BT to hunt down nuisance callers using 'breakthrough' big data-based service

BT (NYSE: BT) is planning to harness the power of big data to combat nuisance calls, such as calls from telemarketers, scammers or robocalls. Their new, free service will put some control into UK customers' hands as well as provide information directly to the country's regulator, Ofcom.

The new, as-yet-unnamed service allows consumers to create their own blacklist of numbers they don't want to receive calls from. BT also will conduct analysis to identify "rogue numbers," mainly numbers from which an "enormous" amount of calls are made, and blacklist them. The service could divert as many as 25 million unwanted calls per week.

"Nuisance calls are one of the great annoyances of modern life. Everyone will have received one. We are delighted to have made this major breakthrough. We are giving control of the landline back to our customers and removing a major hassle and grief for millions of customers," said John Petter, chief executive of BT Consumer. He added that the company is calling on other telecom providers to step up their game as well in fighting nuisance calls. Release