What Is a Do Not Originate (DNO) List?link to this section
A Do Not Originate (DNO) List is a registry of inbound-only telephone numbers that organizations designate as never making outbound calls.
Managed by telecommunications regulatory authorities (such as ComReg in Ireland, Ofcom in the UK, and the FCC/Industry Traceback Group in the US), the registry is shared directly across telecom carriers. When an originating call attempts to present a phone number registered on the DNO list as its outbound Caller ID, carrier networks recognize the violation and automatically block the call from connecting.
Why Organizations Use the DNO Listlink to this section
- Protect Brand Equity: Prevent scammers from impersonating your enterprise, reducing reputational damage and customer complaints.
- Safeguard Consumers: Stop fraudsters from using recognized contact numbers (like the back of bank cards or public support lines) to deceive consumers.
- Reduce Network Traffic & Inquiries: Prevent high volumes of confused callers dialing your customer support lines asking why they received a "missed call" from your number.
- Support Industry Anti-Fraud Frameworks: Complement protocols like STIR/SHAKEN and global voice firewalls to eliminate spoofing across international boundaries.
What Types of Numbers Should Be on the DNO Listlink to this section
Not every business number is eligible for the DNO list. Because carriers will unconditionally block outbound traffic from listed numbers, organizations must only register lines that never originate calls.
| Number Category | Eligible for DNO? | Example Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Inbound-Only Helplines | Yes | Customer service lines, banking card hotlines, public service numbers |
| High-Profile Non-Geographic Lines | Yes | 1800 Freephone or 0818 national routing lines |
| Previously Spoofed Inbound Lines | Yes | Any inbound-only number that bad actors have targeted in past scams |
| Sales & Outbound Agent DIDs | No | Direct lines used by employees, contact center agents, or automated dialers |
| Internal Extensions | No | Private business lines with no inbound public-facing exposure |
How to Apply and Manage DNO Registrationslink to this section
- Audit Outbound Traffic: Before submitting any number, check with your telecom service provider or review your 8x8 Admin Console call records to confirm that zero outbound traffic is generated from that Caller ID.
- Submit to Regulatory Bodies: Apply through the relevant communications regulator (e.g., ComReg in Ireland or the national equivalent in your operating region) using their designated DNO application form.
- No Regulatory Filing Fees: Regulators maintain DNO registries free of charge to promote public safety and industry security.
- Coordinate Outbound Caller ID in 8x8: Ensure outbound calling rules for your agents and auto-dialers are mapped strictly to designated two-way or outbound-ready direct inward dialing (DID) numbers.
