STIR/SHAKEN – Who Needs to Implement It?

STIR/SHAKEN is a sophisticated call authentication framework specifically designed to address the growing problem of caller ID spoofing, a tactic often used by malicious actors to disguise their true identity and deceive recipients. This innovative system works by ensuring that the number displayed on a caller ID actually belongs to or is authorized by the individual or entity making the call. By doing so, STIR/SHAKEN significantly enhances the security of telephone communications, making it more difficult for fraudsters to impersonate legitimate callers.

Under the regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it is mandated that all voice service providers operating within the United States — including Intermediate Providers — must implement STIR/SHAKEN in the Internet Protocol (IP) segments of their networks. This requirement reflects the FCC's commitment to combating the widespread issue of robocalls and caller ID spoofing, which have plagued consumers and businesses alike. For those providers who are unable to implement the STIR/SHAKEN framework, there is an alternative measure: they must maintain an FCC-approved Robocall Mitigation Plan. This plan serves as a safeguard to ensure that even in the absence of STIR/SHAKEN, providers are taking steps to mitigate the impact of unwanted and potentially harmful robocalls.

At Whisl Telecom, we take the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN very seriously across our entire network infrastructure. By integrating this framework, we are not only complying with FCC regulations but also enhancing the overall trust and reliability of our telecommunications services. This commitment to call authentication empowers our partners and their end customers, providing them with greater confidence that every call they receive is legitimate and trustworthy. As a result, our clients can engage in their communications without the fear of encountering fraudulent calls, thus fostering a safer and more secure environment for all users.