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Tag: STIR/SHAKEN

  • Carriers Must Block Other Carriers Not Listed in FCC Robocall Mitigation Database

    Carriers Must Block Other Carriers Not Listed in FCC Robocall Mitigation Database

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now requiring phone carriers to block other carriers that have not implemented anti-robocall features.

    The FCC has been cracking down on robocalls, requiring carriers to implement the STIR/SHAKEN protocol. STIR/SHAKEN is a way for carriers to verify the authenticity of a call, pass that check on to the next carrier for further verification, and then confirming to the recipient that the call is verified or possibly spam.

    The FCC previously set September 28 as the deadline for carriers to have the mitigation efforts in place. Now that the deadline has arrived, carriers will be required block those carriers that have failed to meet the FCC’s deadline.

    “The FCC is using every tool we can to combat malicious robocalls and spoofing – from substantial fines on bad actors to policy changes to technical innovations like STIR/SHAKEN,” said Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Today’s deadline establishes a very powerful tool for blocking unlawful robocalls. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect consumers against scammers who flood our homes and businesses with spoofed robocalls.”

  • T-Mobile Verizon and AT&T Complete STIR/SHAKEN Implementation

    T-Mobile Verizon and AT&T Complete STIR/SHAKEN Implementation

    T-Mobile and Verizon have both announced they have fully implemented the STIR/SHAKEN protocol to combat scams, meeting the FCC’s deadline.

    The Federal Communications Commission set June 30th as the deadline to implement the STIR/SHAKEN protocols for the largest wireless carriers. The protocols provide a framework for a carrier to verify the authenticity of a call, pass that on to the next carrier(s) for verification, and then pass on the verification to the recipient phone. When the call comes through, the recipient will see whether the number is verified or suspect.

    The protocols are designed to help fight scammers and robocallers that often mask their phone number to make it appear as if they’re calling from the same area code or exchange as the recipient. This can create a false sense of security, as the recipient believes the call is local.

    T-Mobile and Verizon have both fully implemented STIR/SHAKEN, providing their customers an extra layer of protection.

    “Number Verification, along with Caller ID, and the scam identification and blocking tools in Scam Shield, gives our customers the industry’s most comprehensive free scam and spam protection,” said Jon Freier, Executive Vice President, T-Mobile Consumer Group at T-Mobile​. “We were first to implement number verification in 2019 and today, all calls originating on the T-Mobile network are 100% STIR/SHAKEN compliant, giving our customers peace of mind that their calls are protected against scammers and spammers.”

    While not issuing a press release, as T-Mobile and Verizon did, AT&T did confirm to The Verge that it has also met the FCC’s deadline.

  • Verizon and T-Mobile Complete STIR/SHAKEN Rollout

    Verizon and T-Mobile Complete STIR/SHAKEN Rollout

    T-Mobile and Verizon announced they have both rolled out the STIR/SHAKEN protocols in an effort to fight robocalls and spam.

    The STIR/SHAKEN protocols are designed to provide a way for carriers to verify the origin and authenticity of a call, and then pass that verification on to the carrier on the receiving end of the call, who then verifies it again. If the call is verified by all carriers involved, the recipient phone will display a “Caller Verified” badge.

    The first and second largest carriers announced they have both completed their STIR/SHAKEN implementation, offering an additional layer of protection to their customers.

    “This latest STIR/SHAKEN milestone is a key part of our overall efforts to combat these unwanted calls,” said Ronan Dunne, EVP and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group. “There is always more to be done, but this is yet another important step for the industry and customers should rest assured that we remain vigilant in our efforts to take down the bad guys and protect them.”

    “T-Mobile was first to implement number verification in 2019 because protecting customers against scammers and spammers is one of the most important things we can do as an industry,” said Mike Sievert, CEO T-Mobile. “To date, T-Mobile has protected over 80 million customers from more than 33 billion suspect calls – and counting. With the combination of Number Verification, free Caller ID and the scam blocking tools in Scam Shield, and by working with network providers of all sizes, we are providing the industry’s most comprehensive scam and spam protection for free to all our customers and working every day to make scammers jobs impossible.”

