Phone carriers could possibly start blocking robocalls, but this new service may stack up costs for subscribers, including those in Santa Clarita, officials said Wednesday.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted last week to give wireless carriers permission to block unwanted robocalls automatically for all customers.

This decision could curb the torrent of phone-based scams and unwelcome interruptions that have affected millions of consumers, according to FCC officials.

The vote clears the way for carriers to switch on robocall-blocking technologies for phone lines by default, instead of remaining on a by-case basis. The technology would use algorithms and network scanning to identify unwanted calls, similar to how email providers scan for spam messages, according to officials.

Carriers that opt to use such technologies would be required to let customers opt out of the programs if they wish to continue receiving all calls, according to a report from the FCC.

Americans now receive roughly 5 billion robocalls per month, according to industry research. Robocalls are automated phone calls people receive that often show up on caller ID as nearby phone numbers, or sometimes even their own number.

While some robocalls are legal and come from legitimate institutions like banks, schools or medical providers, a large portion comes from scammers and foreign sources, according to the FCC.

Related: Nationwide Illegal Robocalls Stopped By Federal Trade Commission

The decision by the FCC should extend robocall protections to consumers who weren’t aware they could sign up for them previously, according to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.

“There is one thing in our country today that unites Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, socialists and libertarians, vegetarians and carnivores, Ohio State and Michigan fans: It is that they are sick and tired of being bombarded by unwanted robocalls,” Pai said. “My message to the American people today is simple. We hear you, and we are on your side.”

However, questions remain about whether consumers might have to pay for this blocking service, should carriers decide to activate it.

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said he would have “serious concerns” if carriers begin to charge their customers for robocall blocking.

Jessica Rosenworcel, another agency commissioner, said she partly objected to the decision because it does not require robocall blocking to be provided for free.

“There is nothing here that prevents companies from charging each of us whatever additional fees they want to put this call-blocking technology on our line,” Rosenworcel said.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.