Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist
will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC SHORTENS CALLER ID AUTHENTICATION DEADLINE FOR SMALL VOICE SERVICE PROVIDERS SUSPECTED OF ORIGINATING ILLEGAL ROBOCALLS
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WASHINGTON, December 10, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission has shortened the amount of time afforded to certain small voice service providers for implementing caller ID authentication using the STIR/SHAKEN framework.  Evidence indicates that a subset of small voice service providers are originating an increasing quantity of illegal robocalls.  

“Robocalls are not just a nuisance.  They’re a way that scammers try to reach us with junk services we did not ask for, do not want, and do not need,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “What this agency needs to do is find every way we can stop these calls from getting through.  Today’s action does just that by requiring more providers implement STIR/SHAKEN in short order.” 

Implementation of caller ID authentication technology—specifically, the framework known as STIR/SHAKEN—reduces the effectiveness of illegal spoofing, allowing law enforcement to identify bad actors more easily, and help voice service providers identify calls with illegally spoofed caller ID information before those calls reach their subscribers.  Under FCC rules, most large voice service providers are currently required to implement STIR/SHAKEN in the Internet Protocol (IP) portions of their networks.

Evidence demonstrates that a subset of small voice service providers are generating a high and increasing share of illegal robocalls compared to larger providers.  The Commission granted small voice service providers with 100,000 or fewer subscriber lines an extension until June 30, 2023.  With today’s action, small voice service providers that are not facilities-based will now be required to implement STIR/SHAKEN in the IP portions of their networks no later than June 30, 2022.  Voice service providers suspected of originating illegal robocalls will also be required to implement STIR/SHAKEN within 90 days of an Enforcement Bureau determination following a summary process.

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).