BT launches new free service to block up to 30million nuisance calls each week
The service will analyse live data to identify rogue numbers and blacklist them
BT has launched a free service that aims to block up to 30million nuisance calls before they reach homes each week.
Call Protect will analyse live data to identify rogue numbers — typically those that make large volumes of calls - and blacklist them.
Customers will also be able to add numbers to their own barred list.
BT said it could divert up to 15million calls a week from personal accident and PPI firms alone.
A survey for BT revealed that people receive an average four nuisance calls each week, and 60% find them stressful.
John Petter, chief executive of BT Consumer, said: "We've been at the forefront of equipping our customers to defend themselves against the huge numbers of PPI and unwanted marketing calls that are continuing to grow.
"Now, with our unique technology, we can identify and tackle huge numbers of those calls in the network and also give our customers control over the calls they receive.
Digital Minister Matt Hancock said: "Nuisance callers are a terrible blight on society and Government and industry are working together to crack down on them.
“We welcome BT’s new service, which offers an additional level of protection to fight back against this ongoing harassment.”