Movistar declares war on spam calls: a network-level shield

Forget the annoyance of unsolicited calls – Telefónica’s Movistar is rolling out a radical new defense against spam, aiming to restore trust in a communication channel increasingly poisoned by fraud. The “Vuelve a contestar ¿sí?” (Answer Again, Yes?) initiative isn’t just another blacklist; it’s a predictive security layer woven into the very fabric of Movistar’s network, and the numbers are startling.

A flood of fraudulent connections

Movistar acknowledges the problem isn't a mere nuisance; it’s a deluge. The company reports millions of fraudulent connections monthly, a crisis demanding a solution more sophisticated than simple blocking. The new system, dubbed “Spam Calls,” analyzes call behavior in real-time, identifying patterns typical of mass spam, aggressive telemarketing, and outright scams. This moves beyond the futility of static blocklists – a cat-and-mouse game that spammers consistently outwit.

Instead of relying on outdated tactics, the system now tags incoming calls as “Spam” or “Fraudulent Call” directly on your mobile screen, giving you the power to decide whether to answer. Movistar claims this service is automatic and free for most customers, a significant shift towards proactive protection. The company’s internal data reveals a remarkable 97% detection rate, having already blocked over 190 million fraudulent calls in Spain since March 2025 – a testament to the system’s potential.

Beyond the network: app-based control

But the defense doesn’t end there. Movistar has also introduced a complementary feature accessible through the “Mi Movistar” app (or O2 for its users). This allows for granular control, letting users actively enable spam call warnings and blocking, tailoring their protection to their preferences. Identifying yourself via DNI or phone number, users can navigate to the “Network Protection” section, then “Spam Call Identification,” to activate the desired settings. While not infallible – there’s always a minuscule risk of misidentification – the system prioritizes accuracy by only flagging calls with a high probability of being spam, based on past behavior.

The regulatory landscape is also shifting. Spain's newly implemented Law of Customer Service (SAC) aims to clamp down on spam and abusive practices. This law, taking effect in early 2026, mandates clear renewal notifications from subscription services (like Netflix and Apple TV), prohibits manipulated reviews on platforms like Google Maps, and introduces a three-minute waiting time limit for customer service calls. It’s a direct response to the loopholes exploited by spammers under previous regulations, who cleverly skirted authorization requirements through cookie consent and operated from overseas call centers.

The battle against spam is far from over. Thousands of scam attempts, often impersonating services like Indeed or Infojobs, continue to plague users. However, Movistar’s proactive approach, combined with evolving legislation, signals a turning point in the ongoing fight for a cleaner, more trustworthy communication ecosystem.