Did you know that failing to comply with the FCC’s new STIR/SHAKEN mandates could cost your business thousands in fines and jeopardize customer trust?
The telecommunications landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation since the introduction of the FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN framework in 2020. All Voice Service Providers (VSPs) were required to implement this framework within the IP portions of their networks to combat robocalls and caller ID spoofing. However, the FCC’s new order Eighth Report and Order on Call Authentication changes the compliance game entirely. These aren’t just bureaucratic changes; they are mandates that directly affect your operations, compliance status, and bottom line. If you’re relying on third-party call-signing solutions or haven’t revisited your compliance protocols recently, this information will directly affect your ability to operate in 2025 and beyond.
What is STIR/SHAKEN?
STIR/SHAKEN is a technological framework designed to authenticate and verify the legitimacy of phone calls. It relies on digital certificates to ensure the origin of a call is trustworthy, significantly reducing robocalls and caller ID spoofing. Compliance requires more than a conceptual understanding; it demands actionable measures that align with evolving regulations.
Key Highlights of STIR/SHAKEN:
- Call Authentication: Verifies the source of the call using unique digital certificates.
- Prevention of Caller ID Spoofing: Ensures calls originate from legitimate entities.
- Secure Communication: Builds consumer trust by eliminating suspicious calls.
For a deeper dive, refer to authoritative guides like VoIPly’s comprehensive guide on STIR/SHAKEN.
The FCC’s Eighth Report and Order: What’s Changing?
The Eighth Report and Order introduces significant updates that demand immediate attention from all voice service providers:
- Provider-Owned Certificates Only:
- Third-party certificates are no longer valid. You, the VSP, must now sign calls with certificates owned directly by you.
- Independent Attestation Decisions:
- Responsibility for attesting to call authenticity now lies solely with you. Third-party solutions can no longer make these decisions on your behalf.
- Strict Compliance for Database Listing:
- Only calls signed with provider-owned STIR/SHAKEN certificates will qualify you for compliance in the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database. Non-compliance may lead to delisting, which can disrupt operations.
These changes mark a significant departure from previous practices and call for immediate system audits and upgrades.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
If you think these changes don’t apply to you, think again. Whether you originate, terminate, or facilitate calls, your business is directly affected if your operations depend on third-party call-signing services. The risks of non-compliance are substantial:
- Enforcement Actions by the FCC: Non-compliance could lead to fines, operational restrictions, or even license revocation.
- Operational Disruptions: Calls flagged as untrusted may harm your business’s reputation and disrupt communication flows.
- Loss of Customer Trust: A non-compliant status erodes credibility and undermines stakeholder relationships.
Compliance is no longer optional; it’s a business imperative.
Your Immediate Action Plan for FCC Compliance
For businesses to adapt to these changes, immediate action is required:
- Audit Your Current System: Assess whether your call-signing process aligns with the new mandates.
- Adopt a Compliant Solution: Transition to a solution that ensures all calls are signed with certificates you own.
- Partner with Experts: Engage with service providers like Sangoma’s Wholesale VI Carrier Services to ensure compliance.
How Sangoma Wholesale Carrier Services Simplifies STIR/SHAKEN Compliance For You
We offer a robust solution designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of the FCC’s new STIR/SHAKEN mandates. We provision your dedicated signing server with no hardware changes or network overhauls needed so that you can maintain seamless communication and focus on serving your customers.
Download our solution flyer for more information
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Core Benefits of our solution:
- Provider-Owned Certificates: Ensures all calls are signed using your provider-issued certificates
- Seamless Integration: Integrates with your existing infrastructure without the need for significant changes
- Independent Attestation Support: Full control over your call authentication, allowing you to meet FCC standards effectively
Here’s What Customers are Saying about Our Stir/Shaken Solution
“Huge time saver. The signing of calls on our trunks meant that we did not have to do any configuration or adjustments to our servers or network, allowing us to maintain our existing infrastructure!”
Read More about this Success Story
Simplify STIR/SHAKEN Compliance with Us
The FCC’s new STIR/SHAKEN mandates mark a pivotal shift in the telecommunications industry. Compliance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a competitive advantage that ensures operational reliability and customer trust. Partnering with experts like Sangoma Wholesale Carrier Services simplifies the path to compliance, allowing you to focus on growing your business without disruption.
Let us help you streamline your stir/shaken compliance needs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the FCC’s New Rules
Who is affected by the Eighth Report and Order?
All obligated providers, including carriers originating or terminating calls, must comply with the updated requirements.
What happens if my business doesn’t comply?
Non-compliance can lead to FCC enforcement actions, including fines and operational disruptions.
How does Sangoma Wholesale Carrier Services solution work?
Sangoma Wholesale Carrier Services enables providers to sign calls using their own certificates while maintaining full control over attestation decisions.
How long does it take to implement STIR/SHAKEN?
The implementation timeline varies but is streamlined with VI Carrier’s expert guidance and resources.
Are there additional costs involved?
Costs depend on your business’s specific needs. VI Carrier’s solution is designed to be cost-effective while ensuring full compliance.