STIR/SHAKEN 101: Do You Need to Sign Your Own Calls?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Report and Order requiring voice service providers to implement the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication framework in their networks by June 30, 2021. Some service providers are considering signing their own calls due to concerns about legitimate but partially attested calls being blocked by downstream providers. To sign your own calls, you need to be an Interconnected VoIP Provider with various certifications and approvals from the FCC. The process can take 7-9 months and cost between $5K and $10K. Additionally, even if you obtain IVoIP numbering authority, you will still need to deploy a STIR/SHAKEN solution in your network. Standards bodies are working on improving the framework with solutions like certificate delegation and a centralized telephone number database.