    The implementation of the protocol is good news for consumers.

  • FCC Sets Deadline For Carriers to Fight Robocallers

    FCC Sets Deadline For Carriers to Fight Robocallers

    The FCC has set a deadline for phone carriers to support the STIR/SHAKEN protocol, in an effort to fight robocalls.

    The STIR/SHAKEN protocol helps combat number spoofing, a favorite tactic of robocallers, whereby they make their number appear as though it is in the same exchange or area code as the recipient. When a call is placed, the carrier uses the protocol to confirm the authenticity of the call. If the call is placed to a number on another network, the carrier passes that verification on to the next carrier, who performs their own verification. Ultimately, when the receiving phone receives the call, if the number is verified, it will display that in the caller ID.

    The FCC had previously asked carriers to implement the protocol, but Chairman Ajit Pai was not happy with the level of adoption. As a result, the FCC has adopted new rules requiring carriers to implement the protocol no later than June 30, 2021.

    “The FCC estimates that the benefits of eliminating the wasted time and nuisance caused by illegal scam robocalls will exceed $3 billion annually, and STIR/SHAKEN is an important part of realizing those cost savings,” reads the press release. “Additionally, when paired with call analytics, STIR/SHAKEN will help protect American consumers from fraudulent robocall schemes that cost Americans approximately $10 billion annually. Improved caller ID authentication will also benefit public safety by reducing spoofed robocalls that disrupt healthcare and emergency communications systems. Further, implementation of STIR/SHAKEN will restore consumer trust in caller ID information and encourage consumers to answer the phone, to the benefit of consumers, businesses, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations.”

    This is good news for everyone sick of being on the receiving end of robocalls and scam attempts.

  • FCC Moving to Require Carriers to Fight Robocalls

    FCC Moving to Require Carriers to Fight Robocalls

    FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has unveiled a proposal to require carriers and telephone providers to fight robocalls, after being disappointed some did not voluntarily do so.

    “All of us are fed up with robocalls—including me,” said Chairman Pai. “We’ve taken many steps to stem the tide of spoofed robocalls. I’m excited about the proposal I’m advancing today: requiring phone companies to adopt a caller ID authentication framework called STIR/SHAKEN. Widespread implementation will give American consumers a lot more peace of mind when they pick up the phone. Last year, I demanded that major phone companies voluntarily deploy STIR/SHAKEN, and a number of them did. But it’s clear that FCC action is needed to spur across-the-board deployment of this important technology. There is no silver bullet when it comes to eradicating robocalls, but this is a critical shot at the target.”

    Spoofing is a favorite of robocallers who will make their number appear as if it is from the same area code or exchange as the person they’re calling, making it more likely the receiver will pick up. STIR/SHAKEN is a protocol that helps carriers verify the identify of a caller to ensure the number is not being spoofed. If the call spans carriers, the originating carrier passes on the verification to the receiving carrier, and a “Call Verified” badge will show up on the receiver’s caller ID.

    The FCC had previously recommended that carriers begin implementing STIR/SHAKEN but, based on Chairman Pai’s proposal, some of them did not comply. Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T have all committed to supporting the protocol.

  • T-Mobile, Sprint Working Together to Fight Spoofed Calls

    T-Mobile, Sprint Working Together to Fight Spoofed Calls

    CNET is reporting that T-Mobile and Sprint are working together to combat spoofed calls between their two networks.

    Call spoofing is a popular tactic scammers use to make their calls seem legitimate. They mask their number, instead showing a number that is local, perhaps even one the recipient knows, such as a local business, friend or family. STIR/SHAKEN are protocols the FCC recommends carriers implement to cut down on the practice.

    The protocols provide a way for a carrier to verify the identify of a caller, and then pass that verification on to the recipient’s carrier, who verifies it once again. The recipient’s caller ID then shows “Caller Verified” underneath the incoming phone number.

    As CNET points out, T-Mobile and Sprint may be waiting for a verdict in their merger case, but the two companies are working to make sure STIR/SHAKEN works between their two networks.

    Merger or not, this is good news for users of both networks who are tired of being harassed by telemarketers and scammers.