Wiretap Telecom (RMD: RMD0001594)
As a registered carrier in the Robocall Mitigation Database, Wiretap Telecom is committed to maintaining the integrity of the voice ecosystem. Central to this commitment is the implementation of STIR/SHAKEN, a framework of interconnected standards designed to authenticate caller ID information and reduce fraudulent robocalls.
Understanding Attestation Levels
In the STIR/SHAKEN framework, an "Attestation" is essentially a digital signature from the service provider (Wiretap Telecom) verifying the legitimacy of the calling party. There are three primary levels, which act as a "trust score" for the receiving carrier.
Attestation Level A (Full Attestation)
The highest level of trust. Wiretap Telecom signs with Level A when we:
Know the customer making the call.
Verify that the customer has the legal right to use the Caller ID being displayed.
Attestation Level B (Partial Attestation)
Wiretap Telecom signs with Level B when we:
Know the customer making the call.
Cannot verify that the customer has the specific right to use that Caller ID (e.g., the number is not hosted on our network).
Attestation Level C (Gateway Attestation)
The lowest level of trust. This indicates that Wiretap Telecom is merely the point of entry for the call onto the IP network but has no insight into the original caller or their right to use the Caller ID.
Standard Customer Policy
For direct customers of Wiretap Telecom, our signing policy is automated based on number ownership:
Attestation Level A: Applied if the outbound Caller ID matches a telephone number currently active in your Wiretap Telecom account.
Attestation Level B: Applied if the Caller ID does not match a number in your account. While this is "lower quality" than Level A, it still identifies you as a known customer.
Options for Resellers and MSPs
If you are a Reseller or Managed Service Provider (MSP) invoicing your own end-users, you have four distinct paths to manage STIR/SHAKEN compliance.
Independent Signing
You obtain your own STIR/SHAKEN certificate from the Policy Administrator. You sign the calls on your own infrastructure before handing them off to Wiretap Telecom.
Managed Signing (Remote Certificate)
You obtain your own STIR/SHAKEN certificate but provide the necessary credentials to Wiretap Telecom. We will use your certificate to sign calls on your behalf during processing.
Shared Customer Relationship (KYC)
You provide your end-user information to Wiretap Telecom. We will conduct a Know Your Customer (KYC) assessment to establish a direct relationship.
Result: This creates a "mutually shared customer."
Benefit: Wiretap Telecom can then provide Attestation Level A or B based on the end-user’s specific number ownership, just as we do for direct customers.
Anonymous Resale
You continue to operate as a reseller without obtaining a certificate and without disclosing end-user information to Wiretap Telecom for KYC.
Result: Because we have no visibility into the end-user, all calls will be signed with Attestation Level C. Impact: Calls with Level C attestation are significantly more likely to be flagged as "Spam" or blocked by terminating carriers.
Benefit: None.
Conclusion
The implementation of STIR/SHAKEN is no longer optional; it is a critical component of modern telecommunications that determines whether your calls actually reach their destination. At Wiretap Telecom, our goal is to provide the transparency and tools necessary to ensure your voice traffic—and that of your clients—maintains the highest possible trust rating.
Whether you choose to manage your own certificates or partner with us through our KYC shared-customer program, moving toward Level A and B Attestation is the most effective way to protect your brand reputation and improve call completion rates. We encourage all Resellers and MSPs to review these options and select the path that best aligns with their operational model and commitment to call integrity.