What Are the Roles in the Branded Calling ID Ecosystem?

For service providers offering advanced communication solutions where a striking 69% of American consumers report missing vital calls due to a lack of trusted caller information, secure and reliable branded calling is a foundational expectation for enterprise clients. Delivering calls that are instantly recognizable and verifiably trustworthy sets your service apart.  

The Branded Calling ID (BCID™) ecosystem, established by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), unites trusted partners to ensure every branded call delivered on your network is authenticated, verified, and seamlessly presented.

How is BCID Different from Traditional Branded Calling?

Branded Calling ID (BCID) is a secure, standards-based solution ensuring enterprise brand information is verified and reliably displayed on outbound calls, backed by an industry-wide ecosystem collaborating with network operators to prevent illegal spoofing and build back trust in phone calls.  

Traditional branded calling doesn’t always follow the same security and verification standards, which can lead to branding that is unreliable, inconsistent, and vulnerable to spoofing. Branded Calling ID provides a more trusted, consistent, and authenticated experience solving the limitations commonly found in traditional branded calling or CNAM.

The Key Roles in the BCID Ecosystem

Understanding the roles within the BCID ecosystem is key for service providers looking to implement and benefit from this technology:

Authorized Vetting Partners

• Their Role: Meticulously verify the identity and legitimacy of enterprise customers before their branded information can be enabled on your network.

• Why This Matters for You: This acts as a critical gatekeeper, safeguarding your network and end users from potential fraud and ensuring only reputable organizations can use this secure branded calling. This reduces the risk of your infrastructure being used for malicious purposes.

Authorized Onboarding Partners

• Their Role: Guide enterprise customers through the complex technical and operational steps required to activate BCID on your network.

• Why This Matters for You: This ensures that all branded information adheres to industry standards and is correctly configured for seamless delivery, reducing potential integration issues and support burdens on your team.

Authorized Signing Agents

• Their Role: Employ digital signatures on call data before it reaches your network for distribution. This digital signature acts as an immutable proof of origin and integrity.

• Why This Matters for You: This authentication layer guarantees that only verified and untampered branded information is presented to end users on your network, bolstering the security and trustworthiness of the calls you deliver.

Authorized Network Operators

• Their Role: Responsible for accurately displaying authenticated and branded information. They act as the final point of presentation, ensuring the verified identity reaches the consumer.

• Why This Matters for You: By presenting the verified caller ID precisely as intended, you enhance the overall call experience, reduce the likelihood of misidentification or suspicion, and reinforce the value of the BCID ecosystem.

Who Benefits from Your Participation?

• Service Providers: You can deliver a differentiated, secure, and value-added branded calling experience that enhances your reputation and generates new revenue.

• Enterprise Customers: They can reach more of their customers, build stronger brand recognition, and foster trust through verified communications.

• Consumers: They gain greater confidence in the calls they receive, significantly reducing their risk of falling victim to fraud and improving their overall communication experience.

Join the BCID Ecosystem, Partner with Numeracle

The collaborative power of the BCID ecosystem is revolutionizing communication security. From meticulous vetting to reliable call delivery, every role is vital in fostering a trustworthy environment. Partner with Numeracle today to drive safer, more trusted call experiences.

FAQs

What is the Branded Calling ID (BCID) ecosystem and how does it work?

The Branded Calling ID (BCID) ecosystem is an industry-standard framework, defined by the CTIA, that brings together a network of trusted partners to ensure every branded call is authenticated, verified, and delivered seamlessly. This collaborative approach helps businesses contact their customers more confidently, saving time and money while improving the overall customer experience. By establishing a secure and reliable method for displaying verified business information on outbound calls, BCID enhances call transparency and combats fraudulent activities.

Why doesn't my branded call show correctly?

Several factors can prevent your branded call from displaying correctly. Ensure the registration process with your branded calling provider is fully completed, and all business details are accurate. Compatibility limitations with the recipient's mobile carrier and phone device are significant factors. Conflicts with existing Caller ID Name (CNAM) data can also override branded information. If your number has a negative reputation or is flagged as spam, branded details may be ignored, or the call is blocked. Finally, the distribution of updated caller identification information across carrier networks can take time. Working with a provider like Numeracle to ensure a healthy number reputation and proper setup is crucial.

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How do I join the BCID ecosystem?

For service providers looking to participate in the Branded Calling ID (BCID) ecosystem, the process involves becoming an Authorized Network Operator, Authorized Vetting Partner, Authorized Onboarding Partner, or Authorized Signing Agent, as defined by the CTIA and the guidelines of BrandedCallingID.com.

The initial steps include:

• Understanding the Requirements: Review the technical and operational requirements outlined by the CTIA and potentially detailed on BrandedCallingID.com for the specific role you wish to fulfill (e.g., network operator requirements for displaying branded caller ID).

• Direct Engagement or Partnership: Depending on the role, you may need to engage directly with the governing bodies of the BCID ecosystem or partner with existing authorized entities like Numeracle.

• Technical Integration: Implementing the necessary technical infrastructure to support the secure transmission and display of branded call information (for network operators) or the vetting/signing processes (for other partner types).

• Compliance and Certification: Adhering to the standards and undergoing a certification process to become officially recognized as an authorized partner within the ecosystem.
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What Are Caller Identity Tools vs Branded Calling Tools?

Caller Identity Tools primarily focus on establishing, managing, and protecting the reputation and legitimacy of your phone numbers to ensure calls are answered and not flagged as spam. This involves number registration, reputation monitoring, spam remediation, and implementing caller authentication measures like STIR/SHAKEN. The goal is to build trust and ensure deliverability.

Branded Calling Tools, on the other hand, focus on enhancing the visual presentation of your calls beyond just the number and name. This includes displaying your branded assets. The aim is to increase brand recognition, improve answer rates through clearer identification and context, and enhance the customer experience. While Branded Calling can significantly improve engagement, its effectiveness often relies on a healthy caller identity, as spam flags can override branding. Ideally, businesses should leverage both types of tools for a comprehensive and successful outbound communication strategy.