FCC Eighth Report and Order Mandates Further Participation in STIR/SHAKEN, Indicating Branded Calling Solutions Using the Framework as the Future

FCC Eighth Report and Order Mandates Communication Service Provider Participation in STIR/SHAKEN

STIR/SHAKEN continues to receive backlash as it strives towards full implementation and effectiveness, but as the governed and regulated industry solution, its full implementation is the future. It was known previously that every carrier was mandated to participate in STIR/SHAKEN. Still, the recent Eighth Report and Order from the FCC, released on February 28th, declares an expanded mandate that every communication service provider is to participate in the framework. 

What Does the FCC Eighth Report and Order Mean for Branded Calling Solutions?

Addressing the status of Rich Call Data or Other Caller Name Tools in Section 26, the FCC does not deviate from the existing requirement of displaying calling phone numbers only. However, it explicitly urges the further development of branded RCD solutions to deliver additional identifying information to consumers. This recommendation defines the CNAM databases as “insufficient," and acknowledges the resulting lack of trust in Caller ID due to failed verification and widespread number spoofing through Direct Inward Dialing (DID).

Although the order is not a mandate, it clearly states that the FCC could issue a mandate if “the timely deployment of such valuable tools does not occur without Commission intervention.” This marks the first occurrence that the FCC acknowledges that the calling telephone number alone is not sufficient, and that the display of vetted and authenticated caller name information is the way forward for restoring consumer trust in phone calls.  

How the FCC Eighth Report and Order Indicates Branded Calling ID™ Will Become the Industry Standard

The language of this order indicates a clear policy direction. This order supports the termination of CNAM for the growth of solutions that meet the FCC’s expectations of security and end-to-end authentication and verification. Currently, many branded calling solutions on the market rely on outdated CNAM databases or proprietary out-of-band branding. Unlike these solutions, Branded Calling ID™ (BCID) leverages FCC mandated STIR/SHAKEN standards, ensuring cryptographically signed, in-call authentication that competitors can’t provide.

BCID empowers customers with an industry-adopted secure, governed, and scalable solution for delivering calls displaying identifying information (name, number, and call reason) and RCD logo on consumer handsets, no app needed. As carriers face increasing enforcement pressure, there is a good indication that BCID will become the industry standard.