AT&T customers can now know the reason for business calls.
It could be a useful tool for filtering unwanted calls.
AT&T network users now have a new tool that will help them identify the reason for a business call directly on the incoming call screen. This feature is an extension of the caller ID function that AT&T and TransUnion launched last year, and it is currently only available for Android phones.
The functionality starts when a company makes the call, allowing them to choose to display a message such as "refill reminder" or "delivery service." This information will also appear on the call details page. Recipients do not need to do anything to view the message; it will simply be displayed, similar to how the verified numbers badge appears.
Theoretically, this will allow users to know if it's the pharmacy notifying them about a medication refill or if their DoorDash delivery driver is outside their building. This feature is based on the STIR/SHAKEN protocol, which helps carriers label potentially fraudulent calls and is part of the Verified Calls functionality on Android, which Google originally tested in Brazil a few years ago. Now, it seems that at least one carrier in the U.S. is implementing this capability.
However, the exclusivity for Android devices means that many AT&T customers in the U.S. will not be able to see this message, given the notable popularity of the iPhone in the market. Nevertheless, James Garvert, senior vice president of TruContact Communications Solutions at TransUnion, has mentioned that "we expect this capability to become a standard across all mobile devices over time."
