Today:  RFP for SHAKEN/STIR Administrator, FCC Wireless HAC Reports, FCC Cable Subscriber Notice Rules 

RFP For SHAKEN/STIR Administrator

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions’ Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority (STI-GA) issued a Request for Proposal to select a Secure Telephone Identity Policy Administrator (STI-PA).  The STI-PA will apply and enforce the rules as defined by the STI-GA to put the SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) framework into action. SHAKEN specifies a practical mechanism for service providers to implement the IETF’s STIR (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited) protocol to authenticate calls and let consumers know that the information displayed on their caller ID is accurate. It also alerts them when that may not be the case. 

The STI-PA applies and enforces mechanisms designed to ensure that STI certificates are only available to authorized service providers, based on rules defined by the STI-GA. Specifically, it will verify that a service provider meets the defined criteria for participation in the SHAKEN framework before issuing “Service Provider Code tokens” to the approved provider. The STI-PA must also ensure that STI Certification Authorities (STI-CAs) perform all security functions specified to maintain the integrity of the SHAKEN framework. Access the RFP and its associated documents here. Responses are due by February 4, 2019.

FCC Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Reports

At its November Open Meeting, the FCC voted to eliminate the requirement that wireless providers file FCC Form 655 annually.  Handset manufacturers, however, will continue to file the form.  In lieu of the annual filing, the Order will require service providers to post on their web sites more up-to-date and accessible information about hearing aid-compatible wireless handsets and to certify annually whether they are in compliance with FCC HAC rules.  The order includes a streamlined transition process for the new web site and certification requirements.  Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers, watch for a briefing when the text becomes available.

FCC Cable Subscriber Notice Rules

At its November Open Meeting, the FCC voted to allow cable operators to deliver notices to their customers via email, reducing costs and paper waste for both cable operators and consumers.  The FCC’s rules require cable operators to provide written information to their subscribers about various service-related topics. In June 2017, the FCC issued a Declaratory Ruling clarifying that the annual notice that must be provided to subscribers can be sent via email, subject to certain consumer safeguards.  The new action expands upon this Declaratory Ruling by allowing cable operators and other pay TV companies to send additional general subscriber notices via email. The Order also: (1) allows cable operators to respond to certain consumer requests and billing dispute complaints by email if the consumer used email to file the complaint or asks for a response via email; and (2) eliminates two outdated notice requirements in light of technological advances and market changes in the cable industry. 

The Order also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on whether subscribers should have the option to receive notices through other electronic means such as texts or apps.

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.