As my colleague Steve Lingo talked about in his recent NoJitter post on SIP Implementation Tips, some challenges are well known when it comes to moving to a centralized SIP solution, while others may be a bit more surprising--and one challenge that seems to surprise many is Caller ID. We have even included it in XO's SIP Testing Checklist to help customers pre-empt Caller ID challenges.
Caller ID can mean different things to different people, and even within the definitions proposed by the FCC (which, after all, is the regulatory body for all of Telecommunications), we can see many variations:
(a) ANI. Also known as automatic number identification, "ANI" refers to the delivery of the calling party's billing number by a local exchange carrier to any interconnecting carrier for billing or routing purposes, and to the subsequent delivery of such number to end users.
(b) Caller identification information. Information provided by a caller identification service regarding the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a telecommunications service or interconnected VoIP service.
(c) Caller identification service. Any service or device designed to provide the user with the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a telecommunications service or interconnected VoIP service.
(d) Calling party number. The subscriber line number or the directory number contained in the calling party number parameter of the call set-up message associated with an interstate call on a Signaling System 7 network.
(e) Charge number. The delivery of the calling party's billing number in a Signaling System 7 environment by a local exchange carrier to any interconnecting carrier for billing or routing purposes, and the subsequent delivery of such number to end users.
(f) Information regarding the origination. Any of the below:
(1) Telephone number;
(2) Portion of a telephone number, such as an area code;
(3) Name;
(4) Location information;
(5) Billing number information, including charge number, ANI, or pseudo-ANI; or
(6) Other information regarding the source or apparent source of a telephone call.
Now that we've defined Caller ID, let's take a look at a few "gotchas" most customers aren't aware of when setting up Caller ID--the use of Caller ID for fraudulent purposes; configurable Calling ID; and Charge Numbers.
SIP Implementation Tip 1: Using Caller ID to Defraud
The FCC has strict provisions when it comes to Caller ID and fraud, and it's important you understand them so you don't inadvertently break the law. Per the FCC, "No person or entity in the United States shall, with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value, knowingly cause, directly or indirectly, any caller identification service to transmit or display misleading or inaccurate caller identification information." This means that you must ensure that whatever number you're using for Caller ID purposes complies with the above FCC requirements and accurately represents who is originating the call.
SIP Implementation Tip 2: Configurable Calling Line ID (CLID)
Configurable Calling Line Identification allows you to display any valid telephone number (TN) using any of your outbound-capable numbers--which gives your business a good amount of flexibility as far as Caller ID numbers are concerned. You can use a Remote Market/Virtual TN as the Configurable Calling Line ID on a separate outbound provisioned trunk and not on the inbound trunk, and you're allowed to use an 8xx number as your outbound CLID.
It's important, however, as you're choosing Caller ID numbers, that you keep FCC fraud provisions in mind.
Most carriers provide the opportunity to make Calling Line ID changes via an online portal, so make sure you inquire about this feature before you sign a telecommunications contract. And speaking of the contract, realize that most carriers' contract language states that the customer is liable for any fraudulent use of the Configurable Calling Line ID feature, so it's up to you to ensure your Caller ID information is compliant.
SIP Implementation Tip 3: Charge Number Whenever you want to change the Caller ID that is displayed at the called parties' locations, it's very important that you still provide your carrier with an accurate charge number, to ensure that the originating location of the call is presented for routing and billing purposes.
For example, a telemarketing firm calling on behalf of a client may want to have that client's Caller ID presented to the called party. However, the telemarketing firm must also ensure that the actual originating location of call is presented in the call stream, so the call can be billed properly back to the company--as well as between the various carriers required to transport and terminate the call.
With Caller ID, Compliance is On the Customer Caller ID has different meanings to different people, but for clear direction you can turn to the FCC--and for businesses moving to a centralized SIP environment, it's important you understand how the FCC defines Caller ID, and how it defines Caller ID fraud, so you can ensure you're within the law. By paying close attention to the way you're handling your business's configurable Calling Line ID as well as your Charge Numbers, you'll be able to represent your business accurately and make certain you're in compliance.
Mervat Olds is Senior Product Manager for SIP Services at XO Communications.
