts to millions of AT&T consumer lines at no charge.

New AT&T Mobility consumer lines will come with the anti-robocall service. Millions of existing AT&T customers also will have it automatically added to their accounts over the coming months.

This expansion of the AT&T Call Protect service is made possible by a June ruling at the FCC. It clarifies that call-blocking tools may be offered by phone service providers on an “opt out” basis. That means we can automatically provide you the service unless you decline, instead of first asking you to download an app or go to your settings to “opt in.”

“The FCC has been a tremendous partner in the war on robocalls,” said Joan Marsh, executive vice president of regulatory & state external affairs for AT&T Communications. “The Commission’s recent action builds on a years-long effort to enable broader adoption of call-blocking tools and allow providers to better protect their customers and networks. AT&T remains committed to working with our government and industry partners in the ongoing battle against unwanted and illegal robocalls.”

The blocking service also will be added in coming months on lines where we’ve already automatically added suspected spam alerts, but not fraud blocking.