(WXIN/WTTV) — Three years after the Federal Communications Commission phased in a new rule to require phone companies to install anti-robocall technology, new research shows fewer than half of phone companies have fully done so. The rule, which was phased in starting in 2021, requires phone companies to install software and hardware aimed at preventing unsolicited telemarketing and scam calls.  According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, only 47% of phone companies have fully implemented such technology. 19% of phone companies have partially installed it. Since the rule took effect in 2021, robocalls have gone down by 17%. However, robot texts have nearly tripled in that time.   Until more widespread prevention is in place, US PIRG recommends these tips: Sign up for the Do Not Call registry:  You can register at www.donotcall.gov It won’t stop all unwanted calls but it gives you more rights when/if you get them. Report bad actors: Report scam robocalls or texts to the FCC Report unwanted or scam texts to your cellphone provider by forwarding the message to 7726 (“SPAM”) and complaining to the FCC and your state attorney general. Contact information for the attorneys general in every state is here. Report Do Not Call list violations: These reports can be made to the Federal Trade Commission. Never engage with unexpected calls, texts or emails: Don’t confirm or share any information, and do not pay anything or buy gift cards.