Media Contact: Will Wiquist will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC SEEKS TO FILL CHALLENGING GAP IN STIR/SHAKEN ROBOCALL DEFENSES Launches Formal Review of How to Bring Non-IP Phone Networks Into Caller ID Authentication Ecosystem to Protect Consumers -- WASHINGTON, October 27, 2022—Continuing its focus on combatting spoofed scam robocalls, the Federal Communications Commission today launched a proceeding to consider ways to fill in the most significant remaining gap in implementing the STIR/SHAKEN framework over phone networks. As STIR/SHAKEN’s caller ID authentication standards can only technologically work on IP-based phone networks, that leaves a relatively small but still important hole in this critical robocall protection. The FCC will begin a proceeding to consider ways to combat illegally spoofed robocalls that pass through non-IP networks. Applying STIR/SHAKEN standards to calls improves the accuracy of robocall blocking and consumer warning tools, aids enforcement officials in tracing calls back to the originators, and provides consumers with more reliable caller ID information thus undercutting spoofing scams. For this to work, voice service providers place encrypted digital certificates on messages as they pass from network to network. Non-IP networks cannot add or maintain this digital information on calls and thus any call generated by or passing through a non-IP network does not carry with it any STIR/SHAKEN verification information including information as to who generated the call. Non-IP technology in the network thus creates a gap in the caller ID authentication scheme that decreases the efficacy of the technology, which can be exploited by bad actors. Today’s action seeks to move the FCC closer to achieving ubiquitous implementation of STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication. Nearly all types of voice service providers are now required to have implemented and use STIR/SHAKEN on their IP-based networks. The only remaining extensions granted for the IP-based implementation requirements are with facilities-based small voice service providers (until June 30, 2023) and providers that are unable to receive the certificate required to participate in STIR/SHAKEN. The Notice of Inquiry adopted today seeks comment on the prevalence of non-IP technology in the country’s phone networks generally and the impact this technology has on the problem of illegal robocalls. It also seeks input on alternative technological or policy solutions to enable caller ID authentication over non-IP networks, including two standards developed by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS): one which would allow non-IP providers to send and receive caller ID authentication information via the internet, on a separate track from the call itself, and another standard which would carry more limited information with the call even on non-IP systems. The Notice of Inquiry will also study the nexus between non-IP caller ID authentication and the IP transition generally, and on specific steps the Commission can take to encourage the industry’s transition to IP. Action by the Commission October 27, 2022 by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 22-81). Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington approving. Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks issuing separate statements. WC Docket No. 17-97 ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 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).