STIR/SHAKEN Caller ID Authentication and Robocalls

Question

What impact do the FCC STIR/SHAKEN regulations have on my Vonage Voice API or SIP trunking calls? How can I ensure compliance with these regulations?

Applies To

• FCC Regulations
• North America
• Vonage Voice API
• SIP Trunking

Answer

In an effort to decrease the incidence of robocalls, the FCC has introduced regulations, referred to as STIR/SHAKEN. STIR/SHAKEN stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN). As of 30 June 2021, carriers assign a level of trust to Caller IDs from outbound calls within North America. Depending on the level of trust the call is assigned, it could be considered a spam call and blocked by carriers.

Vonage Voice API and SIP trunking users who place outbound calls within North America are impacted by these regulations. To ensure outbound calls are not blocked by STIR/SHAKEN regulations, it is recommended that you apply for enhanced trust signing with Vonage. No action is needed from Vonage Business Communications users, as these accounts are already verified. Voice API and SIP trunking users can apply for enhanced trust by completing the linked application.

Additional Information

For more information on these regulations and how they might impact your calls, see Pulling the Plug on Robocalls with STIR/SHAKEN: What You Need to Know  and Understanding STIR/SHAKEN.