FCC settles Claro case with $32K compliance agreement
The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau has entered a Consent Decree with Puerto Rico Telephone Company, doing business as Claro Puerto Rico, resolving an investigation into the carrier’s failure to file timely reports to the FCC’s Reassigned Numbers Database.
The agency said the monthly reporting requirement is a key consumer-protection measure designed to reduce unwanted calls and help ensure telemarketers contact the intended recipients.
According to the order, Claro Puerto Rico “failed to provide timely information to the Administrator on multiple occasions,” prompting the Bureau to assess whether the company violated its obligations under the Commission’s rules.
The database, created to prevent callers from dialing numbers that have been disconnected and reassigned, depends on carriers reporting permanent disconnections every month so companies can avoid contacting consumers who did not consent to receive calls.
To resolve the matter, Claro agreed to implement a compliance plan and pay a $32,000 voluntary contribution.
After reviewing the terms of the settlement, the Bureau concluded that “the public interest would be served by adopting the Consent Decree” and ending the enforcement action connected to the Notice of Apparent Liability issued in 2022.
The FCC noted that, absent new evidence, it would not initiate further proceedings regarding Claro’s basic qualifications to hold or obtain a Commission license. The order formally adopts the Consent Decree, incorporates its terms, and terminates the investigation.
The Commission will send a copy of the order and Consent Decree to Claro CEO Enrique Ortiz de Montellano and the company’s legal representative.
Attempts to reach Claro officials were unsuccessful.
