Calls from spammers, criminals, and other deceptive entities continue to rise in the United States, and have become a serious problem for virtually everyone, especially those whose primary phone is a mobile phone. This issue impacts everyone, regardless of which telecom service they use.

Because the issue touches all providers, the FCC now mandates that all telecom providers must follow STIR-SHAKEN protocol to combat the rise of robocalls in the U.S. However, telecom service providers will need to turn to STIR-SHAKEN solutions providers to ensure they have the services they need to remain aligned with all FCC mandates. Here’s who needs these services, and how Prescott-Martini delivers them.

What is STIR-SHAKEN?

STIR-SHAKEN is a suite of telecom protections, protocols, and standards aimed at protecting consumers from predatory robocallers and criminals who use caller ID spoofing to deceive call recipients. Caller ID spoofing conceals the caller’s ID so that the recipient believes that a known number, such as a parent, friend, or company, is calling, prompting them to pick up and potentially pass along sensitive information.

Some of the most common spam calls from robocallers include:

• Fraudulent Internal Revenue Service scams
• Banks and financial institutions
• Lottery scams
• Insurance, healthcare, and debt collection
• IT and tech support
• Family members and friends under duress

Why telecom services providers must combat robocalls

In December 2019, the TRACED Act (Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence) became law in the United States. On March 31, 2020, the GCC approved the mandate. The bipartisan legislation gives the FCC more power to prevent and prosecute those found guilty of robocalls and deceptive calling scams.

But to put an end to robocalls, the FCC placed much of the responsibility on telecom services providers, both large and small. Major companies like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Comcast have until June 30, 2021, to implement plans and procedures to stem the tide of robocalls, while smaller companies have until June 30, 2020, to get their plans in place.

What do STIR-SHAKEN providers offer telecom companies?

While there are only a few providers currently offering solutions to telecom companies, each approaches the problem slightly differently. However, all telecom companies must begin exploring their options to become and remain compliant with the FCC’s mandates if they have not done so already.

Prescott-Martini, LLC, is one of only a handful of STIR-SHAKEN providers delivering proven solutions to robocalls. With more than 150 years of combined experience within our organization, we have an acute knowledge of how to deliver the solutions telecom companies need to keep their customers safe—and in line with all FCC mandates.

Our solution applies to all telecom providers, whether you are a major entity with massive networks or a smaller organization with dedicated service to more rural areas of the country. We believe that everyone, regardless of their location, deserves safety from deceptive scammers, and our solutions help you provide a safe experience for each of your customers.

Our STIR-SHAKEN solution works by:

• Accepting the call originator’s destination number through MySQL data link
• Adding a “verified caller ID” from our ANI inventory, which can include any and all of your existing ANIs ported to our CLEC
• Producing our Service Provider signature certificate, generated through the national STIR-SHAKEN admin
• Returning MySQL data so you can then insert the data into your call SIP header; you may add, edit, or delete and ANI in your account

Choose Prescott-Martini as your STIR-SHAKEN provider

We know how important it is to remain aligned with all FCC mandates—as well as providing safe, reliable service to your customers. Our STIR-SHAKEN technology helps you deliver both, and to keep your customers satisfied. Contact us today to learn more about our unrivaled, patent-pending service.