Full Notification

AT&T Customers, Dispatch has an important message for the community! 

Due to the increasing spam text messages our customers receive, AT&T has enabled Email-to-Text Blocking. This gives AT&T mobile device users the ability to block all SMS and MMS messages coming from email addresses, which is a major source of spam.

This feature can be enabled on the AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security app. It works on an “all or nothing” basis. If a customer turns this feature “on,” they may inadvertently block emergency or urgent text messages sent by govt. agencies if the agency used email to send text messages. (Note that FirstNet users will not have the option to turn this feature on.)

Why does this matter? AT&T wants public safety and government entities to be aware of Email-to-Text Blocking’s availability. Any group or organization that legitimately uses email origination of SMS/MMS as part of its communication toolkit should make sure that its user community understands the tool’s potential for unintended disruption of those valid messages. Going forward, legitimate users of email-originated mass SMS/MMS messages are advised not to use this solution.

We give a clear notice when a customer activates the switch that all texts from emails will be blocked, which may include wanted messages. Customers who enable Email-to-Text blocking can also choose to cancel it using the same on/off toggle on the ActiveArmor app.

The email-to-text switch will not block Wireless Emergency Alerts. Most phones give the ability to turn off emergency alerts, as well.

Should users of Email-to-Text Blocking have questions or issues, they should contact AT&T Customer Care by dialing 611 from their AT&T mobile device.