AT&T is introducing a new feature to help users block scam calls.

AT&T is joining the trend of AI-powered call screening with a digital receptionist, which is being tested with select users this year.

This new project expands upon AT&T's existing ActiveArmor spam and scam filters. Instead of only blocking suspicious numbers, the digital receptionist engages callers to determine the purpose of the call.

The digital receptionist is designed to manage incoming calls and filter out spam, ensuring users spend their time on important conversations. Image credit – AT&T

Using advanced voice-to-voice technology and agentic AI, the system utilizes large language models (LLMs) to analyze speech, create responses, and convert them into realistic audio. AT&T aims for it to feel as natural and quick as a human interaction.

According to AT&T in September 2025, this is a preview of how AI agents can simplify phone use. In the future, AI could make restaurant reservations independently by connecting you or handling the booking itself. It could also manage calls when you're busy, providing real-time directions via text prompts.

How a digital receptionist could change calls:

This functions like a built-in personal assistant, answering calls and asking for the caller's identity and purpose to decide the next step. It assesses if the caller is a person, the call's urgency, and if it meets your criteria.

Important calls are connected directly, while the AI handles tasks such as taking messages or confirming deliveries.

Call screening is gaining traction, with Apple's iOS 26 including a Call Screening feature that answers unknown numbers and asks for the caller's details. AT&T's version operates at the carrier level, potentially reaching more users on various devices.

As AI advances and scammers exploit it, carriers are beginning to use similar AI tools as a defense. AT&T’s strategy aims to provide a standard level of protection for all customers, not just those using the latest devices.

Adjusting screening preferences may take time, but it could reduce robocalls and scams. The system's effectiveness and reliability will be tested as it expands to more users. Currently a trial, it could become a standard feature that transforms call handling.

AT&T is joining the trend of AI-powered call screening with a digital receptionist, which is being tested with select users this year.

This new project expands upon AT&T's existing ActiveArmor spam and scam filters. Instead of only blocking suspicious numbers, the digital receptionist engages callers to determine the purpose of the call.

The digital receptionist is designed to manage incoming calls and filter out spam, ensuring users spend their time on important conversations. Image credit – AT&T

Using advanced voice-to-voice technology and agentic AI, the system utilizes large language models (LLMs) to analyze speech, create responses, and convert them into realistic audio. AT&T aims for it to feel as natural and quick as a human interaction.

According to AT&T in September 2025, this is a preview of how AI agents can simplify phone use. In the future, AI could make restaurant reservations independently by connecting you or handling the booking itself. It could also manage calls when you're busy, providing real-time directions via text prompts.

According to AT&T in September 2025, this is a preview of how AI agents can simplify phone use. In the future, AI could make restaurant reservations independently by connecting you or handling the booking itself. It could also manage calls when you're busy, providing real-time directions via text prompts.

According to AT&T in September 2025, this is a preview of how AI agents can simplify phone use. In the future, AI could make restaurant reservations independently by connecting you or handling the booking itself. It could also manage calls when you're busy, providing real-time directions via text prompts.

How a digital receptionist could change calls:

This functions like a built-in personal assistant, answering calls and asking for the caller's identity and purpose to decide the next step. It assesses if the caller is a person, the call's urgency, and if it meets your criteria.

Important calls are connected directly, while the AI handles tasks such as taking messages or confirming deliveries.

Call screening is gaining traction, with Apple's iOS 26 including a Call Screening feature that answers unknown numbers and asks for the caller's details. AT&T's version operates at the carrier level, potentially reaching more users on various devices.

As AI advances and scammers exploit it, carriers are beginning to use similar AI tools as a defense. AT&T’s strategy aims to provide a standard level of protection for all customers, not just those using the latest devices.

Adjusting screening preferences may take time, but it could reduce robocalls and scams. The system's effectiveness and reliability will be tested as it expands to more users. Currently a trial, it could become a standard feature that transforms call handling.

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