ATIS Robocalling Testbed Expands Feature Set to Enhance Call Authentication Interoperability

Rhea-AI Summary

Neustar, a TransUnion company, has expanded the ATIS Robocalling Testbed to enhance features for enterprises. The testbed helps combat robocalls and caller ID spoofing, boasting 77 participants representing over 83% of U.S. phone numbers. Key updates include a virtual cloud-based architecture and support for legacy networks. The testbed facilitates cross-border call authentication between the U.S. and Canada. This initiative aims to restore consumer trust in phone communications, with enterprises now able to participate in call authentication effectively.

Positive

• Expansion of the ATIS Robocalling Testbed enhances functionality and support for enterprises.
• 77 participants represent over 83% of active U.S. phone numbers, indicating significant industry engagement.
• Migration to a cloud-based architecture improves flexibility and testing capabilities.
• Introduction of cross-border call authentication between the U.S. and Canada supports international cooperation.

Negative

• None.

WASHINGTON & RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Neustar, Inc., a TransUnion company and ATIS and have completed the expansion of the ATIS Robocalling Testbed to extend features and functionality to enterprises. With these enhancements, Neustar and ATIS can help communications service providers (CSPs) and businesses protect consumers from robocalls and illegal caller ID spoofing, increase answer rates, and improve the customer experience, helping restore trust to the phone channel.

To date, 77 participants (71 carriers and six vendors) from eight countries have used the ATIS Robocalling Testbed, which is hosted by Neustar’s Trust Lab, in a total of 107 test sessions. The participants represent over 83% of the active phone numbers in the U.S.

Recently, the testbed has migrated to a virtual, flexible cloud-based architecture that supports the latest ATIS capabilities, including delegate certificates, Out-Of-Band (OOB) SHAKEN to support legacy Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) networks, and Rich Call Data (RCD). The testbed also features the recently approved SIP 603+ standard, which provides insights into why a call was blocked. In addition, the testbed now incorporates Neustar Trust Lab's Automation Dashboard capability, making testing even easier. With cross-border call authentication between the U.S. and Canada enabled, the testbed will continue its support of interoperability across the globe.

“Since its founding in 2017, the ATIS Robocalling Testbed has ensured that STIR/SHAKEN standards are shaped by real-world experience – and it has also proved essential in validating the effectiveness of these measures for the industry,” said James Garvert, senior vice president of Communications Solutions at Neustar. “As the authentication chain extends beyond carriers to enterprises with delegate certificates, additional testing will help to further improve the standards while giving businesses the confidence to employ them, representing an important step towards rebuilding trust in the phone channel.”

“The ATIS Robocalling Testbed not only validates the effectiveness of STIR/SHAKEN, but promotes the collaboration needed across the calling ecosystem to develop and vet solutions that effectively combat robocalls and illegal caller ID spoofing,” said Susan Miller, ATIS president and CEO. “Enterprises should know that they can now use the testbed to directly participate in call authentication. This includes signing their calls using delegate certificates and RCD, both solutions based on ATIS standards, which will help consumers regain confidence in answering their phones.”

As additional countries consider deploying STIR as a global interoperability standard, the testbed will be available for international service providers to test their implementations.

For more information about the ATIS Robocalling Testbed, visit www.home.neustar/atis-testbed/index.html.

About ATIS

As a leading technology and solutions development organization, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) brings together the top global ICT companies to advance the industry’s business priorities. Our Next G Alliance is building the foundation for North American leadership in 6G and beyond. ATIS’ 165 member companies are also currently working to address 5G, illegal robocall mitigation, quantum computing, artificial intelligence-enabled networks, distributed ledger/blockchain technology, cybersecurity, IoT, emergency services, quality of service, billing support, operations and much more. These priorities follow a fast-track development lifecycle – from design and innovation through standards, specifications, requirements, business use cases, software toolkits, open source solutions, and interoperability testing.

ATIS is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ATIS is the North American Organizational Partner for the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a founding Partner of the oneM2M global initiative, a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as well as a member of the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL). For more information, visit www.atis.org. Follow ATIS on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing an actionable picture of each person so they can be reliably represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good®. A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences, and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people. www.transunion.com

About Neustar

Neustar, Inc., a TransUnion company, is a leader in identity resolution providing the data and technology that enable trusted connections between companies and people at the moments that matter most. Neustar offers industry-leading solutions in marketing, risk and communications that responsibly connect data on people, devices and locations, continuously corroborated through billions of transactions. Learn how your company can benefit from the power of trusted connections. home.neustar.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221115005481/en/

ATIS Media Contact

Marcella Wolfe

202-434-8851

mwolfe@atis.org

Neustar Media Contact

Finn Partners for Neustar

Rob Bitter

914-471-5615

Neustar@finnpartners.com

Source: Neustar, Inc.

FAQ

What is the ATIS Robocalling Testbed and its purpose for TransUnion (TRU)?

The ATIS Robocalling Testbed helps combat robocalls and caller ID spoofing by allowing communications service providers and enterprises to improve call authentication.

How many participants are involved in the ATIS Robocalling Testbed?

There are 77 participants, including 71 carriers and six vendors, representing over 83% of active phone numbers in the U.S.

What new features have been added to the ATIS Robocalling Testbed?

New features include a cloud-based architecture, support for legacy networks, and cross-border call authentication between the U.S. and Canada.

What impact does the ATIS Robocalling Testbed aim to have on consumer trust?

The testbed aims to restore consumer trust in phone communications by improving call authentication measures.

Is international participation available in the ATIS Robocalling Testbed?

Yes, the testbed will be available for international service providers to test their implementations.