Spam Calls

Due to the surge in unwanted calls in recent years, numerous services have emerged to compile databases of known or suspected spam callers. Each service employs its own methodology for determining which numbers to include in the database. Some common methods include:

* The frequency of calls received from your number.
* The duration of calls associated with your number.
* The age of your call history for calls received from your number.
* The destination area codes for calls received from your number.

Based on these various factors, the receiving carrier may decide to add your number to their database for an unspecified duration. While your number is in their database, calls from your number to their subscribers will be automatically marked as “Spam.” However, there is no centralized database or service that can be checked to determine whether your number will be marked as spam.

Note: While you subscribe to XMission Voice, XMission is not responsible for monitoring your number or verifying that Caller ID Services have your phone number in their database. If you’re concerned about your number being flagged or marked as “Spam,” there are companies that monitor your number for a monthly fee. We have no affiliation with any of these companies and cannot recommend any.

XMission Voice and "Spam" Calls

XMission’s Voice Service and Spam Protection features aim to reduce aggressive, overbearing, and downright annoying “spam” calls. While XMission has consistently worked to mitigate these calls, some still manage to bypass our measures. In March 2020, the FCC and other organizations introduced the STIR/SHAKEN framework, a program designed to collect reported numbers for abuse and illegal activities. This framework utilizes a global database to facilitate reporting, blocking, and identifying whether a caller’s number originates from a known source or is “spam/spoofed.” Effective October 1, 2021, XMission Voice will fully participate in this program, ensuring that calls are signed and reported. This information should provide clarity on the program’s purpose.

What is STIR/SHAKEN

STIR/SHAKEN is a framework comprising interconnected standards. Its acronyms represent the Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR) and Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN) standards. Essentially, calls traversing interconnected phone networks will have their caller ID “signed” as legitimate by originating carriers and validated by other carriers before reaching consumers. STIR/SHAKEN digitally validates the handoff of phone calls passing through the intricate web of networks, enabling the phone company of the consumer receiving the call to verify that the displayed Caller ID number is indeed the originator of the call.

For further information, please visit FCC Combat Spoof/Spam Calls.

How does this affect you?

Remember that the spam marking system is currently influenced by the receiving carrier. Just because your number appears as spam with one carrier doesn’t mean it will be flagged as spam for all carriers. If your number is flagged as a suspected spam caller, you’ll need to identify the receiving carrier and contact them for removal. Many services offer online forms for this purpose. All phone calls received or made are required to have a digital signature from XMission and are included with your Voice Services.

Note: Please be aware that Call Forwarding, Call Blocking, and other Telephone Features can alter XMission’s digital signature, causing your calls to be flagged as “Spam”. We recommend using our XMission Mobile Voice App to receive calls outside of your designated service.

* XMission Mobile Voice

Incoming Phone Calls

Before a phone call is delivered to your home, XMission will scan the incoming number through our "Robocall Mitigation Database". If a caller has a specific spam score, callers will automatically be sent to Voicemail. Otherwise all calls will follow your Answering Rules from the online portal.

Outgoing Phone Calls

Unfortunately, there are too many unknown factors, as well as Caller ID applications, to list the exact reason or how your call has been flagged as “Spam.” While XMission recognizes the importance of your phone number and wants to help ensure that your calls are not ignored, dismissed, or redirected due to a “Spam” flag, we are not responsible for the reputation of your Caller ID. This will require you to identify the receiving carrier and contact them for removal. Many services offer online forms for removal.

It’s important to note that there is no centralized database or server that all the different providers use.

We have provided some links for T-Mobile and Verizon that will require your office to submit requests to remove the flag from their services. Additionally, there is a well-known third-party organization (First Orion or Hiya) that has established relationships with many telecom providers to assist with Business Caller ID reputation management. They can remove the flag across multiple carriers for you at no cost. Unfortunately, XMission is unable to submit these requests on your behalf.

* T-Mobile: T-Mobile Call Reporting
* Verizon: Verizon Wireless Feedback Reports
* First Orion: Business CallerID Reputation Services 
* Hiya: CallerID Reputation Services