Regulators voted to approve a proposal that could help the crackdown on robocalls Thursday.

The Federal Communications Commission clarified its rules at a hearing so phone companies can block unwanted calls without asking customers first.
           
Lawmakers have struggled to agree on proposals to combat the scams, which have cost victims millions.

Some phone companies have also been slow to act, but the FCC commissioner says the action will encourage them to move faster.

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel  says the new FCC rule does not require phone carriers from providing the blocking technology for free and that it may cost customers money.

Carriers have said little about the possibility of charging consumers going forward.

Chairman Ajit Pai says he hopes carriers will implement blocking services by the end of the year, or else he says the FCC will take regulatory action.