Caller ID is a feature that allows you to see the phone number and sometimes the name of the person or business that is calling you. It can help you decide whether to answer or ignore a call, and also identify potential spam or fraud calls. However, not all caller IDs are created equal. Depending on the carrier tier of the caller and the recipient, the caller ID may vary in accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
In this post, we will explain what carrier tiers are, how they affect caller ID, and what you can do to improve your caller ID experience.
What are Carrier Tiers?
Carriers are the companies that provide phone services to consumers and businesses. They are often classified into three tiers, based on their network coverage, infrastructure, and quality.
- Tier 1 carriers are the largest and most established carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. They have their own networks that cover most of the country, and they also own and operate the hardware and software that enable phone calls and data transmission. They offer the highest quality and reliability of service, but they also charge the highest prices.
- Tier 2 carriers are smaller and newer carriers, such as Sprint, US Cellular, and Boost Mobile. They have their own networks in some areas, but they also rely on renting or leasing network capacity from Tier 1 carriers in other areas. They offer lower prices and more flexibility than Tier 1 carriers, but they also have lower quality and reliability of service.
- Tier 3 carriers are the smallest and cheapest carriers, such as MetroPCS, Cricket Wireless, and Tracfone. They do not have their own networks at all, but they use the networks of Tier 1 and Tier 2 carriers. They offer the lowest prices and the most basic services, but they also have the lowest quality and reliability of service.
How do Carrier Tiers Affect Caller ID?
Caller ID is determined by the interaction between the caller’s carrier and the recipient’s carrier. When a call is made, the caller’s carrier sends the caller’s phone number and name (if available) to the recipient’s carrier, which then displays it on the recipient’s phone screen. However, this process is not always smooth and consistent, and it can be affected by several factors, such as:
- The database that stores the caller’s name. The caller’s name is not part of the phone number, but it is stored in a separate database called CNAM (Calling Name). There are multiple CNAM databases maintained by different carriers and third-party providers, and they are not always updated or synchronized. Therefore, the recipient’s carrier may not have access to the latest or correct CNAM information of the caller, and it may display an outdated or inaccurate name, or no name at all.
- The protocol that verifies the caller’s identity. The caller’s identity is not always verified or authenticated by the caller’s carrier, especially if the caller uses a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service or a spoofing app that allows them to manipulate or falsify their phone number. Therefore, the recipient’s carrier may not trust or recognize the caller’s phone number, and it may label it as “Unknown”, “Private”, “Restricted”, or “Potential Spam”.
- The level of attestation that certifies the caller’s information. The level of attestation is a new feature that is part of the STIR/SHAKEN framework, which is a set of standards and protocols that aim to combat spoofing and improve caller ID. The level of attestation indicates the degree of confidence that the caller’s carrier has in the caller’s phone number and name, and it can be one of the following:
- Full Attestation (A): The caller’s carrier has verified and authenticated the caller’s phone number and name, and has a direct relationship with the caller or the caller’s service provider.
- Partial Attestation (B): The caller’s carrier has verified and authenticated the caller’s phone number and name, but does not have a direct relationship with the caller or the caller’s service provider.
- Gateway Attestation ©: The caller’s carrier has verified and authenticated the source of the call, but not the caller’s phone number or name.
The level of attestation can affect how the recipient’s carrier labels and displays the caller ID. Calls with full attestation are more likely to be labeled positively or neutrally, while calls with partial or gateway attestation are more likely to be labeled negatively or suspiciously.
The carrier tier of the caller and the recipient can influence the availability and accuracy of the CNAM database, the protocol of verification and authentication, and the level of attestation. Generally, Tier 1 carriers have more access and control over these factors than Tier 2 and Tier 3 carriers, and they can provide more consistent and reliable caller ID. However, this does not mean that Tier 2 and Tier 3 carriers cannot offer good caller ID, or that Tier 1 carriers cannot have problems with caller ID. It all depends on the specific carriers, their policies, and their partnerships.
What Can You Do to Improve Your Caller ID Experience?
As a caller, you can take some steps to ensure that your caller ID is accurate and positive, such as:
- Register your phone number and name with your carrier and update them regularly.
- Use a verified and authenticated phone number that matches your caller ID information.
- Avoid using spoofing apps or services that can alter or hide your phone number or name.
- Comply with the relevant laws and regulations for outbound calling, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry.
- Work with your carrier and service provider to achieve full attestation for your calls.
As a recipient, you can take some steps to protect yourself from unwanted or fraudulent calls, such as:
- Use a caller ID app or service that can block or filter spam or scam calls, such as Hiya, Truecaller, or Nomorobo.
- Report any suspicious or abusive calls to your carrier, the FTC, or the FCC.
- Register your phone number with the DNC Registry to stop telemarketing calls.
- Do not answer or engage with calls from unknown or unfamiliar numbers, and do not provide any personal or financial information over the phone.
The Bottom Line: How Carrier Tiers Can Affect Your Caller ID
Caller ID is a useful feature that can help you identify and manage your incoming calls. However, it is not always accurate or reliable, and it can vary depending on the carrier tier of the caller and the recipient. By understanding how carrier tiers affect caller ID, and by taking some steps to improve your caller ID experience, you can make the most of this feature and enjoy a better and safer phone communication.
