Have you heard of the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act? As a phone service provider, you must know this act and its implications. In particular, you need to meet the FCC’s June 30th deadline for implementing STIR / SHAKEN.

The Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act was established in 2019 to combat illegal robocalls. It had a June 30, 2021 deadline that all phone service providers were required to meet. This was a daunting task, as there is a lot of information to understand and implement to be compliant with the regulations set forth by the FCC. Here are some tips on how you can help make sure you meet the TRACED Act extended deadline in 2023.

The Basics of Compliance: What is The TRACED Act and STIR / SHAKEN?

The TRACED Act was passed by Congress in December 2019 to deter robocalls by increasing enforcement and accountability for these calls. The act requires voice service providers to implement caller authentication technology such as STIR / SHAKEN. STIR / SHAKEN stands for Secure Telephone Identity Revisited Standard/Secure Handling of Asserted information using toKENs. It is a set of protocols that allow phone carriers to verify the originator's identity when making calls. This allows phone companies to identify spoofed calls, made from a fake or hijacked number intended to deceive the receiver into thinking they are receiving a legitimate call from a trusted source.

Steps Toward Meeting the Deadline for STIR / SHAKEN

Understand the Regulations

The first step towards meeting the deadline is understanding what needs to be done. The FCC provides an online guide that outlines all of the regulations and requirements of the TRACED Act. Once you have read through and understood the regulations, you can begin taking steps towards ensuring that your business meets them by June 30th.

Ensure Interoperability

One of the key elements of meeting this deadline is ensuring that your phone system is interoperable with other services and technologies required by TRACED regulations. In other words, your phone system must be able to communicate effectively with other systems such as call analytics software, spam filters, caller ID systems, etc., so that you can properly identify and respond to suspicious calls or numbers. It’s important to ensure that your system is up-to-date with these technologies to work efficiently when dealing with incoming calls or messages from potential fraudsters.

Implement Call Analytics Software

Another important part of compliance with TRACED regulations is implementing call analytics software into your phone system. Call analytics software allows businesses to analyze their incoming calls to detect suspicious activity or patterns associated with potential robocalls. This software also helps businesses identify legitimate calls from customers or clients, allowing them to focus their resources on responding appropriately and quickly.

Utilize Technology

One of the best ways to stay on top of compliance deadlines is by utilizing available technology solutions. Many companies offer software that can help you manage your call logs and keep track of your compliance status, as well as alert you when a change is needed to remain compliant with TRACED regulations. Not only does such technology save time and money, but it also helps ensure you stay up-to-date on all relevant rules and regulations.

Find an Expert

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all these requirements, many experts specialize in helping businesses comply with laws like this. Working with someone who understands the technological and legal requirements can save you time and money by ensuring that everything is taken care of correctly from start to finish. Additionally, having an experienced professional on board will provide peace of mind knowing that your business is fully compliant with the TRACED Act before June 30th arrives.

Trust the STIR / SHAKEN Experts

Meeting the June 30 deadline for compliance with the TRACED Act is essential for all voice service providers who want to remain competitive in today's market. While it may seem daunting initially, implementing STIR / SHAKEN and call authentication policies doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming if you start early and stay organized throughout the process. By following the steps outlined above, you'll be able to successfully meet your deadline while still protecting your customers from fraudsters. For expert guidance on implementation, get in touch with Prescott-Martini, an authorized STIR / SHAKEN national solutions provider. We digitally sign and deliver your calls with full attestation.