In today’s telecom landscape, robocalls and caller ID spoofing have reached epidemic proportions - eroding customer trust and triggering aggressive regulatory crackdowns. As a CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier), aligning with the FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN framework is not just a regulatory checkbox - it’s essential for ensuring your outbound calls are validated, delivered, and trusted.
Below is a detailed, step-by-step compliance checklist tailored especially for CLECs ready to deploy STIR/SHAKEN the right way.
✅ Step 1: Confirm Regulatory Readiness
Before deploying STIR/SHAKEN, you must validate your regulatory standing.
Register with the FCC as a certified voice provider
Add your company to the Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD)
Ensure your robocall mitigation plan is submitted and approved
📝 Carriers not listed in the RMD risk having their calls blocked by upstream providers.
✅ Step 2: Select a STIR/SHAKEN Certificate Authority (CA)
Your CA is the trusted entity that enables you to generate STI certificates used to digitally sign your calls.
Checklist for choosing the right CA:
Must be approved by the STI Governance Authority (STI-GA)
Should offer instant, scalable issuance of certificates
No hidden costs or long-term contracts
Provides self-service tools for DevOps or non-technical teams
✅ Step 3: Obtain Your SPC Token
Once enrolled with a CA, request and retrieve your Service Provider Code (SPC) Token. This proves your identity as a legitimate voice provider and allows you to request certificates.
✅ Step 4: Generate Your STI Certificates
Use your CA’s preferred method to spin up certificates:
Web-based Portal – Perfect for operational teams who prefer interface-driven workflows
Linux Client Utilities – Ideal for CLECs managing on-prem systems or hybrid infrastructure
ACME API Integration – Best for automated certificate refresh, multi-switch environments, and high-scale operations
Pro Tip: Choose a CA that supports unlimited certificates with fast delivery, so you don’t hit bottlenecks while onboarding customers.
✅ Step 5: Deploy Signing and Attestation Logic
Integrate STIR/SHAKEN into your Class-4 softswitch, SBC, or routing system.
You must assign the proper attestation level when authenticating calls:
A (Full Attestation): You know the caller and own the number block
B (Partial): You know the caller but not the phone number
C (Gateway): You are simply passing the traffic onward
📌 Aim for Attestation A whenever possible to increase call answer rates and reduce spam flagging.
✅ Step 6: Implement Robocall Mitigation Measures
STIR/SHAKEN alone does not exempt you from robocall regulations. CLECs must implement proactive robocall mitigation policies, including:
Customer vetting & KYC onboarding
Automated spam flag detection and blocking
Logging of problematic call patterns
Swift removal of non-compliant customers
✅ Step 7: Enable Certificate Scalability
As your carrier footprint and customer base expand, your demand for certificates will likewise multiply.
Make sure your CA allows unlimited generation at no extra cost
Prefer instant issuance over manual approval delays
Opt for a self-service management environment to reduce operational friction
✅ Step 8: Support Downstream Carrier Signing (Optional but Powerful)
If you provide outsourced switching to other resellers, empower them with STIR/SHAKEN-enabled outbound voice to improve their deliverability - turning regulatory compliance into a competitive differentiator for your services.
✅ Step 9: Maintain Continuous Compliance
Compliance is not a “set it and forget it” process.
Keep detailed logs and reporting for audits
Regularly review FCC updates and requirements
Keep certifications current and renewed
Access expert consultants when infrastructure scales
🚀 Final Thoughts: Compliance = Trust + Revenue
STIR/SHAKEN isn’t just about avoiding fines - it’s about staying trusted in phone-based communications. CLECs that deploy fast, secure, and scalable caller authentication gain a significant advantage in brand perception, call completion rate, and regulatory safety.
💡 Ready to simplify your STIR/SHAKEN compliance journey?
Get unlimited, instant STI certificates - with no contracts and full expert support - only at: 👉 www.peeringhub.io!
Post a Comment