Blog » Call Origination Explained in the STIR/SHAKEN Ecosystem

May 13, 2026

Call Origination Explained in the STIR/SHAKEN Ecosystem

Call Origination Explained in the STIR/SHAKEN Ecosystem

When the FCC implemented the STIR/SHAKEN protocol in 2021, it essentially forced businesses to adapt to new standards. Failing to adapt meant that outbound calls would likely go unanswered. Those calls might not even connect to the intended lead. Today, failing to comply with STIR/SHAKEN also means risking financial loss, reputation damage, and potential denial of service.

What Is Call Origination?

Call origination refers to a call initiated by someone. The call gets directed to your phone service provider, which then routes the incoming call to your device. Ideally, call origination includes information that helps your service provider determine who placed the call and whether it poses any risk to you. If the call origination falls short of STIR/SHAKEN standards, your service provider might terminate the call or give you a warning about the potential dangers of answering.

What Are the Goals of STIR/SHAKEN

STIR/SHAKEN’s primary goal is to create a call authentication framework that prevents call spoofing. Call spoofing is a strategy scammers use to get their targets to answer phone calls. With the right technology, they can replicate the phone numbers of reliable organizations — including hospitals, schools, and credit unions. Since you trust the incoming call, you’re primed to trust the person on the other end of the line, making it easier for criminals to steal your personal information.

STIR/SHAKEN also collects information that your caller ID can use to help you decide whether to answer incoming calls. For instance, if the call originates from a number that places hundreds of calls per day, your caller ID might label it as a robocall or potential spam.

What Are the Steps in the STIR/SHAKEN Protocol?

STIR/SHAKEN makes it possible for U.S. and Canadian telecom providers to authenticate calls by following a seven-step process.

  1. The caller initiates the call.
  2. The originating service provider (OSP) uses its database to determine the validity of the call’s origin.
  3. The OSP assigns an attestation rating — (A) full attestation, (B) partial attestation, or (C) gateway attestation — to the call.
  4. An SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) header is sent with the call’s attestation rating, timestamp, calling number, and called number.
  5. The call gets relayed through the network to the terminating service provider; sometimes, the call must route through multiple networks before it reaches your device.
  6. The terminating service provider (TSP) receives and evaluates the call.
  7. The TSP determines whether it should apply a call label, block the call, or provide caller ID information through Rich Call Data (RCD) for the receiving party’s device.

Maintaining STIR/SHAKEN Compliance in Dialing

Companies that rely on outbound calling to reach their leads and customers need to comply with STIR/SHAKEN. Otherwise, it’s unlikely that their customers will answer. Maintaining an accurate caller ID also improves answer rates and boosts your brand’s reputation, leading to increased revenues and happier customers.

Follow these steps to help ensure you maintain strong STIR/SHAKEN compliance.

Use Reliable Carriers

Choosing the wrong service provider could automatically put your STIR/SHAKEN compliance in jeopardy. Make sure you choose STIR/SHAKEN-compliant service providers that can originate your calls properly and contribute to favorable attestation ratings.

If your service provider is out of compliance, you’ll also be out of compliance.

Achieve an A-Attestation Rating

Anything below an A-attestation rating will make it difficult for you to connect with customers and leads. A STIR/SHAKEN Attestation Tester gives you clear insight into your attestation ratings, so you can take

Adhere to Call Compliance Regulations

The FCC continues to expand its approach to enforcing compliance. In addition to potentially getting fined, failing to comply could lead to blocked calls and flags that warn consumers not to answer your calls.

Engage in Ethical Dialing Practices

Following ethical dialing practices positions your business for STIR/SHAKEN compliance. Check your lead sheets to avoid contacting any unwanted leads. Additionally, ensure your dialing complies with federal and local regulations.

Steps to take include:

  • Checking the Do-Not-Call (DNC) Registry
  • Checking your internal do-not-call lists
  • Avoiding any leads you acquired from a third party

Employ Enhanced Caller ID Services

Enhanced caller ID services like Rich Call Data (RCD) and Branded Caller ID™ (BCID) help ensure that your calls communicate accurate information to consumers. You can also use them to provide additional information — such as your logo and reason for calling — that encourages consumers to answer your calls.

How Caller ID Reputation Can Help

Caller ID Reputation offers comprehensive tools that monitor your dialing activity, flags, and caller ID display information. Our services provide real-time reporting that lets you address compliance issues as soon as they develop. You can also use tools like Device Cloud to see screenshots from real mobile devices connected to popular service providers.

Ongoing monitoring is the best way to maintain compliance and improve your brand reputation.

Reach out to Caller ID Reputation today to learn more about how you can regain control of your caller ID and connect with more customers.

Related Articles