I think the current phone system is a legacy from another time. I dont know what the replacement should be but I think the following would be MVP requirements:

I think the current phone system is a legacy from another time. I dont know what the replacement should be but I think the following would be MVP requirements: Only the owner of a phone number can present it as the calling number, so if you receive a call or message you can be guaranteed (within reason) that its from the owner of the number. Overcharged numbers must not exist, if billing is needed it must be over another channel. Or at a minimum require specific optin pr number between the caller and their carrier (not the carrier where the number is terminated). Personally I also think that anonymous calls should not be allowed, I think they should always be required to show the phone number that is calling you.