FCC Announces Opening of Robocall Mitigation Database and June 30, 2021 Deadline for Certifications

The Federal Communications Commission has announced the opening of the Robocall Mitigation Database and set June 30, 2021 as the deadline for submission of required certifications through an online portal. Instructions for use of the portal can be found here. The Database is part of the FCC’s implementation of the TRACED Act, which mandates FCC action to protect the public from robocalls.

Providers, including facilities-based Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) providers, that fail to meet the deadline for submission of certifications will not be included in the Database. Beginning September 28, 2021, intermediate providers and terminating voice service providers must block traffic from providers not listed in the Database.

Certification Requirements

All voice service providers must certify that:

• Their traffic is either fully, partially, or not yet signed with STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication protocols.

All voice service providers granted extensions from implementation of STIR/SHAKEN protocols must certify:

• To the performance of their robocall mitigation efforts; and must:
• Upload information explaining their efforts, including how they will participate and respond to traceback requests and cooperate with investigating and stopping illegal robocalls.
• Identify the applicable extension(s) they received.

All required certifications must be signed by an officer and provide:

• Business name and primary address, other business names in use, and all business names previously used.
• Whether the provider is a foreign voice service provider.
• Name, title, department, business address, telephone number, and email address of one person within the company responsible for addressing robocall mitigation related issues.

Confidential Submissions

Filers may request confidentiality for any submitted materials or information. The Wireline Competition Bureau will release a future Public Notice seeking comments on the contents of the protective order it will adopt for these submissions.

For more information about Robocall Mitigation Database obligations, or TRACED Act compliance in general, please contact any attorney in our office.