The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to make caller ID actually meaningful. A new proposed rule would require phone carriers to show you a verified name — not just a raw phone number — whenever a call passes the highest level of the existing authentication system. The goal: help consumers make smarter decisions about which calls to answer, and make it harder for scammers to hide.

Key Points

  • What: FCC proposes requiring verified caller name display alongside call authentication signals, flagging of international calls, and a ban on overseas spoofing of U.S. numbers
  • Who: All U.S. telephone consumers, voice service providers, and businesses that make calls
  • When: Comment deadline is January 5, 2026; reply comments due February 3, 2026 — no effective date set yet
  • Impact: Consumers could see verified business or personal names on their screens instead of unknown numbers, reducing scam confusion

What's Actually Being Proposed

Right now, your phone might show a green checkmark or similar badge when a call passes "A-level attestation" under a system called STIR/SHAKEN — the FCC's existing call-authentication framework. The problem: most people have no idea what that checkmark means, and it doesn't tell you who is calling.

The FCC wants to fix that by requiring carriers (called "terminating providers") to display a verified caller name every time they show that A-level badge. The minimum standard proposed: a verified personal or business name.

The rule would also:

  • Require originating providers (the carrier sending the call) to take "reasonable measures" to verify that the caller name they transmit is accurate — so scammers can't just type in "IRS" or "Bank of America"
  • Flag international calls so consumers know when a call is originating from outside the U.S.
  • Ban spoofing of U.S. phone numbers for calls that originate internationally — a tactic widely used by overseas scam operations
  • Seek comment on Rich Call Data (RCD), a technical standard that could carry verified names, logos, and even the reason for a call over IP networks

Why This Matters

The FCC cites striking survey data: 90% of consumers are uncomfortable answering unidentified calls, and 78% say they've missed an important call in the past month because they didn't recognize the number. Meanwhile, 92% of consumers assume unidentified calls are fraudulent.

For businesses, the stakes are equally high — up to 88% of enterprise calls go unanswered, costing companies in efficiency and customer service.

If verified caller names become standard, answer rates could jump significantly. One industry survey found consumers are 105% more likely to answer a "branded" call with a verified name and logo.

What's Still Open for Comment

This is a proposed rule — nothing is final. The FCC is asking the public to weigh in on several unresolved questions:

  • Should RCD be required for all IP network calls, not just those with A-level attestation?
  • How should privacy exceptions work (e.g., domestic violence shelters, callers using *67)?
  • How should the rules handle assistive devices, Telecommunications Relay Services, and users with disabilities?
  • Should older, unenforced calling rules be streamlined or eliminated?

What You Should Do

This is a proposed rule — no action is required right now. However, if you're a consumer, a business that makes outbound calls, or a voice service provider, your input matters. The FCC is actively seeking public comments:

  • Submit comments by January 5, 2026 at fcc.gov/ecfs (use docket numbers CG 17-59, WC 17-97, or CG 02-278)
  • Reply comments (responding to others' submissions) are due February 3, 2026

For now, watch this space — if finalized, this rule could change what appears on your screen every time your phone rings.