Telus and Koodo Mobile have launched a new feature to fight incoming spam calls, added on Friday.
The optional feature known as Call Control is free for customers to let them filter incoming calls, by requiring callers to enter a randomly-generated number, before their call can go through.
When Call Control is enabled, callers will need to correctly enter a number generated from 0 to 9, for calls to make it through to you, reducing automated robocalls. Incorrectly entered numbers will result in the call not going through and a standard Call Control message being played instead.
Both companies say you will be able to personalize and manage a list of phone numbers to block or authorize via Self Serve. Just head to ‘Mobile Services’, then ‘Call Control’ and ‘Manage’. Authorized callers do not need to enter the randomly-generated number as calls will just go through as normal.
Telus and Koodo customers can add 25 to their Authorized Callers list and 25 numbers to their Blocked Callers list.
It’s also worth noting once a caller enters a correct number via Call Control, the system will remember their call and not require them to enter it the next time, unless there’s a large time period between calls. This works for the 25 most recent callers.
Call Control is also available for eligible Telus wireless customers as well via My Telus online under ‘Plans & Devices’ and then ‘Call Control’. This featured similarly launched late last week. The company suggests for those enabling the feature to add important callers to their Authorized Callers list.
Update: clarified story to note the feature launched on Telus for mobility customers last week.
Thanks P.!
