AT&T, T-Mobile Deliver Cross-Network Call Authentication Technology

AT&T and T-Mobile are delivering SHAKEN/STIR caller authentication technology that works across both their networks, an important step towards industry-wide call verification.

Why it matters: U.S. mobile customers received nearly 48 billion robocalls last year – more than 150 calls for every adult! Unwanted robocalls aren’t slowing down but caller verification can help customers better decide which calls they answer or ignore.

Who it’s for: Anyone who is tired of the growing number of fraudulent robocalls.

AT&T and T-Mobile have began rollout of cross-network call authentication based on SHAKEN/STIR standards – another big step toward protecting consumers from unwanted robocalls.

SHAKEN/STIR technology lets consumers know that an incoming call is really coming from the number listed on the caller ID display – not a spoofed robocall or scammer. While authentication won’t solve the problem of unwanted robocalls by itself, it is a key step toward giving customers greater confidence and control over the calls they answer.

For example, a call that is illegally “spoofed” – or shows a faked number – will fail the SHAKEN/STIR Caller ID verification and will not be marked as verified. By contrast, verification will confirm that a call is really coming from the identified number or entity. More calls will be verified over time as more device providers participate, and as more network providers implement the standards.

The FCC has recommended SHAKEN/STIR standards to digitally validate phone calls. The acronym stands for Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN) and the Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR).