(a) Exemption for IP networks. A voice service provider may seek an exemption from the requirements of §64.6301 by certifying on or before December 1, 2020, that, for those portions of its network served by technology that allows for the transmission of SIP calls, it:

(1) Has adopted the STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework for calls on the Internet Protocol networks of the voice service provider, by completing the network preparations necessary to deploy the STIR/SHAKEN protocols on its network including but not limited to participation in test beds and lab testing, or completion of commensurate network adjustments to enable the authentication and validation of calls on its network consistent with the STIR/SHAKEN framework;

(2) Has agreed voluntarily to participate with other voice service providers in the STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework, as demonstrated by completing formal registration (including payment) and testing with the STI Policy Administrator;

(3) Has begun to implement the STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework by completing the necessary network upgrades to at least one network element—e.g., a single switch or session border controller—to enable the authentication and verification of caller identification information consistent with the STIR/SHAKEN standards; and

(4) Will be capable of fully implementing the STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework not later than June 30, 2021, which it may only determine if it reasonably foresees that it will have completed all necessary network upgrades to its network infrastructure to enable the authentication and verification of caller identification information for all SIP calls exchanged with STIR/SHAKEN-enabled partners by June 30, 2021.

(b) Exemption for non-IP networks. A voice service provider may seek an exemption from the requirement to upgrade its network to allow for the initiation, maintenance, and termination of SIP calls and fully implement the STIR/SHAKEN framework as required by §64.6301 throughout its network by June 30, 2021, and from associated recordkeeping and reporting requirements, by certifying on or before December 1, 2020, that, for those portions of its network that do not allow for the transmission of SIP calls, it:

(1) Has taken reasonable measures to implement an effective call authentication framework by either:

(i) Upgrading its entire network to allow for the initiation, maintenance, and termination of SIP calls, and fully implementing the STIR/SHAKEN framework as required in §64.6301 throughout its network; or

(ii) Maintaining and being ready to provide the Commission on request with documented proof that it is participating, either on its own or through a representative, including third party representatives, as a member of a working group, industry standards group, or consortium that is working to develop a non-internet Protocol caller identification authentication solution, or actively testing such a solution; and

(2) Will be capable of fully implementing an effective call authentication framework not later than June 30, 2021, because it reasonably foresees that it will have completed all necessary network upgrades to its network infrastructure to enable the authentication and verification of caller identification information for all non-internet Protocol calls originating or terminating on its network as provided by a standardized caller identification authentication framework for non-internet Protocol networks by June 30, 2021.

(c) Certification submission procedures. All certifications that a voice service provider is eligible for exemption shall be:

(1) Filed in the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) in WC Docket No. 20-68, Exemption from Caller ID Authentication Requirements, no later than December 1, 2020;

(2) Signed by an officer in conformity with 47 CFR 1.16; and

(3) Accompanied by detailed support as to the assertions in the certification.

(d) Determination timing. The Wireline Competition Bureau shall determine whether to grant or deny timely requests for exemption on or before December 30, 2020.

(e) [Reserved]

[85 FR 73396, Nov. 17, 2020]