Robocall Mitigation Gap Widens Between US Telecom Giants and Smaller Carriers

Event summary

  • TNS's 2026 Robocall Investigation Report reveals 85% of call traffic between Tier-1 carriers was signed in 2025, with 93% receiving A-level attestation.
  • Only 17.5% of call traffic between smaller carriers was signed in 2025, highlighting a significant gap.
  • The report attributes the disparity to slower modernization of smaller carriers' networks, increasing vulnerability to robocall campaigns.
  • Scammers are leveraging AI and multimodal attacks, including exploiting vulnerabilities like SIM box fraud, to bypass STIR/SHAKEN and obtain invalid attestation.
  • A TNS survey indicates 80% of Americans believe imposter scams increased in 2025, with 77% concerned about AI-driven impersonation.

The big picture

The widening gap in robocall mitigation capabilities between Tier-1 and smaller carriers exposes a critical vulnerability in the US telecom network. This disparity not only undermines the effectiveness of STIR/SHAKEN but also creates a breeding ground for increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, threatening consumer trust and potentially impacting the financial stability of smaller carriers. The report underscores the need for a more comprehensive and equitable approach to robocall mitigation, addressing both technological and financial barriers faced by smaller players.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
Increased scrutiny from regulators will likely intensify pressure on smaller carriers to accelerate network modernization and STIR/SHAKEN adoption, potentially leading to further fines or operational restrictions.
Trust Erosion
The decreasing trust in A-level attestation signals a potential crisis of confidence in the STIR/SHAKEN framework, requiring industry-wide efforts to enhance verification processes and combat fraudulent practices.
Adoption Risk
The pace at which smaller carriers adopt solutions like TNS Hosted Cloud Connect will determine the overall effectiveness of robocall mitigation efforts and the long-term viability of the US telecom infrastructure.

Related topics

Technology Telecommunications