September 14, 2022
SIP 603+ Standard Call Blocking Notifications Approved
Automated Telephone Interpreting Service (blocking response occurs when analytics-based call processing causes a call to be blocked. It differs from the standard SIP 603 message in two ways.
- First, it uses the unique reason phrase “network blocked” instead of the default “decline” response code.
- Second, it includes a SIP reason header that provides key information to the originating calling party.
With SIP 603+ in place, your business will be able to address improper call blocking quickly and efficiently.
Parameters for 603+ Header
A SIP 603+ header code contains three parameters with information about a blocked call: “cause”, “text”, and “location”. You can use this information to identify why your call was blocked so that problems can be addressed.
Cause Parameter
The cause parameter lists a code such as 21 – call rejected or 603 – call blocked so that you can understand the call recipient’s intention.
Location Parameter
The location parameter lists codes showing where the call was blocked. These codes include:
- LN indicates an originating network
- TN indicates a transit network
- LPN indicates an originating private network
- RPN for private network serving the called party
- RLN for network serving the called party
This gives you the information needed for addressing improperly blocked calls because it identifies who blocked the call and whom to contact for redress.
Text Parameter
The text parameter provides a string of attribute-value pairs that convey several types of information to the originating caller.
For instance, if “url” is listed and neither “tel” nor “email” are included, it means there is a valid HTTPS URL to use when seeking redress for the call block. In contrast, if “email” is listed and neither “url” nor “tel” are included, it means there is a valid email to use when seeking corrective measures for the call block.
These “text” parameters will help you better remediate problems in your calling efforts by allowing you to seek redress for improper number labeling and blocking.
Importance of Call Blocking Notifications
Unlawful robocalls, spam, and scam efforts showcase one of the major flaws found too often in today’s telecommunications. Call blocking is necessary to protect consumers from these bad actors.
One concern with the push to block these types of calls is that legitimate businesses often suffer from erroneously blocked calls, which has unintended consequences for consumers who are waiting for information about products, services, appointments, etc. This singular issue makes call blocking notifications essential to improve recent call regulation efforts.
Call blocking notifications allow companies operating in good faith to remediate any issues, thus improving calling methods and providing corrective feedback to carriers.
Development of SIP 603+ in the Industry
Fixing the robocall issue has been a lengthy process and naturally requires continued improvements to make it work for all stakeholders. The following events have dramatically changed the way call campaigns are conducted:
- STIR/SHAKEN – Requires businesses to provide identification to their service providers, certifying legitimate phone numbers. Large carriers had a June 30, 2021 deadline for implementing these regulations aimed at stopping robocalls. Many began their efforts long before that date.
- Petition by USTelecom to delay notifications – In August 2021, USTelecom requested a delay in the deadline for call blocking notifications. The company also recommended changes to the FCC’s current regulations, suggesting increased flexibility within the notification aspects.
- Approval of ATIS-1000099 Standards – On August 23, 2022, ATIS announced the approval and release of the new standard for mitigating unwanted robocalls by using a bounce-back blocking message to originating callers.
You can expect further tweaks to this system until the industry fairly addresses the needs of consumers, carriers, businesses, and call centers.
Industry Benefits of SIP 603+
True to its name, STIR/SHAKEN legislation has disrupted the communications industry. While it has reduced the number of robocalls and put pressure on call scammers, it has also had some adverse effects, particularly on legitimate calling campaigns. Too often, numbers have wrongly been labeled spam or scam, resulting in lost business and long-term harm to reputations. In protecting consumers, the FCC inadvertently harmed legitimate companies.
SIP 603+ Standard Call Blocking Notifications will immediately alert businesses when their call has been blocked. This provides critical information on why and where this action occurred. SIP 603+ informs and equips businesses with the tools necessary to correct improperly blocked calls.
How Caller ID Reputation Can Help
Constantly evolving telecom regulations make managing your company’s caller ID reputation challenging. Caller ID Reputation helps you monitor, manage, and mitigate calling labels and flags on your phone numbers. Contact us now to find out how we can help your calls get through.
